"Off the Cuff": How to Write When Your Muse Has Taken a Break

African daisies flowering profusely

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Writing Isn't Everything: Look for the Positives.

I am sitting here with my lap top on the table near our front door and staring out the window. I had been here for about an hour on and off before I managed to even come up with a title for this hub and manage to type the first word.

That's no big deal really as the view through the window and across our front garden is great. Spring is here and we have had recent rain, all plants are thriving and beginning to bud and flower. I spent a few hours in the garden yesterday weeding and planting new seeds (capsicum/sweet peppers) and cuttings of what is called the "cancer tree"(don't know the botanical name sorry). It is said that if you eat two leaves off it everyday it will keep you cancer free. Oh, and I also planted out some silver beet and spinach from pots into the garden.

I counted six kangaroos and wallabies grazing on the new green grass shoots just the other side of the garden while I have been sitting here contemplating what to write. I considered making this the next addition of "The Diary of a Cackleberry Farmer" and sitting on it for a few more weeks but decided against that and just make it a stand alone essay.

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

— ― Ernest Hemingway

My Muse Took a Hike

I have been managing to churn out about one article per week which is OK, and add another if a fellow hubber issues a challenge (which I am unable to resist). However, I always yearn to write more. I wouldn't say I get writer's block but I do have occasions like now where I don't know where my inspiration is going to come from. When this happens I usually hear a song or some news story or conversation that may spark an idea. This week I am sick of waiting for that inspiration and decided to take the bull by the horns and just write something off the cuff.

Fellow writer and friend Missy Smith wrote a wonderful poetry hub "A Poetic Notion" recently with a similar theme, so it may seem like I am stealing her idea but as I said in the comment on her article, I had been considering writing something very random and she just beat me to it. I thank her for encouraging me to go ahead and write this anyway. Also, I often refer to my wife Kathy as 'my muse' and she has gone away to Darwin for six weeks to help out my son Trent, his wife Cheenee, and our grandson Taidan for the birth of their second baby. In fact, I just received word this morning (Oct 2nd 2015) that our new grandson Cyrus Jax Xavier Hansen (how original is that name?) has come into the world.

A Poem for Cyrus

Dear little boy

You were born today,

Cyrus Jax,

Not Billy Ray.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Your Mum and Dad

Are oh so proud,

While Pa John and Granny

Are on a cloud.

Scroll to Continue

30 Quotes by Nelson Mandela That Will Transform Your Life

Falling in Love: A Poem

Bottle Gourd Peel Chutney

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

A big new world

You've come into,

So much to experience,

To see and to do.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You won't do much

For a month or two,

Just drink your milk

And whoopsy doo.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

But soon you'll grow

And be aware,

For the first few years

There will be no cares.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You'll feel the love

From far and wide.

Your big bro Taidan

Will be your guide.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

You'll never want,

Or go without.

You are so special

Without a doubt.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

So remember this date

October one,

A special day

For a second son..

Putting Pen to Paper, or Finger to the Keyboard.

Well by the time I finish writing this sentence I will have written around 480 words already. Not bad for starting to write this essay with no plan or subject in mind other than writing randomly. It proves the point that you can always sit down and write something, inspiration or not. You just have to put your finger to the keyboard or pen to paper and start to write.

What you churn out may be a heap of rubbish that ends up in the trash can (either real or on your virtual desk top), and then again it may turn into the best original piece of writing you have ever done. You never know! It is better to write something, anything, than nothing at all. That sounds like a quote about love doesn't it?

“Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.”

— ― Mark Twain

My usual desk (yes it is a donut cushion..it came with the antique chair and is too comfortable to get rid of :)

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What is Freedom?

Have you ever stopped to think about what true freedom is in writing? I mean, writing, along with other arts like painting, drawing, dance, sculpture etc. is an ultimate form of expression. If you just write to express your thoughts and for your own pleasure, or in the form of a journal or diary, you can write anything you wish without worrying about the opinions of others, spelling, grammar and punctuation. This is true freedom of writing.

When you start to take writing seriously and put your words out there for others to see you lose some of that freedom. Especially if you want to be taken seriously as a writer, or even make it your career. When you begin to write online, for magazines, publications, and even newspapers you have to exercise restraint and control. You need to use tools like spell check, write drafts and check and recheck your work before publishing it.

If you don't do this your work will not be published, or if it is you will probably attract a barrage of criticism as to the quality of your writing. Freedom of expression is still there, but there are now constraints put on it. There are lots of tools out there to help make writing easier and more polished but in using them some of the purity and spontaneity are lost.

My friend Missy suggested after reading my "Ode to Miss Muffet" poem (a parody on the ability of spell check to pick up on incorrectly used words) that I try writing a random poem totally without the use of spell check and without correcting any errors myself and believe me, I am tempted. The trouble with that for me is that some of the keys on my keyboard tend to stick, especially the 's' and 'l' keys for some reason, which results in some words missing those letters. or in the case of "s" being typed twice.

The second problem is the new "editbot' that has been introduced at Hub Pages. If I attempted to write such a poem my article would be covered in "editbot" corrections. So Missy, thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately I can't really do that. I will do a rough draft on paper though just for my record. You are welcome to come to check it out :)

• I just wrote the "Poem for Cyrus" without a rough draft and ignoring spell check Missy, but I think it turned out OK. I just added a couple of words to the spell-check dictionary.

Cracking 1000 Words

I just checked the word count on this piece and I am already over 1000, so I seem to be on a roll. Once I start writing some strange supernatural force takes over and I just can't stop...well, I can, but I have to actually force myself.

Writing randomly like this is quite invigorating and really so much fun. Not having to research the information, spend hours searching for suitable images and photos online etc. It certainly is my preferred form of writing.

The fact that this essay may be of some help to others in how they approach writing is a bonus but it wasn't really the original aim. That being said I like everything I write to have some value or message, even if it doesn't have rhyme or reason (I may have to change that statement though if I decide to add a poem to this. Then again it could be free verse and not rhyme.)

“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”

— ― Toni Morrison

Ticking All the Boxes

My sights are now on the goal of writing 1250 words and I am on the downhill run with less than eighty to go. My eye is on the finish line, but then nothing says I have to stop there does it? If I want I can write 2000 or 3000 words. Who's going to stop me? Wow, the adrenalin rush! It's like riding a bike downhill at breakneck speed, the wind rushing through your hair, and then realizing you have no brakes! Well, bring it on. (1252 and counting)

Now the question is, do I try to tick all the other boxes for photos, videos, polls etc...hmm. I usually decide to prostitute myself and include these just to try and make my hubs "evergreen" and more attractive. If you are reading this you will already know what I decided. I will at least include a few pics I have taken myself, but I haven't decided on the rest yet.

I often add all the bells and whistles to my poetry pieces in particular to bring them closer to HubPages preferred standard, but some other poets have made me question this, saying that good poetry should be able to stand on its own merits. They do have a point and it's a choice we poets all have to make as individuals.. "To bow or not to bow, that is the question."

Here's a random video, but I like the song.

Finally, If You Are Stuck for Words

I'd like to finish up with a little advice if all else fails and you are still stuck for words:

Step away from your computer. It doesn't matter what time of day or night it is. Just walk outside, take a deep breath of air (unless you live in Beijing, Mexico City etc where that may be harmful), and experience nature, or street life if you live in the inner city. Or you could even try skydiving like my son :)

Observe everything around you, the stars, landscape, streetlights, traffic, people etc. Give it a good half hour, then walk back inside and return to your computer. I am sure you will feel differently and there is a good chance you will suddenly be inspired to write something, and guess what? I can't wait to read it, whatever it may be. (total word count: 1930)

© 2015 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on January 13, 2016:

Thank you for reading another of my hubs Francia. HubPages is a very large community and I am constantly coming across other hubbers whose work I have not had the pleasure of reading before. It is often only by seeing a comment in forums or on a hub of someone you follow that appeals, that you discover them. I appreciate your kind words.

franciaonline from Philippines on January 13, 2016:

Being brought to your hubs by your comment on my hub was something to be thankful for. Now I am reading another hub of yours and I am enjoying the moment. Really good writing style Jodah! I like your grandson's photo, your garden and your son's skydiving.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on January 04, 2016:

Hi Geri, I am glad you found this hub. It was one that I really enjoyed writing and was hopeful would provide some inspiration to others. I for one am always trying to extend my writing and try something different. I guess I get bored easily doing the same things. Thanks for the kind comment about my family, area I live and congratulations on the birth of my grandson too. Once upon a time I would not write about or include photos of my family but I found it helps readers really connect with you and treat you as a friend, so now I do it regularly. Hope you have a great New Year.

Geri McClymont on January 04, 2016:

Jodah, I just came across this article of yours and was quite hooked from beginning to end. So often we feel like we have to "write inside the box," but you have demonstrated here that you can engage readers by doing otherwise. This is a great challenge as well as inspiration for us, or at least most definitely for me. I loved all the photos you included of your yard and family -- they added so much value to your content. You live in a beautiful area and congratulations on your most recent grandson!

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on December 30, 2015:

Thank you for reading Swalia, and glad you liked the closing advice. Happy New Year.

Shaloo Walia from India on December 30, 2015:

I really liked the concluding advice in this hub. It generally works!

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on November 11, 2015:

Mary, thank you for those lovely words. Once upon a time I wouldn't have shared very much about my family and personal life but as I began to make friends here I realised "why not?" And people do seem to like to read personal stories and get to know you more. Yes Cyrus certainly does have a good head of hair. I think that is the Filipino influence there. Cheers.

Mary Craig from New York on November 11, 2015:

Your writer's voice is our joy to behold. This 'spontaneous' hub is filled with helpful information, interesting facts, a great poem, cool pictures, and a new grandson. It's epic!

Every time we let the outside world into our mind we share a piece of ourselves and become that much more dear to our readers. You've certainly done that here.

Congratulations on grandson number two! He is adorable and oh, what a head of hair.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 22, 2015:

Lawrence, I write some of both, but enjoy the "off the cuff" ones most. Thanks for reading and voting.

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on October 22, 2015:

John

Got to admit, I like research. I love to research my hubs, but occasionally one just 'flies onto the screen' so I ticked the 'occasionally off the cuff' but I've no idea when the next will strike!

Lawrence

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 12, 2015:

Ann, I really appreciate this wonderful comment. Thanks for confirming my suggestion just beginning to write anything can lead to the story or article just taking over and producing something great. Glad you liked those quotes and the Keating song, and Cyrus' name too.

Ann Carr from SW England on October 12, 2015:

What a great hub this is, especially as it's 'off the cuff'. Even with an idea in my head, I do sometimes find that if I just write then the story takes over and surprises me. Writing something, no matter what, each day is great advice though.

Love the Hemingway and Twain quotes and that Ronan Keating song is lovely. Beautiful poem and congratulations to all on the birth of Cyrus. I like that name.

Sharing.

Ann

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 11, 2015:

Good to see you Eric. When I think real hard my head hurts. Writing off the cuff seems to be more satisfying and thankfully the words usually make some sort of sense because they are coming from the heart and not contrived. Glad you get some insight into my thoughts from my writing. Thanks again.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on October 11, 2015:

A wonderful insightful piece. I just noticed that when people think real hard about what they write it is hard to tell what they think. When they write on like this you get a better look at their thoughts. I like where your head is at.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 09, 2015:

Haha Kim, always happy to teach someone a new word. You had me wondering at first what that word may be..but then I saw "whoopsy doo".. and realised. I am honored that you have adopted it as your new happy word. Yes Cyrus Jax certainly has a good head of hair on him :) possibly because his mom is Filipino. Thank you for all the kind words.

ocfireflies from North Carolina on October 09, 2015:

John,

As one of your many fans, hopefully you know by now you never disappoint me. I love everything about this hub, but besides the adorable poem and pic of your grandson (what a head of hair-smiles), you introduced me to a new word. That's right: a word that I know has become my happy word for every time I say it, I can't help but smile: 'whoopsy doo."

Congratulations on your new edition (love his name) and Thank You for Being You!

Kim

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 08, 2015:

Thank you for reading this hub Smilealot. Glad to hear that this may actually be of help to you, Thanks also for the congratulations on the birth of my grandson. I am sure he will provide further inspiration.

Smilealot on October 08, 2015:

Lacking inspiration to write is really frustrating, this article will be very useful to a lot of writers. I particularly like the freedom writing exercise that you described, I intend to give that a go. Congratulations on the birth of your grandson John, you must be very proud. I loved the poem you wrote for him, I'm sure he will provide the inspiration to write many more:-))

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 07, 2015:

Thanks for reading Brian, glad you found these suggestions helpful. thanks for haring what inspires you, and yes, studying at the Writers Studio would be a big help.

B Brian Hill on October 07, 2015:

Great job starting with a seed and growing a tree! Some great suggestions here. I am often inspired by great poets, great stories, and things that pop into my head in the shower, or any time I don't have my notebook or recorder. Of course, studying at the Writers Studio helps, too.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 06, 2015:

What was that Flourish.."He takes after his grandpa"? lol Thank you for reading and the congratulations.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 06, 2015:

Hi Larry, I know the feeling. i hope this helps somewhat. I can feel another of your comedy hubs coming on :) (hint)

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 06, 2015:

Hi Deb, yes a lot of my recent hubs seem to be created that way. Cheers.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 06, 2015:

Hi Jackie, yes it seems most of most my recent hubs have been totally unplanned and just develope from some random thought that pops into my head. At times like this when even a concrete idea seems to allude me I just start writing and see what developes...voila this hub. I was quite pleased with the result though. Thanks for reading.

Elaina Baker from USA on October 06, 2015:

What a beautiful child! Congratulations on your new addition! And good luck with that muse.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on October 06, 2015:

I enjoyed this John and you know I think some of my favorite writing is just letting the words flow. Now when it comes to running out of words I have no idea what you are talking about; it honestly never happens to me, but then I have only been writing for about five years now so maybe that is why!

Beautiful grandson, melts our hearts, doesn't it? So precious and may he and grandpa have great health and long life!

Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on October 06, 2015:

I am currently going through an epic case of writer's block. Thanks for sharing this.

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on October 06, 2015:

Of the cuff spontaneity is sometimes the best thing. You did it!

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 06, 2015:

Chitrangada, what a lovely comment. Thank you for your support, well wishes and compliments on my hub. I am fortunate to have that view from the window, and Cyrus Jax is just getting cuter.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on October 06, 2015:

This was an absolutely beautiful read! First of all let me congratulate you and your family on the arrival of your grandson. He is so cute! Thanks for sharing the happy news.

As usual your hub is a complete package--engrossing writing, lovely pictures, beautiful poem and so on.

I loved your writing space and the view from your window is fascinating.

Thank you!

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 05, 2015:

Shauna, what a lovely comment. Thank you! I just realise I replied to your comment about the poem on my reply to Nell...ok here it is again;

"I sent the poem to my son on Facebook. They are getting it printed up to put on the boy's bedroom wall and also he and his wife are getting it tattooed on themselves (they love tattoos)..which I think is an honour."

I try to make my writing unpredictable and entertaining. I could never stick to a niche, I would bore myself. If I write anything that seems boring to me..it goes in the bin. If I don't find it interesting, no one else will. Your comment helped confirm I am successful at what I am trying to achieve, so thanks again.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 05, 2015:

Good to see you Nell. Glad you had a nice relax while you were reading this. I know I sometimes look at the length of certain hubs and think I just don't have time now, maybe I'l come back later and give it a read. Anyway, yes the kangaroos are great...they seem to be coming closer in every day. They'll be in the house soon :)

I sent the poem to my son on Facebook. They are getting it printed up to put on the boy's bedroom wall and also he and his wife are getting it tattooed on themselves (they love tattoos)..which I think is an honour.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on October 05, 2015:

This was a joy to read, John. It's like being inside your head listening to your thoughts. I love the photos, too. And your poem - well, let's just say it's a treasure celebrating the birth of your newest grandson. Be sure to save it for him.

For what it's worth, I always look forward to your posts. I never know quite what to expect and I love that about you. You're a diverse writer who never bores and is never predictable.

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on October 05, 2015:

I love the way you can see kangaroo's outside your window! how awesome! and congrats on the new baby too! I do write off the cuff so to speak sometimes and yes I totally enjoy it too, and this was great, I put my feet up, got a cuppa and got stuck in, great reading! lol!

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 04, 2015:

Vglad yo enjoyed the ride Hari. I also agree with your comments that reading other's hubs can in fact be a way of finding your muse and/or inspiration.

Hari Prasad S from Bangalore on October 04, 2015:

This hub was a fun ride. I enjoyed every thing from the suggestions to the photos. It is nice to know the surroundings one lives with.

Sometimes i have felt that reading others hubs help in getting back your muse. I have many a times done that.

- Hari

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 04, 2015:

Thank you so much Devika. Yes it is a beautiful place, glad you enjoyed this and thanks for tweeting.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on October 04, 2015:

Wow! An amazing write up here. I like the photos. A positive mind surely brings you the best out of life. A beautiful place! I Tweeted.

John Hansen (author) from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 03, 2015:

Great to see you Faith. Yes you may be write if any one thing did inspire this hub it was probably Spring, and then the birth of Cyrus Jax.

I may just write some humorous hubs over this period..time will tell.

So glad you enjoyed the poem and photos here. I also look forward to reading your new hubs when they are finished.

Peace and Blessings back.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on October 03, 2015:

Hi John,

I love your freedom writing hub here! It seems you were/are inspired by Spring and all that it entails with the new birth of flowers, plants and the wonderful Australian critters there coming out to enjoy the new foliage, and the blessings of a precious new little life. Your poem is delightful and precious.

Maybe being alone for six weeks, will inspire more hubs of amusement ...i.e., when the wife's away, this is how John plays : ) I'm being silly now.

The view from your front window is lovely and I enjoyed all of your personal photos here too.

I do have many hubs in the works, but just need to finish them up ...I think I think too long and hard on mine, hence losing that wonderful freedom feeling.