Sometimes, even writers don’t write as much as they’d like. Exercise needs to be done. Laundry needs to be folded. Meetings need to be attended. The family is hungry, and all eyes are on you to get going with dinner.
In other words, life intervenes. And even though writing is a huge part of any writer’s life, it can (and should) take a backseat to family matters and other important obligations.
What happens, then, when one day you realize you haven’t done any writing for several months? Do you throw in the towel and decide you’re never gong to write again? No, you shake off the cobwebs and get right back at it. Which is what I’m doing today.
It has been months — many, many months — since I’ve posted on this blog. I have been meaning to do it; I’ve even mentally written out several posts that I had intended to officially add here. Ask me now what those posts were, and I’d have to honestly say I don’t have a clue. Life got in the way, and writing this blog took a backseat.
The challenge becomes: How do I make this blog a real part of my life again? Do I have the time and the discipline to post here as often as I’d like? Hopefully, yes. Truthfully, I know that deadlines and mini catastrophes will sometimes keep me from meeting my goal. But I’m determined to do my best.
That’s all you can ask of yourself: to do your best. When it comes to writing, your best might be writing an engaging press release or an informative company newsletter. It might be as simple as sending out five or six emails to clients or colleagues this week. Whatever writing is in your near future, don’t fret! Writing, like riding a bike or swimming, comes back to you rather naturally once you get going. Just pull out the keyboard or grab a pen and paper and jot down what you’ve been meaning to write. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time you try. Shake off the cobwebs and keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be writing up a storm.
Which is what I hope to be doing from now on as well.
Good luck, Diane.
Well said Diane. I always feel guilty when I don’t set aside what I deem to be enough time to write. It seems to be fits and starts, and can get frustrating. But it’s all part of the creative process, right? There is such satisfaction when a project is finished to my satisfaction; it’s almost like a purge.
Happy writing!