Article by Wendy McCance
I have been reading each night after I put the children to bed. It’s been wonderful to just sit back without interruptions and absorb myself in a great book. For as great as this has been, I have developed a problem.
Each night when I turn off the lights and try to get some sleep, my mind races. I think about the book I’ve been reading and the stories I would like to tell. My mind goes a little crazy as I begin to develop these stories in my head. I just can’t seem to turn off my brain. The worst part is that in my half-asleep state, I feel like the words I am forming are incredible. I just want to get up and type out all of my thoughts.
It’s so late and I am so exhausted that I just can’t peel myself out from under the blankets. Hell, I can’t even keep my eyes open. So I continue on telling myself stories as I fall asleep.
By the time morning rolls around, I have forgotten what has enthralled me and I am left with not a thought to type out.
When I first began writing so long ago, I enjoyed writing late at night best. The house was quiet and in my half-asleep state, I seemed to be more in touch with my thoughts. It was almost like I couldn’t distinguish a dream with being awake, and yet I felt a sense of lucidity.
I have decided to go back to my late night writing before I get into bed. My book will have to be put on hold for moments during the day when I can read a few pages. I often wonder if other writers go through something similar. Is it quite normal to enjoy writing when you could nod off at any moment? Do other writers seem to be more in touch with their thoughts when they are practically dreaming them?
When do you seem to do your best writing? Are there certain situations that trigger the best moments to write your thoughts? I would love to hear from you. What has your experience with writing been like? When do you do your best work?
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Wendy McCance
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Wendy, i have the same problems as you seem to. My mind races late at night. I work grave yard right now so i try to write a couple stories each week. I find I am more creative late at night. I think late night, is the only time I have to write anymore, Who knew getting my first journal at age ten like most girls would lead to a first book and blog. Life is amazing.
It certainly is. 🙂
It is somewhat like when you dream and in the morning you can not remember all the facts of your dream. As a dreamer, we suggest that you keep a dream journal, maybe this is something you might think about. A notebook that you can record your thoughts before you forget them and fall asleep at night. That way when you wake you can hopefully trigger more thoughts about what it was you were thinking the night before. 🙂
It would be perfect if I didn’t have a husband sleeping next to me. If I could just figure out how to write in the dark I’d be all set. 🙂
I listen to a book for half an hour or so before trying to go to sleep but you know as I lay there trying to get to sleep I think of things to blog about. Which is why I have a digital recorder next to my bed and I just record my thoughts.
Joanne, that is an awesome idea. Much easier than putting on a light and writing things down.
Great Post Wendy - I am usually a great sleeper however lately I have been experiencing not being able to turn the thoughts. I usually surrender and put the light on, and pick up pen and paper and get it out of my head. I have written some insightful words during the wee hours, insightful to me anyway. I also learned a trick sometime ago, not sure from where to set the intention when there is something I want to remember in the day time that I will remember it and usually something will trigger the memory during the day. For me, the shower and walking in nature are two great places for inspiration.
Thanks for your comment Kym. I’ll have to try out the intention idea. If it wasn’t for waking my husband, I would sit up in bed and write my thoughts down. It’s getting out of bed and going downstairs to the computer that stops me. I am afraid if I do this, I’ll never get to sleep.
Reading a book at night quickly puts me to sleep. Suddenly, my eyelids are getting heavy. No, I’m not trying to put myself into a trance; reading makes me feel sleepy - mostly at night.
I’m widest awake when I’m telling my children stories (Not reading as is the practice of some parents), I’m making stories up as I go along. The kids like them; that’s all that matters. Now I write those sometimes zany, sometimes serious tales down, and put them in a book of stories. See them at >> http://tinyurl.com/14a1233
Thanks so much for your comment. It’s interesting to read about what triggers other people’s stories.
Wendy, I understand about being in bed to sleep, but my mind is wide awake and racing from one thought to the next. I keep a pad of paper and pencil on my night table. If I can get it out of my head, I can let it go. I think it’s the fear of losing it that keeps me awake and thinking about it. (I think I’m trying to memorize it, but it’s gone in the morning!) This works whether it’s a grocery list or the opening paragraph for an article I need to write. I actually get my best ideas during the day when involved in manual labor. There’s something about working with my hands that helps me clarify my thoughts. (I think it’s a Zen-thing.) Enjoyed your post!
Beverly, you nailed it! Yes, that’s it. I do try to memorize my thoughts so I won’t forget them. I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s what I do. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂