Question: Why do you write?
Answer: Early in my career, my first answer was always because I can’t paint. I’d love to be able to tell my stories on a canvas, but as much as I enjoy painting as a hobby, I’ve learned stories are where I really shine.
Currently, the more accurate response is because the characters won’t leave me alone. Seriously, when a story idea grabs hold, the characters rarely give me a day off – and that is great news for my writing process.
I’ve learned the hard way I can’t be away from the writing for more than three days, preferably only two. It gets ugly in a hurry, I turn into a miserable, grumpy, self-doubting beast… one that’s been cornered and willing to claw a way back to the keyboard.
No matter what’s going on in my life, I need to stay connected to my writing process, be it fiction or non-fiction, if only with some quick brainstorming, scene sketches, or journal entries.
Telling me I can’t spend time with my imaginary friends is a recipe for disaster. My family has learned it’s better all-around to just give me an hour or more of quiet time. That way we’re all guaranteed a more pleasant day.
Live the adventure!
2Mar2019
ps If you have a question for me, leave it in the comments and I’ll answer it here or on an upcoming post.
