I don’t spend a lot of time talking about the process of writing or even thinking about it. I just write. But occasionally I notice a feeling of giddiness as I sit in front of the computer and begin stringing words together. And it reminds me how much a love what I do. Do you ever feel that way?
Does the act of writing give you a thrill? Are you in love with the very activity?
I’ve told people for years that I can’t not write. Some of my darkest days came about when life circumstances had changed for me and I had to leave my writing room and get a regular job. It appeared that working full-time would be my future. While the job I had was a nice one—actually rather pleasant—and it did involve writing, I became despondent. I missed my days of sitting at my typewriter creating articles for magazines.
Then, one day while I was doing my early morning meditation walk, it occurred to me that I had to find a way to write no matter what else was going on in my life. So I started getting up at 4 every morning and writing for two hours before taking my walk and getting ready for work. I also wrote some on weekends. I completed an entire book (a situational memoir) on that time schedule. What a gift to know that I could write under practically any circumstances.
I decided to start using those few hours every morning to resume my article-writing business. During those wee hours, I began researching article ideas, sending out query letters to appropriate magazines and writing articles that had been requested. Even though, the world was still in slow motion then—personal computers and the Internet were still on the horizon—during the next eight months, I managed to build my article writing business to the point where I could quit my job. And I have been happily writing ever since.
Do you have a “can do” writing story? Have you overcome obstacles in order to pursue your love for writing? Or would you like to share how the process of writing makes you feel? We would enjoy hearing/reading it. Leave your comment here.
One thing I never thought I would enjoy doing is involving myself in the writing of others. I had my own agenda—wanted to do my own writing—had plenty of my own projects going. I often turned away writers and authors who wanted me to work with them. Sure I would answer their questions and give them resources. But I didn’t want to go beyond that barrier.
During the last twenty or so years, however, I’ve been working with other authors on their book projects—editing and consulting. And I am enjoying helping others to shape their projects as much as I’ve enjoyed creating my own.
For more about me and my work, visit http://www.patriciafry.com
To view some of my 34 books, go to http://www.matilijapress.com
I’m happy to announce that book sales are up, lately. Our shipping department has been a-bustle. And just about 8 weeks from today, I will be announcing a new book for authors. This will be an important addition to your collection of books on book promotion and marketing. Allworth Press will bring out my completely revised and much expanded book, Promote Your Book: Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author in July. You can see the book posted at Amazon.com already. Check it out!