Why writing a novel is like long-distance running

Sign at Cass Art, High Street Kensington, London.

On the flight from London to Dusseldorf last Friday night, I read novelist Haruki Murakami's book "What I Talk about When I Talk about Running." Murakami believes the focus, physical endurance and patience required in long-distance running are the same qualities needed in writing a novel.

Now in the thick of my own novel - along with rewrites and fierce deadlines - I don't disagree with Murakami's philosophy. Years ago I was a runner; these days, I prefer to walk or ride a bike around the perimeter of Hippodrome de Longchamp. Until I began working seriously on a novel, I didn't grasp how closely physical exercise is linked to one's mental and creative abilities. These days I find the task at hand can seem overwhelming - consequently my writing suffers - if time constraints force me to skip physical exercise. Spending hours and hours at the computer for days on end isn't necessarily productive. A mind-body connection is required for the stamina to keep going. One's best ideas and inspiration may come when away from the desk: movement and a change of scene allow fresh perspective.

Murakami writes:

"...Writing novels, to me, is basically a kind of manual labor. Writing itself is mental labor, but finishing an entire book is closer to manual labor. It doesn't involve heavy lifting, running fast or leaping high. Most people, though, only see the surface reality of writing and think of writers as involved in quiet, intellectual work done in their study...But once you try your hand at it, you soon find that it isn't as peaceful a job as it seems. The whole process - sitting at your desk, focusing your mind like a laser beam, imagining something out of a blank horizon, creating a story, selecting the right words, one by one, keeping the whole flow of the story on track - requires far more energy, over a long period, than most people ever imagine. You might not move your body around, but there's grueling, dynamic labor going on inside you.

"...A writer puts on an outfit called narrative and thinks with his entire being; and for the novelist that process requires putting into play all your physical reserve, often to the point of overexertion.

"Most of what I know about writing I've learned through running every day. These are practical, physical lessons. How much can I push myself? How much rest is appropriate - and how much is too much? How far can I take something and still keep it...consistent? ... How much should I be aware of the world outside and how much should I focus on my inner world? To what extent should I be confident in my abilities and when should I start doubting myself? I know that if I hadn't become a long-distance runner when I became a novelist, my work would have been vastly different.

"...People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any length to live longer. But I don't think that's the reason most people run. Most run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive than in a fog and I believe running helps you do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that's the essence of running and a metaphor for life - and for me, for writing as well."

How do you manage to stay focused, while involved in creating any form of art? Is regular exercise an integral part of your routine?

Comments

[dana]

no balance here right now i'm afraid, though desperately trying to find it again. i seem to have lost my multi-tasking touch.....too much on my mind and plate. But, i find that autumn is the time when i can re-group. Writing is a lover one can become obsessed with and it can lure you away from other loves and responsibilities in life. I'm struggling with this right now and am becoming more and more interested in isolating myself in the world of the written word. not good!

[patry francis]

Just reading Murakami's book made me feel more disciplined and focused. I can't exercise much these days, but I'm grateful for the chance to "exert myself to the fullest" on my laptop.

[Gillian]

I blow the dust off my brain the same way you do, get out out out!!! Walking is my favourite.
The dog is my excuse to go. She needs to walk!! So do I.
I feel terrible if I don't move. I must get out. When I don't I am not productive.
I agree that getting out gives you a fresh perspective.
You are smart to balance like that. You are inspiring me!!
Good luck with your deadlines.
xo

[Barbara]

HI. I discovered your space during a visit to Maddie Mulvaney's blog, and I love what you do. Living in GA I wish I could plaster the town with banners like the one in your most recent photo!!! Anyway ... Having raised my boys I am in the beginning stages of founding my career. I notice that I get so JAZZED about what I am doing that I have to give my body the same consideration I give my mind. It is often beastly hot here so I focus on yoga and walking. Something about the breathing - I always come away with some insight about my projects. Thanks!

[Jeanne Rhea]

I am in a sad state if I cannot create. If I am traveling, have other obligations, or sick and cannot be creative, then all I can think about is applying myself to my work as soon as I can. The longer I go without being able to create, the more desperate I become to get back to the work table. It is a rare thing for me to feel like I need a break from my work or to feel stifled and unable to create. Something is always perking. I have to force myself to take a few minutes every morning to exercise--and by the end of my exercise session, I have another idea to pursue!

[tangobaby]

This is a very interesting question, Tara. There are so many variables (what type of art you create, how much time of your life you can actually spend in creative activity, and how you achieve the insight to be creative, and perhaps even your biological clock).

What I find is that right now, my photography gives me more exercise than even dancing used to because I have to walk a lot to get the pictures I want. And to that end, I don't wish to mess with the photos too much, so my time in front of a computer is going to have some self-imposed limits unless I'm working on a book or making prints. However, writing is another topic. I find that I can only write when I have a definite idea what I want to write about, and that is never predictable for me. It might be in the middle of my workday with people milling about my desk, or at 2am, when an idea wakes me up.

I don't think there is a good and easy answer, just to keep checking inside to see if you are tired, sick or pushing yourself too hard, and then you'll know. Even when we are doing something creative, we run the risk of taking the joy out of our work if we make it become just that...work.

xoxo

[Colette]

I walk, a 3-mile brisk walk around the park in my neighborhood; I dance, I do Hatha yoga. If I don't, I feel sluggish.

As for writing, or artwork, it just sucks me in. I can't explain it. When I was writing my books, I would come home from a full-time job as a magazine features editor, and write well into the night. Every night. Part of it was that I've always loved writing. Most of it was something that just pushed me along demanding to be written.

Clear as mud, eh?

xoxo

[studio wellspring]

absolutely, yes. my mental productivity and creative inspirations are connected to the amount of physical activity i get. dancing, power walking, swimming, pilates, yoga & bicycling all play a part in my over all well being. when i get my heart rate up on a regular basis it keeps energy flowing in my brain too. and i actually feel emotionally better too. physical activity can be addicting for this very reason. a healthy addiction ~ what's not to love about that?!? :o)

[and i think to myself...what a wonderful world]

Tara,

I absolutely love this post. I am a runner and one day hope to be some kind of writer and I love the way that Murakami describes running and writing. When I tell people how much I love and am addicted to running, I am often met with misunderstanding looks. So I find it completely refreshing to know that there are kindred souls out there who understand the highs that can be gained from running and the desire and effort to live fully which drives it.

Although I do enjoy the physical side effects of exercise, more than anything running and exercise have become a necessity for my mental sanity. It gives me focus and clarity and usually more energy and motivation to work towards other goals in my life.

I do sometimes struggle with balance...I tend to push myself harder than my body can go and wear myself out. Running is teaching me more about listening to my body and taking it seriously which I think is an important lesson. And perhaps, I hope, all this learning will one day help me to develop the listening skills I need to hear exactly what it is my mind, body and heart are telling me to do with my life :).

[A Fanciful Twist]

First of all, tons of love for your deadlines xo

Then I have to say... When I am at the computer for a long time working, I start to get this sad feeling. I feel caged in and overwhelemd. And, because I don't feel like putting on my work out clothes and going outside, I have found a new way to help me... (although, sometimes I do just head outside and jump around a bit)

I turn on my Itunes on my computer to a load of fave songs I have downloaded, and I dance for 3 - 4 songs without stopping. I will tell you, the key for me to get that yucky stiffled feeling off my shoulers stems from raising my arms above my head and getting the blood flowing.

So, I agree, the natural adrenaline and such is there waiting for some activity to bring it to life. I think we need movement to carry us on... Now that it is cooler, I am eager to get up and go on my walks in the mornings...

One thing also is that, I think running has this break free moment at about 7 minutes into it. After you get over the initial little pains and getting the breathing in line (as you know since you were a runner). And that break free moment, is where you can release so much, and yes, come to an understanding of what you can handle, how hard to push yourself in the mental and physical realm, while letting go...

Okay, I am going on and on on this topic.. We can chat about it over espresso in Paris one day xoxo

[Di Overton]

I wish you hadn't asked that one - NO! I am lazy in fact I would be too tired to work if I exercised. Happy writing I know your deadline and I am mentally spurring you on every day :)

[materfamilias]

I've been thinking about ordering this book since I read an interview with Murakami several weeks ago, and I think you've convinced me. Right now, though, reading, like running, competes for my time with work -- being balanced and maintaining creative energy is tough, isn't it!

[My Mélange]

Tara,

I suffer from lack of balance in my life. It seems it is always too much of one thing, not enough of another. Lately exercise suffers. In a few months, it will be something else that suffers as I try to refocus on the exercise.

Just wrote a post this week as a matter of fact on Creative Minds. Here you are just proving...they are a blessing and a curse.

xo