For those of you who subscribe to my monthly-ish newsletter, you know that in 2015 I am making time to write. It might sound crazy to you, that I’m giving up T.V. time and reading time in order to write a novel that may or may not ever be published, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts about why writing is so important to me.
I write because it steadies me. It forces a pause.
Pauses create space. Space, for us introverts, is good. It allows thoughts to settle in the dust stirred up by deep conversation. Not a surface-scratch kind of talk, but one that requires a stout shovel. Those are the only conversations really worth having.
I write because when I don’t put words on paper, I feel like I’m floating, without an anchor. Everyone needs to feel the weight of a good anchor.
I write because when I don’t, I miss it. I am cranky and lazy and feel a good bit without purpose. When I don’t write, I get disappointed in myself. Even more so than when I don’t do the dishes or can’t remember to switch the laundry. Not writing feels in-authentic to me, like I’m not letting myself be myself.
I write because writers who don’t write aren’t really writers, are they?
I write because I can’t not write.
That is why I write.
And I guess that is a sign I should give up some T.V. time and keep writing.
If you are a writer, what makes you keep putting pen to paper day after day? Would you miss it if you stopped?
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