Of Broccoli and Chocolate

Inspiration. We all have it. Whether we write books, paint figures, or arrange numbers into balanced rows of black and red; someone, something, or some ethereal force struck against us and sparked a flame. Elizabeth Gilbert talks about her muse, not as an origins story, but as an inner voice piloting her from project to project. Okay, I'm oversimplifying her words just a bit, but for my purposes, this version will lead you through the hanging jungle of Rob-thoughts without dangerous distraction.

Distraction is the serial killer—murdering many one-offs as well. 

Four out of five creative spirits agree: for every amazing inspiration, there's an even better distraction awaiting fruition. The fifth spirit? He's chasing the siren swell of his other voice—a new genius; he can't be bothered with silly questions about inspiration. 

So what keeps the creative spirit tethered? After our initial "AHA!" moment, what stokes the fire, inks the pen and brings us back to the well until mission accomplished?

For me, it's two things:

1. Responsibility.  I'm sharing a vision that no one can see until my work is complete.
2. Surprise. Even though I've plotted the path, every day characters still bring something new. 

Responsibility is the job; surprise is the calling.

It's broccoli and chocolate and most of us hate vegetables. That's why we're so easily distracted in air a waft with sweet scents. Only an altruistic creator can foster life from responsibility. I'm not that good. Yes, responsibility is one of my return reasons, but it's only the tug on my guilt strings; those ties can always be cut when sweet will is weak.

Surprise. That's what keeps me tethered and grounded. It's finding something new. It's seeing how things turn out. Its when Hypnomatons corner Michael on Inspiration Point, and not knowing how he escapes, despite the three page outline I already wrote. That's my chocolate for writing all the in-between broccoli.

But that's me. We all answer our own call. What's your broccoli? Your chocolate? What inspires passion in you and draws you back day after day to do what you do?