I am sure all creative people have experienced today’s desk diary word – Vacuous – definition: empty of or lacking ideas or intelligence. I must clarify not the lack of intelligence bit but certainly the ideas bit…
It always interests me how other writers are inspired or have strange habits which assist them – there are commonalities of course – dreams, overheard conversations, a photograph or a life experience. Other slightly stranger inspirations are:
Demosthenes
The ancient Greek writer shaved half his head. Ensuring that by looking so idiotic, he would stay home and work, instead of facing ridicule in public.
The A Doll’s House playwright hung a huge oil painting of his greatest rival on his study wall. Inspiring him to strive to better his enemies.
Franz Kafka – Too Much Cake
Kafka allowed himself to eat a whole pineapple upside down cake when he finished a story. He did not share any of it!
Mary Shelley – Pet Snake
Shelley’s pet 23-foot-long boa constrictor was housed in her writing studio. With the snake wrapped around her shoulders she would write until the snake became restless and began to squeeze, then she stopped writing for the day.
I cannot lay claim to anything this weird, mores the pity. Maybe I can cultivate something? Are you willing to share your ‘strange’ habit?
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 