I’ve been absolutely slammed with activity the last couple of weeks and it doesn’t look like it’s letting up until maybe another week down the road.
I was running errands on Monday when I remembered my son had asked me to pick up some nonfiction books for a paper he’s writing on typhoid and the American Civil War, so I made a detour into the library.
I pulled out a bunch of books and was about to check them out and scurry off again for more errands when I noticed how peaceful the library was. It was about 11:00 in the morning and there were only adults quietly reading or researching on the second floor of the Morrison Library. I pulled out my notebook from my pocketbook and took a seat.
And just like that (and I’m not a sentimental person) but the craziness of the past week melted away and I felt complete joy.
The funny thing is that I can’t really explain why writing is so enjoyable. It’s almost like I’m a kid again—pretending. That was fun, too. Except that, as a grown-up, you can’t actively go around making things up and pretending….unless you’re a writer. Then it’s allowed—and encouraged.
Sometimes, the writing isn’t as fun. Sometimes the deadlines and the promo and the worry over the story make me forget the fun. Sometimes writing is tedious. Sometimes I’m scared to death that the ideas won’t come as obligingly as they always have. Sometimes I look at my publishing contracts and think that I’m just a business person after all, and not a creative person.
To forget the bad parts, when I feel that surge of—well, it’s almost an endorphin rush of elation, I remember it. I hold onto it. Ultimately, the reason I keep on writing is my love of writing. The left-brained part of the equation is a more calculated plan involving the readers and what the readers would enjoy reading. That’s important, too. But it’s my love of writing that keeps me going.
The headlines have been rough lately for writers—bookstores closing, confusing choices to make, a changing future for books. What I keep going back to is the writing itself.
Because even a bad day writing is better than a good day spent doing most other things.
What keeps you writing?
Elizabeth – I know exactly and precisely what you mean!! Yes, the stress and pace and so on of writing can be difficult. But there is joy in it. For me, it’s the real pleasure of weaving a story and sharing it. It’s coming up with ideas for characters and events and sometimes, watching as they take on lives of their own and do what they want. I like your word “pretending” because I think there’s an element of that in it, too.
I think it’s the love of the craft, and that amazing emotional connection we get when writing that keeps us going.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I too know exactly what you mean! We writers are like Peter Pan in this Wendy World. It’s those times when we let go of this world and just fly that we feel most alive. Our writing and our imagination is our connection with other worlds that “normal people” have no idea exists. “I don’t want to grow up! Do you?”
Thanks, Elizabeth, for the reminder. All that bad news about the publishing industry can be depressing and take the fun out of it.
I was in the zone last night, too–I think maybe the collective funk that has been hovering has finally receded (at least that’s what I hope). I love it when I can just sort of let go and GO… yes… just a joy from writing…
Margot–Some days I don’t even feel like an adult when I’m writing. :) It’s just a wonderful creative escape.
cygnetbrown–It’s so NICE to keep that imagination and creativity alive! I just can’t imagine life without it.
K.B–It can be easy to forget the good parts. I have to really remind myself, too.
Hart–I hope that writing setback is done now, for good, and you’ve got smooth sailing ahead. :)
Terry–So true. I think of all the times that I actually laugh out loud when I’m writing–and talk to myself. I have to really watch it when I’m writing in a public place!
I also agree with you, Elizabeth, and what everyone else has mentioned. And, I especially like how cygnetbrown put it: “I don’t want to grow up!”
I’ve actually missed writing lately since I’ve been in the editing zone, and I cannot wait to get back to it!
Sharon :)
http://color-me-read.blogspot.com/
At least with a bad day of writing, I accomplish SOMETHING!
I’m so glad you were reenergized! I often fret and worry and put things off, but once I force myself to sit down with my notebook or go to the coffee shop or library to write, it helps me to rediscover what I love about writing and whatever piece I’m working on. Just taking the time for myself, valuing my work, is hugely beneficial to the process.
Sharon–Editing is just not the same, is it? I’m with you on that!
Alex–So true! Even if it results in some editing later on–I made progress at least!
Bluestocking–Such a good point. Because everything else can *seem* so much more important–the errands, the housework, the phone calls…but we have to value our writing enough to stop everything and *do* it.
I find writing relaxing because I can join my story people and act almost as an observer of their activities. This takes my mind off the complexities of my own life.
I’m going to label myself a possible lunatic here, but somehow, my mood swings* are easier to handle when I write.
Friends have commented that I’m more relaxed and sound happier even when I’m freelance writing on deadline. Writing’s just the ideal job for my personality, I guess.
*A note on the mood swings… I have a hormonal disorder. The body system that makes and regulates your hormones? Mine can’t regulate itself.
A need – and a passion for the subject matter – has spurred me to start writing again.
I write, therefore I am. Not sure what keeps me going. Probably the fatc that I have to sneak away to do it. Maybe if I had a lot of free time I wouldn’t be so motivated.
Carradee–You know, I think most writers are moody. At least, the ones I know personally are…and I am. It may go with the territory.
Diane–I’m so glad to hear that! I was hoping you’d return to it. :)
nancycurteman–Good point. It gets us involved in something other than our own problems and stresses.
Stephen–Oh definitely! If you have to sneak away to do it, the writing becomes a lot more precious in the process!
I write for several reasons, but pretending is probably also very central to me. I know that one thing I enjoy very much is having my characters lie, cheat, play truant, commit all kinds of crimes – all those things I don´t do myself :D
I am absolutely sure I wouldn´t enjoy BEING one of my characters, but creating them is fun! – also because I am in charge of which consequences their flaws will have.
Dorte–We torture our characters too much to want to be them! :)