#IWSG: What would I do if I weren't writing?
It's the first Wednesday, and that means time for our monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group post!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group
day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and
the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer
a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in
the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new
people each time - and return comments. This group is all about
connecting--click the image to find the sign-up page and blog list.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Remember, the question is optional!
June 7 question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?
I like this month's question, though it may aggravate some who have to eke out little bits of time between jobs, parenting, fitness, grocery shopping... the folks who would probably just get a little more sleep or manage a few more chores if not writing.
I, however, am retired. I have had ample cause to wonder what retired people do who don't have a job like writing that never goes away. I also have ample cause to wonder why I'm putting myself through this aggravation, because I'm ready to head out on another trip and that doesn't accord well with writing. (Actually, I'm not heading out much of anywhere, because I'm still healing my broken foot, but you get the idea.) I am in fact very aware that my writing gives a shape to my days and a point to my life that it would lack otherwise.
And... I have no idea what I could replace it with. More yardwork and volunteering, I guess. Maybe that would be a more worthwhile use of my time. But I don't think it would be as much fun, and I lack competence at other creative practices that might offer similar psychic rewards to writing. Bottom line: I have no intention of stopping. On days when I don't write and don't have other things happening, what I seem to do is fritter away my time. Definitely not a good trade-off.
How about you? Do you carve out tiny bits of precious writing time, or wonder if you'd do better as a landscape artist, or just want to sleep an extra hour?
Writer update:
I'm moving forward with A Coastal Corpse, which at this point means working on getting a cover drawn and starting final polishing. I should have been on this much sooner, but lacked faith in the story.
I currently have two stories out on submission and had one rejection this month. I have also committed to trying to write and sell more mystery shorts, since my novels these days are mysteries. I admit that for short fiction, fantasy is more fun--it's hard to make a mystery that works in 5000 words.
Having structure in life and doing the things you enjoy are so important in retirement. I work part-time and still have to work to be sure that I have these things in my life. I think about quitting writing because I'm not sure I'm going to get published. But I think it's okay to write even if it's just for your own enjoyment. I think it's great that you still write a lot.
ReplyDeleteNo one thinks twice about doing other creative pursuits just for yourself--quilting, drawing, etc. I admit that writing seems to crave an audience, but it's not required.
DeleteYou're so right, younger people with plates full of careers and family will find eye this question much differently than those who have already traveled that road. And speaking of traveling...hope any trip in your future is good and that your foot heals as quickly as retired bones allow. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Doing my best not to screw up the healing now.
DeleteI'm not working a day job so I have plenty of time for writing and crafting. I'm not complaining. =)
ReplyDeleteit works for me. I'm very lucky.
DeleteI like the structure writing brings to my life as well. It's a lot of fun too! Keep healing well so you can be off on the next adventure!
ReplyDelete"... my writing gives a shape to my days and a point to my life that it would lack otherwise." - So true!
ReplyDeleteI retired a year ago, so now I can write all I want, mostly. I love it. I do have lots of other interests though. Just not enough time for everything. Lol.
ReplyDeleteGwen Gardner here, I don’t know why my name isn’t logged on my comment above.
DeleteBlogger has gotten snotty about it. I've been having to change the security settings to comment on my own blog, and on every single blog I have to check the settings and log in anew. I think Blogger outsourced the comments section or something.
DeleteHope your foot is healed soon.
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't want to fritter time when I retire in a couple years.
It is so easy, when you don't have a schedule, to come to the end of a day and wonder what you did with it.
DeleteGood luck with A Coastal Corpse! And yes, writing definitely does fill up the hours!
ReplyDeleteYou know, Rebecca, sometimes I'm jealous of those [retired people] who aren't bitten by the writerly bug, enjoying restful days. I said "sometimes," remember. Have a great day! ~ Victoria Marie Lees https://www.victoriamarielees.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches for stopping by my blog. I loved your comment. Sorry your foot is still healing, but hopefully soon, you'll be heading out again. I will admit that I love sleep but I believe I can find time for writing and sleep. Best of luck with your short fiction.
ReplyDelete