"Passion is like fuel + fire--it flares up and burns quickly. And what we writers more often need is a nice, slow, steady burn, more like a wood-burning stove that is going to get you through the winter.
But the nature of passion is that it wants to consume itself. Our job as writers is to recognize this and pace it out."
I don't think anyone could ever accuse me of pacing myself appropriately when it comes to my work. Unfortunately, most of the time, I act in the opposite manner. I'll jump into a project headfirst, burn the candle at both ends and then not touch it again for months. I think that's why I've been so afraid of actually starting my work of fiction, because I already love the characters and story so much that I don't want to see them fade out quickly by my own hand.
This week I'm finally trying to get my calendar organized and desk cleaned off so I can line up my paying assignments for the next few months and start my "book in a month project" hopefully in the next few weeks. I already straightened up the house yesterday and today, which always helps me breathe a little easier!
How does passion affect your work? Does it help propel you along at a reasonable pace or hinder you?
2 comments:
Passion propels me when it comes to almost everything. It drives me without need for encouragement. It helps me write faster and more.
It also interferes when my reason says, "Whoa!" But I wouldn't give it up.
Pat Aust: thewritinglife-patwriter.blogspot.com
Good for you, Pat! Unfortunately, Passion and Fear are often opponents in my writing life. I'm trying to get to the point where Passion wins more often than not.
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