Not in the mood to write?
In Richard Feynman’s book “Surely, you’re joking Mr. Feynman” there is a chapter where he examines what it’s like for him to dream.
It’s a fascinating account on Feynman trying out what seems like lucid dreaming.
And to carry on the same style of self-enquiry into the way the mind works, I was wondering if I could also shine a light on the artist’s mood. (or the writer’s mood in this case).
Right now, I must confess to you dear reader, I am in no mood to continue writing, I’ve a list of excuses which I am sure you may find legitimate still I don’t think that has anything to do with my promise of writing one blog post per day here.
I heard about a book that if you read it helps you quit smoking and a similar one that helps you quit drinking, which is indeed fascinating.
The way the book is structured apparently is that it lists out all the excuses that you’d have to smoke or to drink and carefully dissects and deconstructs it out of the way so that you may be free of your addiction.
Those of who have read the book claim that they have let go of these addictions.
And “not being in the mood” is one of those addictions.
As an artist or a writer who is called on to produce work on demand would give the excuse that, “but I need to be inspired” or “if I am not in a great mood I won’t produce anything good” which is a total lie.
Why? it may LOOK like you are producing your best work when you are in a great mood but more often than not what your mood is has nothing to do with the kind of work you produce.
Test it out yourself.
Mood has nothing to do with it.
You will still produce your work, best or otherwise, let your audience judge what your work is.
And then again, nobody cares if you like your work or not, if you consider it the best or not, as long as you are putting up art out there, you will have your audience.
Another thought comes up here — “ I am not so keen on having a following, I don’t want an audience, I am making this art for myself”
That’s totally fair, still I ask you, what has that got anything to do with you putting up your work or not.
Absolutely nothing.
Does putting up your work out there guarantee an audience?
Not at all.
We artists don’t make art to appease the crowd, however sweet the cheers and love the give us.
We make art because that’s who we are.
We write because that’s who we chose to be.
So quit giving yourself reasons, rationalizations, and what not to put yourself out of making art.
Declare yourself an artist, declare that you will practice everyday.
And discover for yourself what you see.
