Today is IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group), and instead of a rant or an insecure blog, I have a ray of sunshine.
In a sense.
For the last month I've been getting more and more negative. Everything piles up. I have less patience, less interest in dealing with people. I make a statement and it turns into a war. I don't make a statement and it turns into a war. I try to give my opinion and I'm "starting an argument." I don't give my opinion and I'm "too passive."
And it's not just me. It seems like everything is getting more and more negative, and I'm not dealing well with that. Especially right now, when I'm worried and wondering what I should do, hoping to find an alternative. The news is all hatred and fear and people being idiots, and I need to start looking for a job but I know if I do I'll find one and I don't want to find one.
It feels like the negativity is being aimed right at me, like oobleck. But somewhere out there the sun is shining. I just can't see it through the sludge.
And then I realized something.
I haven't been writing. I've been blogging, editing, working in the yard, but not writing. So I curled up in my room and pounded out a short story.
I woke up this morning and the sun was shining. I woke up laughing and excited about the day (although not about that particular story).
So on the darkest days, when I'm buried in Oobleck, I need to remember that the sun is shining somewhere out there, and start writing.
How interesting! And what a great thing to know about yourself... to see those signs and know when you need to put the words on the page. Love this post. :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a physical addiction. I just keep forgetting that I need my fix. :)
DeleteAmen! Writing makes the world turn :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It makes all the oobleck go away. Probably says something about me to a psychiatrist, but I don't CARE.
DeleteI agree - writing lifts the clouds, even though frustration over not having enough time for writing, for me, can sometimes be the cause of the clouds!
ReplyDeleteI learned a long time ago that I HAVE to write. I keep thinking I can substitute something else (like blogging) but eventually I have to go back.
DeleteCongrats on the short story!...Negativity will always be everywhere, and sometimes it just beats you down. I gave up the news in 08, and I've been much happier since.
ReplyDeleteI gave up on the news too, but it keeps creeping back in. Something to do with the internet...a newspaper I can throw away, the radio I can turn off (or choose not to turn on) but somehow the internet is different.
DeleteThe news is depressing, mainly because it's more gossip than fact, but that's a whole other post.
ReplyDeleteSometimes getting sidetracked is the best way to come back fresh.It's like finding a new character, a new plot line, a new murder victim. Write the frustration, the anger, and the depression. Good luck, and nice to meet you Lauren via the IWSG
It's nice to meet other Insecure Writers. If that's what we are.
DeleteThanks for following me!
Not all of us are lucky enough to work doing the one thing that brings us happiness and life always finds a way to get messy and complicated, so it is very important for our sanity to find a way to squeeze our passion into our lives. Give yourself a treat, write, eat a chocolate, read a book... Life will get better if you feel like smiling.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck!
it IS nice to meet another insecure writer. Congratulations on the short story!
ReplyDeletecan't get past the fact that you gave yourself a year to write. I love it.
I currently give myself mornings to write but that has not been as productive as I had hoped for.
I used to write during my breaks and write during lunch and write on the way home and get up to write before I went to work (particularly during NaNo) but now I just write.
DeleteThanks for following me!
Lauren
Yes, this is a sweet and optimistic post! There's always a silver lining that will get you back to writing:)
ReplyDeleteI like silver linings. They're crunchy. :)
DeleteIf I don't write I start feeling ornery, too.
ReplyDelete