I’ve been thinking a lot lately about staying inspired.
I’m not talking about finding ideas, characters, plots, essay topics or images for poems, but encouragement to keep writing and affirmation that writing is well worth the effort. I’m talking about staying inspired and knowing that regardless of where you’re writing – in an isolated garret on a desolate moor or at a table in a crowded café – you’re never really alone, but a member of an order called to articulate the fine points of human existence as you experience or imagine it, and that this is an honorable endeavor.
The most positive way I’ve found of staying inspired is
reading a well-written book about writing. Most recently, I read Ann Patchett’s collection of essays, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. It was a pleasure to learn about Patchett’s journey from a waitress to a journalist to a widely read novelist and now an owner of a successful independent bookstore in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.
The essays range from magazine assignments to pieces written specifically for this collection. As in any good collection, its organization creates a narrative arc so that the whole is greater than its parts. The book opens with Non-Ficton, an Introduction, in which Patchett tells the story of learning to support herself by writing non-fiction for Seventeen Magazine. The book concludes with an essay about Patchett’s former teacher turned friend, a seventy-eight year old nun who faces moving from communal living in the convent to live by herself in an apartment with little practical experience and a lifetime of faith.
In between these two essays are stories about being called to write and the importance of storytelling in her life. Patchett explains, “the story is in us, and all we have to do is sit there and write it down. But it’s right about there, right about when we sit down to write that story, that things fall apart.”
I’d be hard-pressed to explain why I find what could easily be considered a demoralizing observation inspirational, but I do. I supposed I’m thrilled to know that even a novelist of income-producing novels admits that while there is no question about being called to write, that doesn’t really make it easy.
I’m also inspired by Patchett’s moral courage. In The Right to Read, Patchett stands up to censorship, and in The Bookstore Strikes Back, she tells the remarkable story of starting an independent bookstore exactly when bricks and mortar chains are crumbling. This is brave stuff.
And of course, I loved the story of the happy marriage, the marriage that Patchett resisted for so long, the marriage that makes her a better person.
This collection of funny and wise essays affirmed what and how I write, and it inspired me to keep on doing it.
Thank you, Ann Patchett.
Other inspiring books about the writing life that I’ve reviewed here include:
- Book Trout and the Writing Life
- The Artists Way
- Writing to Change the World
- 100 Days to Weight Loss
- Bird by Bird
- Unless It Moves the Human Heart
Where do you get your inspiration to keep pushing the pen forward?
M. Shafer, Photo
Deborah Lee Luskin is the author of the award-winning novel, Into The Wilderness, “a fiercely intelligent love story” set in Vermont in 1964. She is a regular Commentator on Vermont Public Radio, teaches for the Vermont Humanities Council and blogs at Living In Place and The Middle Ages.
I’m intrigued and will have to check it out.
Let me know what you think when you do! Thanks for reading the post.
I’ll be sure to check out these books! And Steal Like An Artist is one of my FAVORITE books – all I wanted to do after reading it was take over the world.
Wow! Imagine a world where writers ruled! Awesome!
I LOVE This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. I found similar solace in it when I first read it, and have already returned to it more than once to give myself a booster shot of inspiration. Thanks for this spot-on articulation of why it’s such a wonderful read for writers, and thanks also for the other book suggestions. There are a couple in your list that I haven’t read yet. 🙂
Just like Patchett’s book, your comment is an affirmation. Thanks.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article. As a ‘determined’ writer I have read Bird by Bird which I loved and The Artist’s Way which I also found inspiring. I will keep this list for future reference and the Ann Patchett essays sound well worth a read. Thank you for sharing.
You’re quite welcome to the list. And “determination” counts for a lot! Keep writing.
I love this post! I invested in The Artist’s Way a month ago; precise timing to help me be FREE. Thank you for your insight, and sharing those creative resources.
This is exactly what Cameron refers to when she speaks of “synchonicity.” It’s working!
Ms. Patchett is a marvel, really a skilled writer. Bird by Bird, buddy. Bird by bird.
Thanks for reading and commenting. All best –
I found this article to be interesting and encouraging. I definitely read Ann Patchett’s book in the future!
Glad you found the post helpful; thanks for letting me know.
I love your list of books. “Steal Like an Artist” is my current favorite. But you did forget to mention this blog, I come here for inspiration all the time.
Andrew, What a kind comment! On behalf of all of us at Live to Write, Write to Live, Thank you!
Lately I’ve been getting my inspiration from reading a wide variety of blogs, each with its own unique approach, and particularly thoughtful ones like Live to Write – Write to Live 🙂
Glad you like our blog. Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks for sharing!…I’ll definitely check them out:)
Divya
Would love to know which ones you find helpful – and how. So please stay in touch!
Thank you for blog. I have noted suggestions. Will check them out. I have been getting my ongoing inspirations in recent months by daily blogging and actually reading and noting helpful advice and encouragement. Live to write ,write to Live is an excellent connection blog and inspires.
Great Post, coming off a crappy year you have good advice, I need to seek an outside source for inspiration. . . . just saying, thanks!
You’re most welcome. Thanks for your kind words.
I’ll keep that list in mind for the future, they seemed really interesting. Usually if I’m in need of inspiration I read blogs and books, listen to music or just take a walk. Anything that takes me away from actually writing for a bit.
This was an excellent post. I’ve been following Live to Write, Write to Live for a few months now and always enjoy reading your various articles. They are very inspiring. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful resources. Also, it looks like YOU have written a book too. I will have to look for it. GREAT JOB – thank you!
Thanks for so much high praise! And so glad you find this all helpful – makes me want to keep writing!
What a great list! I loved The Artist’s Way, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of structure to help them along. I *almost* bought Steal Like an Artist recently, and based on the recommendations above, I think I’ll go treat myself!
So glad you found the list. Thanks for letting me know. Good luck!