Sleep-Writing
Monday, February 18, 2008
I've never been one of those people who can 'fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow'. Nope, when I decide it's time to go to sleep is when my brain goes into high-gear.
It isn't all bad though. Yes, it is certainly true that if there is anything at all stressing me out (which is most of the time), that will run over and over again through my mind and prevent me from sleeping.
However, some good things also happen. Unfortunately, up until now, I've been too dumb to realize that I should take advantage of these moments. You see, when I try to go to sleep is often when my mind starts 'writing'. In my head, I will plan something as simple as writing a post about a sleep wedge or something as big as a great idea for a short story. Heck, on some nights, I even 'write' full story chapters or poems in my head. Then, guess what happens... Yep, I focus on the struggle of trying to fall asleep and eventually do fall asleep. Then, I wake up in the morning and have completely lost all those words and thoughts.
So, I finally realized that I need to turn this into something beneficial for me, rather than focusing on the fact that I'm not getting enough sleep. I need to keep a notebook by the bed. I need to turn a light on and write this stuff down. I'm cheating myself by letting it all get lost in dreamland. Yes, it took me this long to realize, "Duh Misty, your husband doesn't sleep in the bedroom. You aren't going to be disturbing anyone if you turn on the light. You are missing some opportunities here!" Yes, it took me this long to realize this - Hey, I never said that I'm not slow all the time sometimes.
So, now, I want to know from you - when do you do your best writing? Does there seem to be a certain time of day; or is it just when something pops into your head?
Posted byMisty Dawn at 1:19 PM
Labels: question, sleep, thoughts on writing
8 comments:
Hey girl! Where are you, you're not online???
I don't seem to have a particular time of day. Either I'm in the mood to write or I'm not. Timing doesn't seem to have much to do with it... Sure wish it did!
Got your notebook ready for tonight? :-)
I write all kinds of things in my head when I'm busy doing other things. Then *poof* it's gone when I actually have time to sit down and do something with it.
I write when I feel like it & when the words just seem to flow from me.
Editing I tend to do late at night when everyone is asleep (insomnia).
Scribbling ideas & notes takes place amid the noise of general life.
Thanks for stopping by my site.
I write when the mood hit me. Sometimes I feel like I will explode if I don't put thoughts on paper (or blog).
PS
Try writing when you can't sleep in the wee hours of the morning. In essence then you become a Midnight Wanderer. You will find your Muse will either embrace or frighten you. :-)
~JD
I'm a popper. "Profound" thoughts disappear, but poetry sticks around until I get rid of it. Most of my poetry is brought on by some type of heavy emotions I'm experiencing, usually negative rather than positive.
Well, SuperGuy would frown on me turning on the light, but I've been known to get up and grab my laptop and put down my thoughts when I can't sleep.
I don't know why my mind has been in overdrive when I try to go to sleep these days!