A Writer's Convoluted Path

Thought for the day:  You need a certain amount of nerve to be a writer. [Margaret Atwood]

If by nerve, Ms. Atwood means an undercurrent of masochistic tendencies, then I'd have to agree. Oops! Did I grumble-write that out loud? (ahem) Just kidding.

Hi-ya. As you can probably discern by that telltale badge, it's once again time for our monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group postings. This, the first Wednesday of the month, gives writers all over the world the opportunity to celebrate, complain, and commiserate about the joyful and not-so-joyful aspects of writing. Humble thanks and a jolly tip of the hat go to Alex Cavanaugh, our fearless ninja leader and the originator of this fine group. If you'd like to join (It's FREE!) or would like to read some of the other posts, please go HERE

[source: morguefile]

Okay, so maybe it's a slight exaggeration to suggest that writers have a masochistic bent, but I suspect very few writing careers resemble an idyllic ride in a snazzy red convertible through a picturesque countryside on a straightaway road devoid of traffic and stop signs. Just picture it: our imaginary sun-drenched writer, whistling a happy tune while zipping full speed ahead toward fame and fortune.

Yeah... no. That's not likely to happen, and for most writers, a tank might be more practical than a convertible, because a lot of stuff will be thrown at 'em as they struggle to reach the Promised Land of being... of feeling like... a Real Writer, and who wants to be stuck in a vehicle with the stench of rotten tomatoes and a bunch of icky gunk in their hair? Rejections, bad reviews, lack of sales, blah, blah, blah. Self-doubts can grow and spread like a cancer, making it difficult to see the road ahead clearly. (And the icky gunk dripping into their eyes doesn't help much, either...)

Nah. I don't think it's like a ride in either a convertible or a tank; it's more like a roller coaster. Sure, there are downs, and they can be pretty scary, but there are high points, too. Kinda like this:

Without meaning to, Charles Dickens described the writing life well: It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. 

And Ernest Hemingway said There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it with charges. 

[It's rather comforting to know a master like Hemingway said writing isn't always a Sunday ride in a convertible, isn't it?]

No doubt, writers experience lots of ups and downs, but if you think about it, maybe that's a good thing. Consider an EKG: if there aren't any ups and downs, you're d-e-a-d, people, so maybe... just maybe... all of those ups and downs we experience are a natural part of living. Know what that means? During those desperate down times... those days when there are no sales at all and the words refuse to come... we must remember that there WILL be better days ahead. More ups to come. And ya know what? Those ups more than make up for the downs, even if we sometimes forget.

[source: clipart]

Now then, how about a quick peek at this month's question:

How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?

Hmmm, good questions. First one: My very smart daughter tells me I'm an empath. I don't know if that's true or not, but I am very much affected by world events and the people around me. Negative emotions brought on by world events can make it very difficult for me to write or be creative in any way. Forcing myself to write during those times can result in some verrrrrrry dark writing, as those who read the early draft of my latest book could tell you. When my more positive nature takes the helm, the words flow much more freely, and there tends to be more humor in them.

As for the second question, a resounding yes. Recording my private thoughts during a sometimes difficult childhood helped me survive with a modicum of sanity... and I still have some of it left.

                                  Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.