Inspiration and Impulse

I'm a very impulsive person. I'll get an idea, write it down, and probably complete it in the next 24 hours, maybe I'll do it right away.

Most of the time, when I get those random ideas, they'll be created by one of two things: A) hearing something, or B) doing something.

Here's an example: I drop a bucket of flowers and water goes everywhere, drenching the carpet and my jeans. My brain goes haywire and says 'CLAUDIA! WHAT IF YOUR MAIN CHARACTER DROPPED SOEMTHING THEY REALLY, REALLY NEEDED ON THEIR WAY TO GO SAVE THEIR BROTHER AND NOW IT'S DESTROYED AND SHE'S BASICALLY USELESS!!!' I'll go and write that idea in to my story, or (on occasion, if I have absolutely no idea how this random idea fits into the story) I'll write it down on a flash card and toss it into the ever-growing pile of random ideas on my desk.

Now, you may be wondering: what on earth does this have to do with writing?

If you're asking that question, you're already halfway to the answer.

INSPIRATION AND IMPULSE: THE PROS AND CONS WHEN WRITING GETS INVOLVED

Inspiration: The Essential One

All writers know inspiration is crucial to the writing process. What would you do without all those great new ideas? What would you do if you had to brainstorm endlessly just to figure out who your character is? What happens when all that adds up and your mental energy is taxed more than you could have every imagined?

Without inspiration, there is no novel.

But what about that random impulsive activity that makes a story out of the idea?

Inspiration comes from a place of childlike wonder and deep thought. So, therefore, it gives your story that freedom to flow like it wants to. Inspiration rises and falls with the waves, billowing with the sails of awe. You see something happen, listen to someone speak, and you feel your heart get a little larger.

Pro: It gives you new ideas without having to brainstorm

Con: Without it, your story will crumble

Impulse: What Would We Do Without You? Ummm...Survive?

Impulse can do two things:

1. You write

   and write

   and write

   and then there's an idea--Inspiration checks out.

   But Impulse takes over.

   You take that idea and use it to turn your plot on it's head.

   Then, slowly, it all fits back into place.

   And your story is now better than you could have ever imagined.

2. You write

   and write

   and write

   and Inspiration hits.

   Impulse grabs your novel by the bit and starts driving it toward the new idea.

   BANG!!!

   Collison happens.

   And you're left without a plot or solid characters...but at least you wrote that new idea into your book!

Pro: When you write it into your novel, you could make it all stronger than before.

Con: Write it in and you risk destroying everything.

One Or The Other?

By now, I hope we have established that without Inspiration, there would be no story, and without Impulse, that Inspired piece of information would never be part of the story.

You cannot have a story with only one.

Too much Inspiration and not enough Impulse and your story will feel dry. You'll have all these great ideas, but you'll only write a few because of common sense. Pffft common sense.

Too much Impulse and not enough Inspiration? Well...that's just not a thing. No new ideas = No need to randomly throw them into your book.

A Balance

This is, essentially, a matter of self control.

For Inspiration: Yes. Keep having all those crazy ideas. Keep writing them down. Keep listening to those songs and doing those things. Put on your headphones and drown out the rest of the world and listen to your heart grow.

For Impulse: Don't let go of the reins. Pull it in. Instead of allowing it to take off with all those crazy ideas, write them down, think of them for maybe a little longer then allow ourself to let them go. Go do something else. Fold that laundry, wash those dishes. Then come back and analyze them. Look over your plot or the story you've already written. Then say yes or no to changing your story.

If yes, go do that impulsive thing. Bring on that childlike wonder.

If no, don't get rid of it. Go, open a new word document of physical notebook and write it down. One day, when nothing you do brings inspiration, you may need those ideas.

My Story With Impulse

I have written some great things without thinking of consequences. I wrote a poem the other day completely off random impulsive behavior and I think it is the best poem I have ever written. I will not share it on my blog but I want you to know that not all random impulse is bad.

Sometimes, you need it and it reminds you of what it was like to be young.

Sometimes, you don't. But it reminds you of why you love stories and writing so much.

Sometimes, wonder is more important than works.

The End,