This is Ian Anderson, greatest poet of rock and roll. And folk. And jazz. And prog rock. Jethro Tull’s line-up and music style/genre never stop shifting and evolving – but there have always been cats. Cats, cups of tea, trains, and Christmas. I discovered Tull on a mix-tape made for me when I was eighteen and we have, so to speak, been together ever since. Thursday night was the first time I spoke to him, at a Q&A and signing at HMV Oxford Street. I didn’t get to ask a question – just said a very big thank you in the autograph queue – but I found the Q&A enormously helpful in hearing his version of the answer to one of the infamous, inevitable writing questions. Not the ever-popular ‘Where do you get your ideas from?’ but its equally disempowered cousin ‘What if you’re not inspired?/Don’t you have to be inspired?’
Anderson had already brought up writing lyrics every day, in the interview before the Q&A. He was very clear with the audience about the difference between writing and rewriting: while everything you see on a completed album will be something he’s proud of, that isn’t what the daily act of creation looks like. He writes, he says, a set of lyrics every day; “not necessarily good lyrics”, but every office day. Because, like playing the flute, it’s as much a part of life, brain and body as we make it. Habit first; quality and quantity flowing cumulatively from there.
Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.
– Pablo Picasso
Writers still lacking the confidence that comes from taking writing off the pedestal and into the gym – from something fundamentally beyond our control to something fundamentally in it – tend to be waiting for “inspiration” in a way that reminds me of the difference between romance and love.
The sense of something bigger than ourselves whisking us off our feet can feel wonderful, but there is a lot more to true love. Romance will always be a key ingredient, but if you want true, long-lasting love, there are more ingredients on the recipe card. They include consistency, commitment and knowing we don’t need to feel swept off our feet every moment. If we really love writing, if we want a genuine lasting relationship, it’s time trust it by showing up with effort as well as romance. It doesn’t mean we’ll be inspired every time our arse hits the chair. Because there’s a bank we draw from and give to. We bring to that chair our notes of thoughts that struck us when we were walking/thinking/making coffee. We work on those, and other ideas already in the bank and in need of development. The empowerment comes with acceptance that perspiration – what we do with inspiration – is where creativity happens.
I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.
We can choose the disempowerment of waiting, as if inspiration is an unreliable bus and we’re stuck at the stop until it shows up. But there’s a lot more fun and personal empowerment to be had in getting in the habit, learning about the craft but also about ourselves and what times of day, walks before work, pens, coffees and “landing patterns” on the way to that desk work for us.
Yes, inspiration is a thing. But waiting for it isn’t. Just like learning a musical instrument, a language, a new skill, we soon think it’s “just natural” when our hands make the shape of a formerly difficult chord or we walk into a garden and know what needs to be pulled up and planted now so it’ll look how we want it to when spring comes. That’s why we learn our craft and practice it, so we truly do the best we can when – yes – inspiration does strike.
Yes, inspiration is a thing. But waiting for it isn’t.
Come and Write This Week
(If you’re not in the UK, find your timezone here.)
On this week’s episode of The Writers’ Gym podcast:
The Writing Room | 11am-1pm Monday 17 March
Free for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here.
Writing Audio Drama: Bringing it all Together | 1-2.30pm Tuesday 18 March
Audio drama has enjoyed a huge growth in popularity over the last few years. Major players are commissioning their own original dramas and there’s never been a better time to create your audio play. With producer and independent supplier to the BBC Chris Gregory, develop the skills to write your drama and the confidence to pitch it. Click here.
Coffee & Creativity | 1-2.30pm Wednesday 19 March
Quality writing time and excellent company! Grab a coffee and have a mid-week chat, a write and then another chat with your fellow creatives. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.
Writing Room EXTRA | 3-5pm Thursday 20 March
Members only: please check Voxer messages.
The Writers’ Gym is part of Rachel Knightley Coaching: creative confidence for life, work and art. www.rachelknightley.com
You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session: visit here. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, ask about membership at thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com