I’ve spent a lot of time recently wondering why I’m writing.
It has been a very stressful, busy time and my writing has been shoved aside.
Add to that the fact that I’m working on my query and writing just isn’t fun
anymore. So why do I do it? Why do I still stress over finding time? Why do I
feel as if I’ve lost something when I don’t even want to do it?
Because it’s part of me. It’s who I am.
I can’t stop. But I can change how I write. I’ve made time
for some fun writing. Family history, drafting a new story, notes on meetings
and places I’ve been. This way I don’t feel just the drudgery of query and copy
edits. (If you don’t think finding all the lost commas is drudgery then I don’t
want to know)
I’ve also made time
to read. Reading has saved my sanity. It gives me a bit of time outside the
stress and worry, it helps me relax and realize that there is more to life than
this, and that I don’t want to miss it. It also boosts my desire to write. When
I find a good book, I want, I need, to create something as beautiful. The more
I read, the greater my desire to write. The greater my desire to live.
I’ve seen this happen in my life before. I get busy, reading
gets interrupted and pushed back and forgotten. I go crazy. I start reading
again. I am nice to people again. You’d think I’d learn and just not stop
reading.
Reading doesn’t replace living. It just gives me a place to
take a deep breath and prepare to go back out into the world. And in this time
of farewells and new beginnings I need something that’s constant.
Is it this way for anyone else? Do you have a special book
or author that saves you in times of stress? Are there new books or authors you’ve
discovered recently? I’d love to hear about them. I still have a long way to
go.
Spesh,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back online. Do you have a moving date now? Reading is escape into reality...well, the one that sometimes we'd prefer than our actual one. :0) I'm happy to hear you've rediscovered it. Hold on to it during these next few months.
Yes, we're at less than two weeks. Unfortunately, our house hasn't sold yet so we're moving into a tiny apartment. Should be fun. :)
DeleteI have to step back from my writing often, because of other duties in life like work and being a good mom. It happens sometimes. That's great that books are helping you relax. I'm getting back into reading more too.
ReplyDeleteSO happy to hear that reading in such an inspiration to you. I was for me once, but now I find I am very antsy and can't concentrate when I read. I guess my lie is too insane to settle down to read. Too much buzzing in my head to accomplish other things.
ReplyDeleteI hope to get back to reading and ENJOYING it some day.
Really beautifully said. Thank you for the reminder! It's essential to find the joy in writing again, especially amidst the drudgery of trying to get published, marketing, editing - all the things we have to do that have nothing to do with what we love and are good at.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard enough to do, if we're miserable the whole time there's no point.
DeletePutting aside time for fun writing and reading...that's exactly what I need to do. It sounds like a micro vacation I can have everyday. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you, Sara. No--I'm thrilled. Your attitude is awesome, and your words resonate. I want that good-feeling back.
ReplyDeleteMaking those changes will help enormously. Sometimes I even change WHERE I write. That also can help.
ReplyDeleteIt has occurred to me that there are easier things I could try for instead of being a published author. But for me, writing isn't a choice. Like the way it is for you, writing is part of who I am.
ReplyDeleteA book I read recently that I enjoyed is Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. The person who recommended it said that if I like Gillian Flynn and Agatha Christie, I'd like this book too.
Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteThe business side of writing can kill the joy of the actual writing. It is good to slow down and regroup every now and then.
ReplyDeleteAnne Tyler's books take my breath away. She could captivate me with a story about making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She's got a magical style.
I *have* to read *every* day! There's no denying that. Writing...that's debatable, but I seem to write nearly every day. I'm in the query mode myself, and I find it tedious. But [sigh] it's necessary for my next step. I can't wait until I get that going and I get to start the *next* book!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! This is how I feel about reading too. I feel 'off' if I haven't been able to devote regular time to reading.
ReplyDelete