I'm Still A Writer
As summer winds down, so does the time I can reasonably remain on a hiatus from writing. I've got my notes, I've got my ideas, I've got plots galore...
...but what I don't have is motivation.
There is a reason for this. There is a reason that I am reluctant to begin writing again and it isn't good. Sadly, there's a good chance that if you're reading this, you've experienced a similar feeling in recent history. Current affairs are overwhelming. Personal happiness is at the lowest in 10 years. To put it bluntly, the world is going to shit and I can't keep pretending I don't suffer anxiety and depression because of it.
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| Sorry for swearing. Here's a cute picture I drew as penance. |
Writing, especially sci-fi and fantasy, draws a lot from the world around us and often makes a political statement on current events. I can't think of anything I've written that doesn't in some way critique society and social norms of today.
And there lies my hesitation. As it is, I've walked a tightrope lately between staying informed and maintaining my own mental health. The last thing I want to do is dive deeper into everything that is unjust and incorrect with the world. At the same time, I can't separate my writing from reality. I can't compartmentalize and simply write fluff. I never could. I tried. I ended up writing the Rise of the Discordant series, which, if you've read, you'll know it takes on more social issues that all my other books combined.
I'll muscle through. I have to. I've got a lot of ideas that need to get out of my head and into the computer. I'm still a writer and I want to write to provide an escape for others who are experiencing the same anxiety and issues that I am. But it may take some time. That I have my art helps. That I've grown comfortable enough to share it with you is even more helpful.
In the mean time, I'm going to putter about, sprucing up this site and making it a little easier for folks to find all of my available work (my book page seems to have disappeared into the ether and I haven't even announced my Zazzle shop yet). And I'm going to keep reading. Like I said, sometimes, an escape is necessary.
I had summer brain all last fall. It was a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteYou can have all the hugs!
Thank you. You've been an amazing help just listening to my ramblings and allowing me to escape reality with your crazy stories. Hugs back!
DeleteSometimes, living in the moment is rough. Sending you love and hugs, dear.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes people come along who make it a bit easier to get through. You're one of those people. I can't even remember who followed who or why, but I'm beyond grateful that I've gotten to know you and read your fantastic stories. Hugs and love to you!
DeletePersonal happiness is over rated. Lol
ReplyDeleteCan I help? Love you
Love you too, but no, personal happiness is not overrated. You can help by being ready to enjoy some happiness when I come up. If not happiness, at least a whole mess of fall activities.
DeleteDisclaimer: I’m a slacker when it comes to reading, especially works by other Indies. So, forgive me for not being as knowledgeable with your works. When you write about social issues, and your protagonist struggles with these issues, are you only adding commentary to address these issues? Or, does your protagonist (and, by extension, you as the author) offer a creative solution? For me, not all my writing is a reflection of how things are, but a desire for how things could (or should) be.
ReplyDeleteSuffering from the same malady these days. As an empath, I, too, have walked a tightrope between staying informed and maintaining my own mental health. I cannot separate my writing from what is happening in society--it's an essential part of what I write. I've finally decided I have to limit my exposure to TV news in particular, eliminate the 'self-medicating" with overeating and alcohol, spend less time on social media, take more walks, and play more with my three dogs.
ReplyDelete