Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro, can you tie them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow, can you throw them o'er your shoulder like a continental soldier, do your ears hang low?
What a silly child's song that is, but oh-so-appropriate in how we approach our writing. Often times, as writers, we take ourselves too seriously, and don't allow the fun and silliness of the world take hold.
When you find your work-in-progress is muddled down, when it seems stagnant, and when it seems it has nowhere to go, take some time out for silliness. Write the silliest event you can think of, even if you're going to trash it later.
When I was blocked at a certain point in my middle grade children's book, I decided to be silly and write a funny chapter about chickens. I didn't trash it, and it has turned out to be the silliest, most fun chapter of my own book.
It's time to check yourself out: do your ears hang low? If they don't, maybe they need to!
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8 comments:
Hi from the UK, Katie!
Saw the tag line and got curious ...
You call it a "silly childrens' song" but as is often the case, here in GB certain songs get "rewritten lyrics" and hijacked by players of certain SPORTS.
Of these, RUGBY clubs (the closest equivalent of American Football, I guess!) ared renowned for the OBSCENE content of the resulting (rewritten) lyrics ... you can guess for yourself which parts of the (male) anatomy are the centre of attention in the above song!
At the same time, I fully agree with you: taking a break of any sort is often the best way of getting fresh inspiration!
Regards,
Paul McD
that's a fun post Katie. I loved singing that song in girl guides!
Terrific post and thanks for the reminder to have FUN!
Hi Katie,
A great reminder & a great post. We all should remember that. I know I need it once in a while.
Deb :-)
LOL! I haven't heard that in years. Thanks for the memories...
Joy
Bravo, Katie! Your post is exactly what I needed to hear. Today was one of those days. Thanks for shining your light on my gray space.
Ditto what everyone else said. I'll remember it the next time I need an uplift. :)
Beverly
Katie, what a wonderful idea. I've been very tired lately (probably related to stuffed sinuses -- hard to be energetic when you can't breathe) and have consequently been taking myself too seriously.
Margaret Fieland
http://www.margaretfieland.com
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