“And as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name. — William Shakespeare. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Nothing helps my writing better than a morning in which I take a walk in time to see the sun come up. — Photo by Pat Bean
Perhaps You Are
“Just because I’m not writing doesn’t mean I’m not writing.” – Unknown
And when I take that walk with Pepper, I’m a lucky old broad indeed. — Photo by Pat Bean
I came across that quote when I was 10 years into my 37-year journalism career. From that point forward, it never strayed far from being in plain sight when I sat down at my computer.
While one is never going to become a writer unless he writes a heck of a lot, I think those who do write, do it even when they’re not doing it.
Perhaps only writers can understand this. But observing the features of the person sitting opposite you at Starbucks, and imagining how you would describe those features to readers, is writing. Recalling the full-bodied dream you had, and wondering if it could be a story, is writing. And staring out the window at the clouds and not thinking of anything is writing.
To write is to be observant of life as it plays out all around you. Putting what you see into words makes awesome sunsets and the aged wrinkles in an old woman’s face both seem real – and both seem beautiful. At least that’s the way it is for this writer.
Blog pick of the day.
Bean Pat: Cape Point Hike http://tinyurl.com/mssarg7 I can never resist a scenic walk, and always enjoy when a writer takes me along with them.
Pat Bean's blog 
What you say is true Pat. It is while we are thinking of the topic, or the turn of phrase, or how to describe something that we are beginning to write.mi sometimes do my best thinking for writing while cooking or walking.
I think it was Agatha Christie who said she did her best writing while doing the dishes. But if not Agatha, it was some other well-known writer who said it. Thanks for commenting Colline.
Hi Pat, I’m travelling at the moment, so seeing lots but not much time for catching up on ideas and notes. But watching the world in different places is great. We are in France now, gardening, catching up after being away. Followed by a trip to Paris before home to England. Then back to work so I’m trying to relax and enjoy the sights. Take Care
Jim
Hi back at you Jim. I’m sure you’re taking notes in your head for future times in front of the blank page. I look forward to your future blogs, and hope to hear more about your travels. Enjoy each moment. They’re all awesome, well most of them anyway. .