I write better when I'm miserable or away from home
There I said it. Writing feels better when I’m miserable and when I’m away…let me explain.
My memoir experiences are more numerous, revelations more vulnerable and word choice more varied when I’m miserable (as in I’m vexed about or thinking something heavy through)…and when I’m away from home (travel or retreat). Perhaps it says something that these two conditions almost never occur together, as being away from home is a joyful experience for me…usually because my writing feels so good! See the circular logic here?! (Yeh, I know you do.)
Way back when my kids were in their teens, I would plan a weekend away by myself every few months and I’d write, read, hike, sip, and stay up to all hours sit spotting and remembering. It is a habit I don’t engage in as much anymore, because I try to not accept that there is a secret sauce, or fairy dust that brings on the writing flow. I’m a writing coach, after all, I’m supposed to be intentional, instructional and supportive and confidently espousing that writing is always available to us. But this is the flaw…I believe both things are true. Writing IS always available AND I know that under some conditions I feel happier with my written product. I’m not saying that an objective editor or my own coach would agree….this isn’t a quality judgement, it’s a feeling.
This is what I want you to take away today: Writing is a feeling that you can encourage, still or amplify.
Rituals of writing are fabulous. Set the stage, light the candle, pull the card, align your fountain pens and close the blinds just so…but they aren’t necessary to the ‘quality’ of the writing…however, if you’re a writing ritual person, they may be essential to how the pages feel to you both during the word outpouring and after you reread the paragraphs.
Superstitions abound for writers. Scare tactics about block resulting from certain mindsets, mantras and behaviours are everywhere. But I think that focusing on the feeling make writing doable…and a compassionate practice.
There is no endgame in writing, only the doing of it. If it feels like it is comfortable, easeful, joyful even…write on. The only judge that matters is your heart.
When does writing feel great for you? Please share.
