That’s right. Inspiration is as much as an excuse as being drunk.

“I would have never grabbed your boob if I wasnt drunk. (I would have thought about it for sure!)”

“I would have spent a couple of hours writing, but I wasnt inspired.”

bleh.

Writers write.

Thats it. Fear is a driver of excuses. You dont write (or do whatever) because you fear the outcome. Or the lack of an outcome. Or the quality of the work. Or the reaction to the work.

But inspiration doesnt do the writing, or excuse the lack of it.

Writes write.

I am learning that I might actually be a writer. Maybe not a great one. I wont turn a phrase or describe a situation, or formulate characters with the same verve or expertise of the great writers. But, I do write.

For the past couple of days, I havent written as much as I would as like.

But, writers write.

I said I was waiting for inspiration. But, that was a lie. I just was afraid that what I was writing wasnt very good. So, I was uninspired.

Today, I decided that I would get back to it. I started Tweeting a little. It’s a like a rapid fire warmup. Drop a couple of thoughts in 140 characters. Got some feedback; a little interaction. The more I tweeted, the more thoughts came through my head.

Then I opened up this blog, and started writing this post. It started slowly. It was hard to go, but now, my words, thoughts and fingers seem to be moving at the right pace. I cant wait to finish this post so I can get back to my book.

But, every thought should be complete, so I write this to completion.

Writers write. Its what we do.

E.L. Doctrow, one of my favorite authors, (take a moment to read The Book of Daniel), has a couple of quotes about writing (he is also an accomplished professor):

Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

and

Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.

Of course, my favorite American writer, Mark Twain adds:

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

Even when that person is you.

Writers write. Leave the inspiration for those that need it.

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