In a previous life I was an auto damage adjuster for Geico. I once had a fellow adjuster ask me to get some photos of a recovered stolen vehicle that was at the junk yard I was heading to. I snapped the required images and when I got to the back of the car to get those pics, I about wet myself. The rear window had one of those stickers that reads: “Drive It Like You Stole It.” Pegged my irony scale it did. I sure wish I had emailed that puppy to myself so I could post it with this article.
I’m not sure why this crossed my brain today but it did, so here we are.
Think about how it is a car thief drives the ride. Not having any *official* experience I can only guess, but I bet they don’t use turn signals too much. I’d also be willing to wager they only follow the rules of the road enough to get them from point A to point B without getting pulled over by the cops.
In a lot of ways, I think the best kind of writing happens this way. I know that when I’ve been inspired, the adrenaline kicks in a bit. I rip out the turn indicator and rear view mirror and toss them on the side of the highway. Don’t get in my way ’cause I’m on a mission and I’m treating the ride like it don’t belong to me. The rules of the road matter little and I’m crusin’ with no particular destination in mind.
I think that some folks don’t take up writing or get stuck in traffic because they’re too concerned with playing by the rules. Think about some of the best writing you’ve read. Did those writers follow all of the rules all of the time? Chances are they did not. Way back in the late 1970′s what attracted me to Stephen King was not the gore, the horror or even necessarily the stories. It was how he wrote. How he interjected things and it did not conform to anything I had ever seen. I’m reading a book right now that I just love. It’s called Percival’s Planet: A Novel
I’m encouraging you as a writer to write it like you stole it. Break a few rules and drive way over the speed limit on the Pacific Coast Highway, top down, wind in your hair, salt air permeating your nose and drying on your skin. Fly past Point Mugu and wave at the whales.
Atta boy! Magnificent!
I love this post. Or, maybe it’s just best I leave it at this:
SHAKA THAT, MR. G!
(I know this will sound cliche, but this is just what I needed today. Right on the money!)
~xo
Lori´s last [type] ..A Tuesday Tour of Greats- Naturalist Photography- Christopher Foster- and The War of Art
Hello Ms Lori!
I’m so glad this was the needed tonic for ya. Now get out there and start thievin’!
George
Dang, big-time writer’s envy!! I wish I’d written this zippy little piece. But I felt so good while I was reading it, I guess I’ll forgive you, George ;~)
This is definitely on my list of Tumblemoose classic posts. Very helpful too. I need to write an article this afternoon. Gonna reread this first and then write like Grand Theft Auto. Yah!!
Right on, Milli. Git on wi yo bad self.
Thanks and I’m pretty happy with it as well. Passion = speed for sure. Wrote it stem to stern in under 20 minutes. It just flowed!
George
Nice analogy! I always like to think that when I’m in the zone writing-wise, I simply cast my mind to the Universe and what the Universe says in response. Often, it’s far more insightful than just plain commonplace thinking!
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last [type] ..Daring To Be Outrageously Different – Part 1 of The Job Seekers Power Advantage
Hi Barbara,
Nice seeing you here. I’ve found that unshackling whilst I write often gives me the best results as well.
George
Now you’re talkin, Mister Anguish!
Outrun the lit police!
Give thy finger to the nattering nabobs of normal!
And then torch that jacked Camaro with every reject letter that ever was!
Yours in sin,
Church Lady
Hey Wayne,
Glad to see you’re having as much fun commenting on the things as I had writing it!
George
Wayne & George,
You guys crack me up!
Between reading you two and getting a lovely ‘at a girl message from a new editor, I’m off to dreamland with a smile stretched ear to ear.
Remind me later to buy (or steal) you two a nice steak dinner.
Sandi Johnson´s last [type] ..Hey Spammers…Kiss My Ass
Sandi,
Yukkin’ it up with the Waynester is one of my favorite things to do!
Yay for your attagal! Can never have too many of those and I’m certain it is well deserved!
G
I’m off to do just as you suggest.
Cheers!
HI G!,
Firstly, I dont know when you changed your header..but it looks amazing and welcoming. I feel like I’m sitting in your living room right
And the analogy of the “like you stole it” is super duper motivating! I feel like finishing my book in one sitting…
Love your energy as always G!
Much Love,
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last [type] ..KNOW Your True Self Series Knowing amp Honing Your Passions3
Hi Zeenat,
Well, thanks, and I guess that was the general idea – to make folks feel comfortable!
Nice to see you here and I’ll try to not be such a stranger
I’m so late getting here. But I absolutely love this, George. You rock! I hope you are, right this second, writing like a MF.
j´s last [type] ..When It’s Not A Blog Post
Marvy, J!
Thanks for dropping by and it definitely was NOT a party until you showed up.
And I saw all those sneaky RT’s over on Twitter ya cutie. Big smooches to ya!
George