When in Doubt...Write!

I talk to many writers who believe that if they feel like writing they write, and when they don't feel like writing they don't.

What I know to be true (at least for me) is that when I don't feel like writing and write anyway, the best stuff comes. I think this is because:

• I am angry about something in my life and the heat is just flaring up. What better way to get some emotion out?
• I am just plain lazy, and so my writing might start out like, "I really don't want to do this, I'd rather not write today but I'm told by ______________ that if I do something great will come out of this. What? I ask you? What?" Something amazing happens when you just start writing without a destination or even a beginning in sight. You actually get somewhere. It may take a little while, but I promise you something wonderful will jump out that you can use.



Photo by tonyhall, courtesy of Flickr

• I feel as if I'm too busy. When I feel as if I'm too busy it's usually because I AM. Did you hear that? Let go of something material or immaterial that really doesn't matter anyway and get down to business.
• I'm sick. When I am ill all I want to do is lay around and watch television. But when I've picked up a pen and paper and got started writing, miracles have occurred! Notice that I said nothing about the computer. When you're ill, and have no intention of sitting upright, don't. Do some lounging and writing.

When in doubt about writing, write! Writing is healing, it helps you sort through your personal gripes, and most of all, it's FUN!

Have a happy day writing,

Kathryn