Coweh asks…

Do you think you could cover what gets you going for inspiration?

Inspiration is overrated, Coweh.

Sure, you can get lucky when a bolt from the blue strikes, but that’s rare. If you’re trying to make a living at a creative endeavor…you could get into real trouble waiting.

Kick your muse out. You can’t afford to depend upon such ethereal, fickle creatures.

Don’t wait for inspiration. Make your own.

I start with an idea, and then spot the obvious clichés, try to make it better, and think about it for days, or months, or in many cases years. I research, analyze, figure out what’s working and make it better, figure out what’s not working and get rid of it. I then set the project aside to let my subconscious process it all.

This is hard work.

Sometimes I feeling like I’m throwing myself into a brick wall over and over, until something gives and I discover how to make an idea compelling and cool. Sometimes an idea never pans out.

Since my process can potentially take so long, I have about half a dozen projects (novels, screenplays, and comics) in various stages of development at any given time.

Others say to share your fledging ideas. 90% of the time, however, even people you love and trust will pick apart a premature idea until there’s nothing left but blood and tears. You must eventually expose your idea to others, but only when it’s strong enough.

People want to believe that inspiration is a magical thing and comes without effort. If that happens—great! Count your blessings.

If you want to make a living at a creative profession, however, get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Most people I tell this to don’t like it. Go figure.

My advice: work the idea, think lots, and keep your secrets until you’re ready.