Flights of Fancy
Though not exactly the same words, this
thought was one of my daily horoscope readings. It stayed with me, because
while I'm not a classic flighty person, I do occasionally drift into flights of
fantasy.The dictionary has numerous meanings for "flighty."
1. Given to capricious or unstable behavior
2. Easily excited
3. Characterized by irresponsible or silly behavior.
None of these suited or pleased me. All are somewhat derogatory. I am none of those.
The Century Dictionary gave me this interpretation:
1. Indulging in flights or sallies of imagination, humor, caprice, etc.
2. Given to disordered fancies and extravagant conduct.
3. Volatile.
4. Giddy.
5. Fickle.
6. Slight delirious.
7. Wandering in mind
I appreciate this group of definitions much better, especially "wandering in mind." This seems to be a common condition of those who write fiction--maybe non-fiction, too. My husband has brought me back to earth often by speaking a little more loudly to get my attention. Yes, he knows my mind has wandered off into some unknown realm, but he doesn't understand that I'm in deep, creative thought. It only appears that I've become addle-brained.
The second good definition is "indulging in flights or sallies of imagination."
Don't we who are authors consider this an absolute necessity to write fiction?
Where do we get our ideas? Books, movies, images, people, places, dreams, and even news headlines. Any one of those might set me off into the wild blue yonder, imagining the beginning of a story or creation of a character.
What attributes do we need to be good storytellers? Passion, patience, a thick skin, ambition--and perhaps an occasional bout of flighty behavior.
At least, I don't think it would hurt.
Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
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Celia, I loved this blog. As a person who is often accused of living in my head, I think I may fit the definitions quite well! I can' remember a time in my life when I didn't spend a lot of time in my head with imaginary people. As an only child, I was never lonely due to this.
ReplyDeleteFlighty does have a negative connotation, but I would never argue that I have bits of flightiness here and there. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat does a writer need? A supporting job with a paycheck! Okay, other than that, definitely time alone where we don't have to explain why we're staring out the window with expressions flashing across our faces.
Celia, I don't think of myself as flighty, but my imagination does take flight. Isn't that true for all writers? My husband has become used to me staring off in space and then making a comment about my current book's plot. Thanks heavens he is supportive of my writing and not critical!
ReplyDeleteLinda--I can believe you "living in your head," but no way can I see you as capricious or flighty. You're very calm and dedicated to your work. Your only flighty attribute is the "wandering in your head" business! And don't we all fit that.
ReplyDeleteI was never lonely because my little sister and I were constant companions-until later in life.I cannot imagine what it would be like to be an only child.
Thank you for visiting.
LK--flight is negative. I've never been considered such--always very levelheadded and calm. I know you must have some flightiness to write as much as you do, but it certainly doesn't show. All I see is a very professional woman working toward her goal--never capricious!
ReplyDeleteCaroline--is someone who calls herself a writer but claims she is not flighty at all, but very grounded, then I would question her ability. With you--of course your imagination takes flight and you stare into space! You're a first-class writer!
ReplyDeleteI seem to go into flights of fancy all the time because, as you say, my creative juices are flowing. Luckily friends and family for the most part understand where I go during these times. Sort of feeling sorry for those who have no place to wander off and play in.
ReplyDeletePaisley--you have a point. We're lucky, aren't we, that we can wander off into our minds. Thanks for you input.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post. I was the youngest one in the family. Two of my sisters were 21 and 19 when I was born. A brother was 15 and another sister Carolyn was almost 10 so I was raised by myself after she left home. I developed an imagination and pretended I was all sorts of characters growing up. LOL Mostly heroines from the Old West - my dad and mom watched Maverick, Bonanza and Wagon Train.
ReplyDeleteYou always have the most fun and amazing blog posts. I bet your hubby gets a kick out of his flighty and imaginative wife.
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Flights of fancy, day dreaming, wool gathering or whatever you want to call it, I love doing it. I spent much of my time day dreaming as a child. I have notes from teachers to testify to my beloved past time. LOL Maybe it is a trademark of a writer to allow their minds to wonder. I read a bumper sticker once that read, "All who wonder are not lost."
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog and I love the cover of your most recent release.
I thank God daily for my flighty moments, well except for when I find my car keys in the refrigerator. But flighty is inspirational - it throws you instantly into a what-if situation that is at once terrifying and exhilerating.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, I was riding with my sister the other day and she said there was a bad turn coming up. It is hard to turn left out of this lot, but its not impossible. We had a discussion about it, and come to find out she only makes right turns. Who'd a thunk you could do that?
Yes, we must be flighty--or wander in our head--once in a while to move into that make-believe world. Funny about your sister--I only want to pull into straight or diagonal parking spaces that are on my left. If I'm going between two rows or parked cars looking for an empty space, I'll pass up 3 closer ones to the store to find one farther down on the left. I can get into one of those straight every time--but turning into one on my right--I'll be crooked every time and have to back up and straighten the car.
ReplyDelete