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Friday, November 14, 2008

Motivation and Joss Sticks


Today I only have the early morning to write. And the words were chugging slowly. Then it came to me - how to get motivated. Out of no where, like most inspiration does - the solution arrived.

Joss sticks.

For a story set in Asia, I needed the scent of Asia. For today - anyway. And the scent that so richly ties me to Asia is the smell of joss sticks. The incense that is burned in temples and shrines across much of Asia. My joss sticks are not quite as remarkable and they're definitely not temple quality, and maybe they're not really a joss stick at all. But the scent is there. I found them, if you can believe it, in a 7-Eleven in Bangkok.

But despite my incense's lowly beginnings, it got my writing going this morning. With the smell of incense wafting through the air my main characters, Jon and Lira, came to life as the ink began to flow. And better yet, they began to make demands. Now we're getting somewhere!

Ryshia

4 comments:

Dog_geek said...

Wow - I'm impressed! Over 4000 words in a morning! I'm supposed to be working on a scientific manuscript for work, and as you said in your previous post, there's always an excuse if you allow it. I'm not going to get 4000 words, but I'm determined to make some significan progress on it this weekend!

Ryshia Kennie said...

Isn't it interesting how procrastination is such a universal theme especially when a deadline is imposed? But with a goal + determination no worries I bet you surpass your expectations this weekend!

Teresa said...

Procrastination?!? Let me tell you...sometimes the imposing deadline is WHAT it takes to get going. Speaking of procrastination...I better get out of here and back to "word". I've still got lots more to write!

Ryshia Kennie said...

Get writing girl! Our future is counting on it!