From: petersm@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (Marguerite Petersen)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems
Subject: Re: (happy thoughts) & inspiration ideas
Date: 13 Sep 92 23:30:17 GMT
Organization: Computer Science Outreach Services - Oregon State University

In article <1992Sep13.163001.16953@leland.Stanford.EDU> jchien@leland.Stanford.EDU (Jennifer Crystal Fang-Chien) writes:
>
>
>	Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  =)  I actually feel really
>happy for once, but there's a side effect: I don't feel motivated to 
>write poetry. =|  Maybe I ought to make 1-hour-only depression
>pills for artistic inspiration.  ;)   (or maybe I ought to learn to write
>about happy things ... without being cheesy).  =)  Hahahahahah....
>smileys to all ... love and flowers, and all that mush....  (Truly,
>the sage says, this is a rare event.)

I am really happy for you Jennifer.  I know what you mean about finding
it difficult to write "happy things" without sounding trite.  Of course,
this may be partly due to our society's attitudes.  After all, someone
writing about a new-found love, a beautiful sunset, a lovely flower, a
new parent ecstatic about their child, a warm friendship, etc. is often
considered silly because *of course* these things are wonderful.  That
goes without saying, or does it?  To each individual person these things
are new and wondrous and IMHO should *not* be considered mundane.

>	On a more serious note, anyone who has suggestions for
>"inspiration", could you post it here?  I've heard from a few poets
>who have been having problems lately, and I'm sure many more would
>enjoy hearing some mind-starting ideas.

All of the following suggestions are great and I personally have used
almost all of them.

>	Here are a few ideas of mine:
>
>	1. Pick something that's important to you, that you care 
>about -- (your children, some problem at work, a question that's
>been bothering you, a TV show, anything...), and use that as the 
>subject of a poem.  Either write what it means something to you 
>through descriptions and images, or use it as the basis of some 
>fictional writing/plot.

Newspaper articles and stories dealing with injustice,  sexism, 
racism usually get me fired up enough to write a poem.

>	2. Pick something that is relatively common and has no 
>particular significance (a toothpick, a brass lamp, plastic potted
>plants, a bureau, etc), and try to find a new way of describing it, 
>a new way of seeing it.  Or relate it (using it as a metaphor), to 
>something you want to say or describe.  (For example, a plastic potted 
>plant could be used to describe how industrialized society is slowly 
>replacing natural objects with manufactured objects.)

One poet I know keeps a notepad with her at all times and jots down
*anything* that attracts her attention.  Later she looks at her list
of impressions and if one of them jumps out at her or reminds her of
something, she's off and running.

>	3.  Write down snippets of dialog/conversation you've heard
>today, from anyone.  Mix and match the lines to see if you can form 
>a different story.

Often, I get ideas from things other people have said to me.  A
certain phrase they used may appeal to me and give me an idea for
a poem.  Talking to other poets is a great way to get ideas.

>	4.  Read some poetry by other people.  This often sparks
>a line of thought related to or taking off of their poem.

This is why I like workshops.  I used to think it was crazy to go
willingly and have my poetry critiqued by others.  Now I enjoy the
sharing of ideas that come out of these meetings.  I usually leave
on a complete high and can hardly wait to get home and start writing.

>	5.  Write a poem describing someone you know.  This needn't
>be a lover or a friend, perhaps just an acquaintance at work... and
>put in a few colorful details (ie, this doesn't need to be entirely
>factual -- use your imagination).
>
>	Well, that's all for now -- anyone else, throw in a word on
>what you do when dry for words!  =)
>
>Jennifer
>p.s. if things become desparate: sit under a tree and feel spiritual ;)
>p.p.s. or visit Troublemaker O'Toole's ranch and howl with some coyotes.

I have only one other suggestion to add to your list.  When really
suffering writer's block I've found it's a good idea to go out and 
*do* something.  Visit someone, go to a movie, take a walk, even go
to the store.  Something just might happen that will spur you to write.
If not, at least you did *something.*  :-)

P.S.  I've done quite a bit of *howling* of my own recently and although
not really constructive, it does vent frustration.

Kathleen O'Toole, Bringer of Light
Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems