Inspiration. Something that is said to come and go at its own behest, and not at ours. Sometimes true; and in my experience, sometimes not.
Inspiration, for me, is often a matter of getting down to it. It’s my understanding that many writers (for instance) get “writer’s block.” Well, when I’m writing, at least for the past 7 years, I don’t have any problem actually writing. The words come. The trick, for me, is getting to the computer. I get, “sitting down at the computer” block.
One way to combat that is to have a regular schedule for writing. Every morning for a half hour, or every evening for an hour, or, if you simply don’t have the time, 20 minutes every other day. I had a teacher once, in Chicago, named Dr. Robin Herndobler. She was an amazing woman, and really the strongest “womentor” I’ve ever had. She taught English and writing and women’s studies. What she told us was something along these lines: “If you can’t find at least 15 minutes, every day, to write, then you shouldn’t be a writer.” Strong words, but I think she’s right (for the most part). A writer writes. That’s it. Getting published – and getting paid – are wonderful. But they do not make you a writer. Writing does that.
I adore being a creative person. If I thought that I could no longer create…that would be a bad, bad day for me. Part of the trick about running this business is allowing my learning about the business to be as creative as possible. Simply enjoying the newness – the creation – of the business. Tricky for me, sometimes, but worth it. This is the path, and it’s a way for me (and my lovely lady wife / CEO) to make our dreams happen.
So here I am, sitting at the computer, and pounding it out. It’s creative – and I hope inspirational for you all.
Best,
Ian Carruthers
Filmmaker
www.foolishtreefilms.com
Let’s make a movie!
I was a student of Robin Herndobler’s too-she was absolutely impactful as a teacher and a mentor. Do you have any idea where she is?
Howdy! Wowzer, past-blasting!
No, I don’t know where she is at the moment. I’m presuming she still lives in or around Chicago. I believe that, gosh, 13 years or so ago I found out she was re-married and her last name was Wright (sp?). I just did a Google search, and came up with a “Reader” headline from last month that quoted her using “Herndobler” as her last name, though, so – not sure.
When did you study with her? Perhaps we had classes together? I was her student, I believe, in either 90-91 or 91-92.
If you hear from or of her, please let me know!
Best,
Ian