Let's all get inspired!

I'm currently locked in my editing hole. Things have been going well for the most part, but there have been a few meltdowns. Nine or fifteen. Who's counting? Not me.

But this got me thinking. Everyone has their own way of drafting and editing, so it figures that everyone has their own way of coping with the rough patches.

Now I'm not just talking about the hip flasks you hide in your pyjama pocket or the emergency chocolate bar you have taped to the underside of your desk. I'm talking about what you hit a wall and you have no idea what to do.

Some people probably make lists. Some might record themselves as they ponder their story. Others might have very dramatic breakdowns on Twitter.

Cough.

So what's my coping mechanism? Post-it notes.

Exhibit A: my editing hole as it appears today.

The first thing you're probably thinking is, Wow, that's a lot of crap. The second thought might be, Dude, what's on the Post-its?

My answers would be: I know, and lots of things.

Some of them state things I should know, but sometimes forget. Such as JUST WRITE! and YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE! (Exclamation points are essential to Post-it note writing!)

Others contain ideas that I'm meant to be working on, like specific changes I'm making to this draft. I also have my character cards stuck up and some notes are on basic editing advice. Also, there's one that say, It's a mad world, but I can't remember why I put it that up.

But, for the most part, the Post-it notes contain quotes or inspirational advice. Examples include:

Failure is the condiment that gives success it's flavor. -- Truman Capote

If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster. -- Isaac Asimov

Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint on broken glass. -- Anton Chekhov

I don't know what it is about inspirational quotes, but whenever I'm having a mild panic attack, they always soothe me. Plus, you look intellectual if you can quote dead people.

(Interesting side-note: I have different quotes up depending on the project I'm working on.)

(Sorry if that interesting side-note wasn't actually interesting.)

Also, if you've popped over here before, you'll know I have a deep and all-consuming passion for visual stimulation. This means that I have a rather extraordinary collection of quotes and inspiring/ridiculous advice saved on my computer. I thought I'd share some with you in the hope they might reach you in your writing cave/editing hole and touch your heart.

Or not. Because that would be weird.

And if all else fails, I always fall back on this sound advice:

Hoe do YOU survive your crazy writing meltdowns?