I really can’t resist saying this—Louie L’Amour probably isn’t the best example for BDSs and not waiting for inspiration. Why? His stories, for the most part, all read the same. He probably could write five pages a day with relative ease because language and narrative depth didn’t seem to be much of a priority for him. Clearly, I’ve my own issues with L’Amour. However, I have not missed Boice’s point about the importance of having BDSs. I’m a big, big fan of writing daily, with or without inspiration. Lately, writing has been so slow and painful, and yes, I hate everything I’m producing. But I’m fleshing work out slowly, which helps me discover where I need to take my writing. What I think is so great about BDSs is that they don’t replace what Boice refers to as binge writing. If I am struck with moments of inspiration, struck with the need to write, then I give in and just go with the urge to binge. However, I don’t allow that binge inclination to replace my daily-allotted time to write.
Yes! Louis L'Amour, Boice?! The Sweet Valley High of cowboy lit.
ReplyDeleteMy grandpa might take you to task about L'Amour :)
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what you mean, though. Yes, it's a good thing to write every day. Yes, we should all get into the habit of that. However, writing a little bit every day doesn't have to exclude the long, inspired writing sessions. Thanks for pointing that out--somehow I had forgotten that these types of writing can go hand in hand (maybe because Boice doesn't seem to think they can...?)