Coffee Novelist

“Why don’t you write about meadows or something?” Asked the Headmaster, played by Stephen Fry.

“I‘ve never seen a meadow,” Replies the student, played by Hugh Laurie.

“What do you think the imagination is for?” Responds the Headmaster.

 

What do you think the imagination is for?

 

 

I was reading a post on writing historical fiction when I came across the line, if you can do research and have a good imagination then you can write historical fiction. That is true. But I would replace historical fiction with any damn thing you want.

I remember telling myself that I was having fun doing research and reading books and articles for The Trier goes to London. Sure, I like reading and drinking coffee. And drinking coffee while reading. However, I’ve done those things will filling out Income Tax or FAFSA forms and renewing my driver’s license. The other night, while watching the Fry and Laurie skit for the 43rd time, it occurred to me why writing TGL was fun.

It was fun because I was using my imagination! Yes, it was not stuck in closet somewhere in cardboard box next to my 8th grade report card. I was using my imagination and having a blast! Making up stories, creating characters, and having fun things happen to them. All in a world I imagined! I was making it up as I went along.

Unpack the imagination

Maybe that last line scares adults. When we make stuff up as we go along in our adult lives, things do not usually go well.  It is fine to make up a world, set the rules of that world, stick in on your laptop and sign off when things aren’t going so well. You can always pick up again tomorrow and try again. I am sure that is the appeal of writing- the imbedded belief that you are in control of something for a change. Even when creating your own world. However, I wonder if that is true?

The freedom lies not in gaining control, but in releasing the illusion that universe, or anyone in it, is taking any notice of us at all. There is great joy in acceptance, in not trying to be the smartest person in the room, in not writing a book, but letting yourself imagine one.

 

It is a lot more fun to imagine than to write

 

Why? Because writing can be as difficult as you make it. One hears a lot about how hard it is. Yet, I feel like a lot of that is the writer telling the world that they are wonderful, courageous and brilliant for doing something so challenging. Hey! Look at me, I’m a hard-working adult suffering to produce a novel. One’s imagination is more likely to draw something like a fish carrying briefcase, and just keep going with that, see where that leads, not accepting, rejecting or judging. Not seeking to separate via the ego.

The imagination is a less stressful place to be, and a wonderful place to be when you are using your mental energy to write. It can be coffeehouse in London in sixteen seventy-five, a meadow or anywhere you want it to be. And you can get there anyway you like, at any time, along whatever path you care to take.