Where Is Your "There?"
I write the way my husband says that his grandfather drove--intense acceleration to a decent clip, then coast, coast, coast . . . until it's time to tromp on the gas again.
This driving analogy is fitting, I think, so I'll take it further. I use no maps but rely on intuition. I frequently make wrong turns. Some streets stretch on forever, lined with houses that all look the same--brick ranchers, split levels, or aluminum sided, cape cods. Other streets are crooked and quirky--a church converted into a home, a lawn decorated with a garden of whirl-a-gigs, hot pink shutters, a stained glass window on a front door.
I am a person who doesn't stop for bathroom breaks during a trip. I want to keep driving, straight through. I usually arrive exhausted but grateful. I arrive with sleepy eyes and too many suitcases and the contentment of knowing that I've made it safely and don't need to get behind the wheel again . . . at least until tomorrow.
I write on icy windows or dusty fenders before the trip: Edinboro or Bust. I write on the pages of my journal: I Will Get There or Bust. The problem is that most of the time, I have no idea where I'm going. I don't know where "there" is.
How do you create? Do you accelerate and lurch, or is it a smooth trip on a straight highway? Are you the steady trucker or the NASCAR driver? Do you wear your seatbelt? Do you wear a uniform? Do you enjoy the trip or are you too anxious to get there?
How fast do you travel? Where is your "there?"
This driving analogy is fitting, I think, so I'll take it further. I use no maps but rely on intuition. I frequently make wrong turns. Some streets stretch on forever, lined with houses that all look the same--brick ranchers, split levels, or aluminum sided, cape cods. Other streets are crooked and quirky--a church converted into a home, a lawn decorated with a garden of whirl-a-gigs, hot pink shutters, a stained glass window on a front door.
I am a person who doesn't stop for bathroom breaks during a trip. I want to keep driving, straight through. I usually arrive exhausted but grateful. I arrive with sleepy eyes and too many suitcases and the contentment of knowing that I've made it safely and don't need to get behind the wheel again . . . at least until tomorrow.
I write on icy windows or dusty fenders before the trip: Edinboro or Bust. I write on the pages of my journal: I Will Get There or Bust. The problem is that most of the time, I have no idea where I'm going. I don't know where "there" is.
How do you create? Do you accelerate and lurch, or is it a smooth trip on a straight highway? Are you the steady trucker or the NASCAR driver? Do you wear your seatbelt? Do you wear a uniform? Do you enjoy the trip or are you too anxious to get there?
How fast do you travel? Where is your "there?"
posted by Cate at 2:09 PM
25 Comments:
Tunnel vision baby. It only takes me a brief moment to create but when I'm "there" that is all that I see. Which for safety reasons is why I only do so when kids are at school or napping.
My roomate in college used to complain that she would be talking to me and she could see my mind drift off and I would wonder over to a canvas and start painting and then I would be "lost".
In my defense..she also talked A LOT.
a.
bit like you, also without bathroombreaks,or only lil ones, but less speedy, more somewhat steady with tenacity,and normally it is mapped out in the head, just - 'just' - has to be followed. Somehow all is prepared in the head....and more or less in the company of mostly classical music
I am more of a seirous napper, i wake with a jolt remembering there is someplace I have to be. So I mad rush, grabbing what I can, and jump in the car either taking too much or leaving something behind. As I drive off I get lost because I was listening too intently toa song I love and missed my exit or turn. I take a lot of bad turns, on occassion ask directions, but it turns out I'm a lot closer than I thought to where I was heading to begin with.
Gather up everything I could possibly need - I travel with larder, library and wardrobe all packed in my car; then travel familiar routes, stop at the same stops usually, choose the same snacks... until some notion hits me, and I go off to find a garden I've heard about or visit a tower. An hour's diversion, and then I'm back on the familiar road again, looking as though nothing different has happened, but carrying a delicious new something inside.
Sometimes I think in advance of where I might want to go, but usually I just go sit in the car. I like sitting in the car and usually once I'm there because I have the keys in my hand, I switch on the ignition thinking I might just listen to the radio, but I usually end up turning on the heat or the air to keep me comfortable and then I might as well go for a little drive even if only to the gas station to fuel up and sometimes I end up miles away in an old neighbourhood or in someplace I've never driven to before. Or I might just sit there in the driveway listening to the rain on the roof, knowing I'm safe and dry and ready. Thanks for asking.
I would say my creativity is definitely no smooth trip -- lots of curves, pitstops, dead ends, driving in circles, running out of gas, stressing over directions. Yet, despite the bumpy ride, I enjoy the trip, usually more than the destination.
That is such a good blog post...and such a good question...I must think before I answer :)
Bradley
The Egel Nest
I do alot of planning (and dreaming) but I think that's half the fun. I like to travel to lots of new places. Once I get going I pretty much don't stop for anything! I'm committed to the journey. Maybe that's why it takes me a while to get behind the wheel. I make wrong turns but I always correct myself. Sometimes I wish I could get to a right place the wrong way. Wander a little, get lost even. Not in a scary way but a fun and adventurous way. Maybe discover something amazing that I never realized was there.
Hi there -
I tend to procrastinate, chug along, not getting far, timidly checking the water and then all of a sudden I dive in and speed along manically until I get to ther other end. I laughed when I read about you not stopping for bathroom breaks. I am the same way - but often I wait until it's nearly an emergency - I just CAN'T tear myself away once I'm speeding!
I SO love the way you write!!
My creativity is like a trip accomplished in brief bursts of frenzied speed and intense concentration, interspersed with long, leisurely stops to stare at the clouds, smell the flowers, dip my toes in the nearest stream and gather both my energy and my imagination for that next rocket-blast down the Creativity Highway.
I feel Bradley on this one.. I read this last night and had to come back with my answer. What an awesome post Cate!
My creative process is most defiantly like a long trip taken in an old, but somewhat dependable junker. First I have to baby it, speak slowly, assure it of my devotion. Sit down, get going.. a few sputters and a few stalls. Things fall off. There is smoke and sudden loud noises.
But in the end.. I am just were I need to be, right were I have to go. And the journey back? Just as interesting as the journey there.
Procrastion all the way. I used to agonize about it and finally, when I embraced my habits, it became much easier to be me. Speaking of which, I've got a early March deadline for a 500 word article. Perhaps I should add absent-minded and on cruise control? (=
Hi... I love your driving imagery when it comes to writing, because I am attracted to the same, as you know...
I drive a manual. I like switching gears in a surprising way. Sudden turns and then longer stetches, back to the streets and the city, again the 5th gear to speed like crazy....
Thanks! Great question...
Ann Marie, driver writer too...
:)
I've honestly contemplated wearing nighttime diapers so I don't have to stop on long car trips.. I hate wasting precious time in a nasty bathroom, nevermind the truckstop serial killer factor!! Some might say I don't stop and smell the roses.. but in a truckstop bathroom?
Go dog go!!
I know I already answered but I found every ones answers so fascinating. Cate you deserve a hearty pat on your back for this one! Excellent, excellent post!
a.
P.S I found myself giggling many times wondering if the comments were true analogies or if the topic was simply misunderstood. Priceless!
You people are good!
Not only did I love all of the responses, I found myself envying what people wrote, wishing I had thought of it first! Thanks everyone for sharing!
Andrea,
Tunnel vision! Ha! You're a smart one to create when the little folks are otherwise occupied--you're so prolific. I can't imagine all of the things that you would create with unlimited time! Oh, and I zone, too. I imagine us like Snoopy's Red Baron, intense concentration while engaged in flight, wearing leather jackets, goggles, and scarves!
La vie,
I like the thought of spinning in circles-maybe even going full circle, realizing all of the treasures that you had at home had to begin with!
Antonia,
I wish I was "slow and steady." Oh, and I loved your inclusion of a classical music soundtrack!
CR,
It sounds like you really enjoy the ride! And I relish the thought of you getting lost but realizing that you're closer than you thought to your original destination. Priceless!
Greenish Lady,
You are a woman of secrets and mystery! I love going on trips and sneaking an extra destination in, but not telling anyone. You're right--it makes you feel like you're carrying something delicious inside!
Wenda,
I think that I would be better off if I sat in the car once in a while, too. Sometimes, you just need to appreciate the details! And I love the familiar trips, like to the gas station or the grocery store--they're underrated!
Melanie,
I can't believe we PA girls forgot "potholes!" I hit those at full speed and knock the muffler off! I loved your "run out of gas." I coast on fumes. I'm glad that you enjoy the ride!
Bradley,
I'm waiting . . . KIDDING. Seriously, I'll be it's chaos over at the Nest, what with the good news! How's Jody? Is she feeling okay?
Jennifer,
You are proof that it's all about outlook and mindset! Even the words you choose--"fun" and "adventurous" instead of "scary" show that you've got a great attitude about the process. Thanks for reminding me to be positive!
Megg,
There are many of "bathroom break avoiders." WHO KNEW? I can imagine you diving in and swimming manically! I love that image!
Deb,
I love the way YOU write! What a wonderful balance you describe, and fueling the senses up . . . that's so important.
Now that I really think about it, I usually forget to refuel. No WONDER I coast on fumes. (Oh, this is genius--I'm not kidding--there are TOO many similarities between the way I drive and the way I write--it's not even funny!).
Rita,
Damn, you're good. Everything you wrote there was brilliant. "First I have to baby it, speak slowly, assure it of my devotion." Oh, I can relate. Thank you for sharing that!
Acumamakiki,
How could we all forget cruise control!? Yep, that's a good one, my friend! So smart! Good luck and have fun finishing your article!
Ann Marie,
That is so how I picture you. I can just imagine your little car, lurching and zooming around narrow streets! And I think you'd take the roads less traveled, the hidden alleys and passages (but the ones with the most interesting things to look at!).
Holli,
Go, dog, go! I'm screaming here. This is good. I remember when I was pregnant and had to get up three thousand times a night to pee--I contemplated nighttime diapers myself (but that's another story . . )!
But Holli, think of all the material that we're missing at truckstops and gas stations. Serial killers, perhaps, but lots of good grit for a poem or story. Maybe "pee, dog, pee?"
Andrea,
This has been so much fun! I'm glad everyone participated! I loved what they (and you) wrote.
Now, I think I'm getting carried away with the analogy. The similarities between my process and my driving are spooky! Maybe I should try a cooking analoygy next? JUST KIDDING!
I found your writing to be fascinating. Some writers have an ability to pull their reader in to what they are writing about. You have that ability.
cate, it is lovely how diligent you answer every comment..that's real attention...a very good & important characteristic for a writer and in general anyway...
Oh good god, your writing is overwhelming. I can't even think about my "where",or "there" cause you got me all thinking and stuff.
Okay, I am a We Will Not Be Late kind of person, being late stresses me out. But if we are on a lolly gagging kind of trip, like sunday afternoon drive to the grandparents, through the woods and over the bridge, I definately stop for the coffee and treats. As for bathroom breaks, at all costs, I try to avoid public bathrooms!!!
Lots of stops and starts for me. I swear I've got A.D.D. I have the attention span of a mosquito.
Tanya
Hi Cate -- I'm sure you know this writing analogy: "Writing a novel is like driving at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can get the whole trip that way." (something like that) by EL Doctorow.
This post really strikes a chord with me -- I'll probably respond with a post of my own when I get some time to think about it more. The past 2 years + that I've been working on my first novel, I've tried every trick I could think of to propel myself forward, and different things work at different times. The main thing was, I did reach a place with practice, a fabled place, that I sort of spitefully thought other writers were lying about when they claimed it: that the characters "took over," and that the story began to flow. Not always, but once this began to happen, man, there was nothing else like it. Now that I know it's out there, that feeling, it makes sitting down to write all the more exciting.
This is great! I love the analogy...I could probably use it as a metaphor of my life right now! As for writing...obviously I am trying to make it up the hill and my gas gauge is low...
My experience tells me, however, that if I sit myself in front of the computer or journal...that the gas will come!
xoxo
Rose,
Thank you so much for that kind comment. I really appreciate it and your visit!
Antonia,
I try, but I miss some occasionally!
Rebecca,
Oh, deadlines are important. That's a good point. I usually cut it down to the last minute! And you make stopping for treats sound so nice!
Tanya,
"The attention span of a mosquito!" Oh, I can relate! I love that! I was just thinking about mosquitoes today--the ones with huge wingspans that seem to inhabit the Lake Erie region. I'm looking forward to Summerb but not the insects!
Laini,
That "cruise control" kind of feeling hasn't happened much for me lately. Maybe I'm not working hard enough (or maybe I'm trying too hard?). By the way, I cannot WAIT to read your novel!
Baylor,
" . . . obviously I am trying to make it up the hill and my gas gauge is low . . ." Oh, that's so good. I feel like that quite often, too! And I'm the type who would run out of gas, walk to the gas station with the wrong kind of container (y'know, the plastic kind that is a conduit for static electricity)! Thank God there are good samaritans who pass by every once in awhile when we are stranded and help us refuel!
What good questions! They make for interesting answers.
I've never lost the easy joy in making and doing that pre-schoolers have so I don't drive to there. I walk, happily looking at stuff on the way, stopping to stick my hands in the mud and smear it around, running as fast as my little legs will carry me until I'm tired and then doggedly plodding the rest of the way home; where I empty out my pockets and try to explain to the grown-ups the beauty of a decomposing bee, two leaves and nineteen pebbles.
Susan,
What a lovely perspective! I enjoyed your site, especially the tea art! Thank you so much for answering the question, esp. so creatively, and stopping by!
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