Sometimes when I’m speaking on a panel with other writers, the question of inspiration will come up - as in, what inspires you to write? Im always interested in the answers to this question. I just listened to an interview of Octavia Butler and when the interviewer asked her this question- “why become a writer?” She responded, “It was either that or die.” Whew.
If I can be honest for a second, Im rarely asked about inspiration or the craft of writing. Most people have questions about anti-racism. But few people ask about my writing process. I love words. I always have. I loved reading as a kid. I looked. forward to language arts class where I could diagram sentences. I was excited by creating writing assignments. But I still had no expectation that I could make it as a writer.
So now that I am, I out my all into crafting every sentence. When I wrote Im Still Here, I read the entire manuscript aloud. Then I flipped to the back and read every sentence starting at the end. That’s how much the words matter to me.
And Im doing it again!
I recently sold my latest book project and have already outlined 60+ chapters. All of them won’t make it. And there are probably new chapters waiting in the back of my mind, waiting for inspiration to unearth them. But I am back to writing. And I am feeling INSPIRED. I am experiencing joy from the act of creating. Even if no one ever asks, this process is hard but also life-giving. And I can’t wait to tell you more about it over the coming months.
So tell me… what makes you feel inspired? What are you working on that feels life-giving?
A FEW MORE THINGS FOR YOU THIS WEEK…
Patreon peeps get ready for our first Troublemaker’s meeting of the summer this Thursday (I’ve missed y’all). Registration link is over on patreon. If you are looking for some community and encouragement and time with me and you aren’t a patreon member, I hope you’ll consider joining. It’s honestly always the highlight of my week.
News of a Jay Z + an Anti Book Ban Initiative made me real happy.
Illinois will now be the first state to fully abolish cash bail!
A WORD.
Stay wild and holy and free,
Austin
I’m working on my MA in Counseling at 52 years old and I’m finding it invigorating! I love writing too and this entire process is greasing the gears of creativity again. So excited you’re working on a new project, can’t wait to read!
Yes, it is either write or die. It's not always a choice.
Thanks so much for your work! I'm still grateful for your wisdom from "I'm Still Here." Excited for the next one too... enjoy the writing!