The expression "It's just like getting back up on a bike" has been quoted at me more than once. It's supposed to mean something is easy to get back into even if you haven't done it in a while, right?
Now I laugh at it.
For the first time in fifteen years, I managed to get back into bike riding. This wasn't a small feat. It involved my doing research into bikes based on what I would be using it for, buying the bike and the equipment to go with it (which wasn't cheap I might add!) and taking a few bikes for test rides around the place to see which one I liked best.
Naturally these test rides were my first time on a bike since...well...a while. First I had to try to get myself onto the seat. Then I had to relearn...balance.
As I wobbled down the sidewalk, I had flashbacks to being eight years old, terrified of cracks in the sidewalks, people jumping out at me, and bushes coming out of nowhere. The expression "like getting back up on a bike" came to haunt me during this episode, and I began to wonder if this was such a good idea. But I'm stubborn--very stubborn!
I test rode two bikes that day and wound up going with the slightly pricer but better one. I liked its handling of bumps in the sidewalk and figured my going over both bike trails and roads would be much easier. After purchasing bike shorts, a water bottle and holder, tools, patches, saddle bags, lights, and a bunch of other accessories to go with it, I started going on practice rides.
At some point turning corners got easier. After maybe the fourth ride I stopped freaking out when cars showed up on the road at the same time as me. Eventually I began biking to the grocery stores, wine tastings, you name it.
Now I may wind up biking to book signings! :D
Why mention all of this? Because I think writing's the same way. It's shaky on the first go if you've taken some time off, had writer's block, or just plain haven't had the time to work on it. But with a lot of effort and stubbornness, you can hop right back on that bike...and back into the craft.
Love & Magic,
Adrianne
http://www.adriannebrennan.com
6 comments:
I can see your point. On both counts. The day job sucks a lot of life out of a writer, even as it adds experiences and observations about life to draw from. it can be easy to slip away from the daily task of putting words on paper because there's always something better, more important, and let's face it, easier, to do.
Varied experiences, though, like excersise, is good for you. It makes you stronger, gives you more to draw on when things get hectic, and in the end, makes life better. You just have to stick to your routine and fit it all in there.
I like your analogies. I rode an electric bike recently and almost wrecked! It's a lot like writing though- I traded my word processor for a lap top!
The more practice we have, the better we get. You have to exercise those muscles if you expect to be able to use them. :)
Marci
Jaime, truer words!! It does take a good deal of effort and commitment, and it's another set of muscles to keep in shape. I know that during the time I wasn't able to do much writing I kept up my skills by writing fanfic and betaing for others.
Kissa, I don't know what I'd do without either my desktop or laptop. I started out writing in a notebook years and years ago and began writing on a computer instead back when I was twelve. Honestly, it's so much better and faster--and my handwriting just sucks!
Very true, Marci. :D Especially since I still have about 12-15 WIPs to finish, lol!
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