Finally coming into focus

I just had one of those moments when things started coming into focus. I think they call it a moment of clarity. Just a moment in time when there is  a flash of inspiration saying, "Look this is how it works!".

Over and over I have read and heard writers say, "Just write", and to a beginning writer it is easy to ask the question "Write what?". Because somewhere along the way, maybe in school a person picks up the notion that you must be doing something for a specific purpose in order for it to be valuable.

So, I did.  I wrote.  Today in my literary travels I came across a poetry contest. Submissions are due tomorrow and what do you know? I had something to submit! Something I had written months ago for no specific reason, just doing my morning writing. That poem was a perfect fit for the contest. I'll wait and see how it does against the competition.

The important thing is that I now see why they say Write, write, WRITE! Create a stack of work that can be taken out and used as needed. Write for every holiday, every occasion, just write and at some time down the road when material is needed you will be able to have a quick and thoughtful turn around on work. After awhile it starts to catch on and you have all sorts of material to work with and submit as needed.

It felt wonderful to get that flash. Now that I get it, now that I see it, there really is nothing left to  do but do it and make it happen.