January 14, 2023

Inspiration is a peculiar, sometimes annoying critter that scurries in and out of your peripheral vision, compelling you to pursue it further until, eventually, you end up down the proverbial rabbit hole.

Or it could be that glow along the horizon, reachable only by a narrow, twisty trail - often with any number of crossroads and arterials that lead to the same destination...or not.  

The main point here is this: inspiration cannot be forced. You need to let it reveal itself to you; you'll only see it if you're ready and open to it. (This, I feel, is what is often misconstrued as "writer's block.") And then you choose to go after it...or not. 

So, when is that, exactly?

Well, I don't know for sure, but I do know, you can't just sit around waiting for it. Indulge in whatever lights your enthusiasm. I once wanted to be a veterinarian (yet an unearthly amount of schooling was required). Then a motion picture stuntman (but I wasn't fearless enough). In my senior year of high school, I fancied an interest in acting. After a few competent years of that, the fire went out; I wasn't inspired to chase it down.

All the while, I was in a constant fog of imagination and stories. My words took whatever form I felt inclined to spit out - short stories, skits, plays, poems, movies. Yet, I can't say I was ever really inspired. Rather, I was meandering through a creative forest in no particular direction.

It wasn't until I read my first John Irving novel, The World According to Garp, that I found true inspiration - that book amde me want to write novels and screenplays with the kind of layered plots, characters, and in-depth themes as Irving's work. I saw him (and see him) as a writer's writer. 

Unfortunately, my screenwriting became tainted by my trying to produce and direct my own films; my love of novels was ruined by my decision to self-publish. That's what I mean by those crossroads that can distract and lead one astray. 

But that glow along the horizon, that guiding star, grows ever more luminous with every step ahead I can muster.

Maybe next time, I'll take a look at my other inspirational journey - music.

Gordon Gravley

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