In the labyrinth of creativity, every writer, at some point, finds themselves at a crossroads, staring down the branching path ahead, not sure which way to. It’s a place where words refuse to flow, ideas seem as elusive as shadows, and motivation is but a distant memory.
In a recent conversation with a fellow writer in my Sit Write Here online writing community, a question came up: when I’m feeling stuck and need inspiration, what do I read to find my way again?
A Surprising Answer
The answer, surprisingly, isn’t rooted in a specific genre or a list of curated titles designed to unlock the mind’s hidden chambers. Instead, it’s about the simple, transformative act of reading itself. It doesn’t matter what you read; the key is to just keep reading.
Imagine this: you’re feeling stuck, your scree as blank as your mind. Reluctantly, you reach for a book—any book that lies within arm’s reach. Within ten pages, a word, a sentence, or even an idea jumps out at you. It’s as though the universe conspired to place the answer directly in your path. While it’s tempting to attribute this inspiration to some form of literary magic, the reality is far more profound.
It’s Science, Y’all
This phenomenon is not the result of magic but of the mind’s intricate workings. Subconsciously, we know what we’re seeking, even if we can’t articulate it.
Our minds are tireless seekers, continuously processing vast amounts of information, making connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and relentlessly searching for that elusive piece that will complete the puzzle. This internal process is both mysterious and wonderfully efficient, capable of drawing parallels and generating insights from the most unexpected sources.
When we engage in reading, we do more than just absorb information; we offer our subconscious a rich tapestry of ideas, narratives, and perspectives to sift through. Each word and sentence acts as a potential key, unlocking doors to new thoughts, solutions, and inspirations. Reading becomes a form of mental exploration, where every page turned is a step into the unknown, a leap towards discovery.
This exploratory process isn’t linear or predictable. The subconscious mind does not follow a straightforward path but rather meanders, takes detours, and leaps across cognitive landscapes. It is in this seemingly chaotic journey that the magic happens. The very act of reading without a specific goal or direction allows the subconscious the freedom to explore, to play, and to find what we didn’t even know we were looking for.
Reading Is Part of Your Job
So, if you find yourself mired in a creative quagmire and you need inspiration, remember that the solution might just lie on your bookshelf, waiting to be discovered. As a writer, your job isn’t just to write but to read—to immerse yourself in the thoughts, experiences, and imaginations of others. In doing so, you’ll find that the inspiration you seek is closer than you think.
Thanks, April, and I’m so glad you said “subconscious” instead of “unconscious.” Whenever I see the U word, I imagine someone passed out on the floor after being whacked over the head or having too much to drink.
Back to the point of your post, I guess it also shows why dreams sometimes solve a plot problem. But remembering dreams … another problem?
Indeed. I don’t often remember my dreams, but when I do they do make for good material. Reading is still my go-to. Cheers!