So, it was
my suggestion for this week to talk about what feeds our spirit to keep
writing. Which was silly of me to suggest, since I don’t have a good grasp of
what it is that fills my own bucket and gets the creative juices flowing. So, this
assignment was a real soul-searcher for me.
Although I’m not sure it actually enhances my writing (and it certainly takes time away from it), family vacations probably top the list as spirit-fuel. Which is kind of a “duh” addition to the list. Yet there is definitely something to be said for getting away from the hum-drum of daily life. Letting someone else cook meals and clean up. Spending time with hubby and kiddos that isn’t plugged into a digital device. It also helps that our favorite vacation destination is Disney World... I mean, when we get away from it all, we really get away from it all! It is a time of total escapism, which makes sense, since my writing is also about total escapism (both for myself and my readers).
I think what
feeds my spirit is affected by my mood swings, the time of the month, the
phases of the moon, planetary alignment, etc. And unfortunately, I’m in a bit
of a downturn at the moment for no particular reason. Like, I wanted to yell at my hubby last weekend
for trying to help cook the eggs… because he wasn’t doing it the way I would
have done it. What kind of craziness is that, to get angry because someone
wanted to help? Bat-sh*t-craziness, that’s what it is.
Although I’m not sure it actually enhances my writing (and it certainly takes time away from it), family vacations probably top the list as spirit-fuel. Which is kind of a “duh” addition to the list. Yet there is definitely something to be said for getting away from the hum-drum of daily life. Letting someone else cook meals and clean up. Spending time with hubby and kiddos that isn’t plugged into a digital device. It also helps that our favorite vacation destination is Disney World... I mean, when we get away from it all, we really get away from it all! It is a time of total escapism, which makes sense, since my writing is also about total escapism (both for myself and my readers).
Getting
together with my writer peeps is also a boon to the spirit. Not only are they
supportive and generous with their guidance and knowledge, they are also just
flat-out fun to be with! Even when we’re not talking writing (which is rare, since it is such an all-consuming passion for each of us), they are a
blast to be with. I am grateful to have undertaken this writing endeavor
because it has brought me in contact with people I never would have known
otherwise. And they are all fan-flippin’-tastic!
My writing.
I have always needed a creative outlet. In the past, it has been cross-stitch
or needlepoint or community theatre… but now, it
is my writing. My writing fuels my soul to keep writing. I get stressed when I
don’t have time to write, because that means my creative muse is being ignored.
Sometimes she flows more readily and meaningfully than others, but she always
flows. When I block the flow because I’m busy with life (or in the middle of edits), there is tension
within me. And then I freak out about how my hubby cooks the eggs. When I
write, my spirit is energized, the planets are in alignment, my mood swings to the
positive, and I’m in my happy place.
And my happy place has bacon :-)
Oh, bacon.... :D
ReplyDeleteI love how you described *not* writing because it's right on target - when I let other stuff get in the way, I get crabby and tired...and when I keep the words flowing, everything is right in the world. Great post, Ava.
Words for the wise: Never get between a writer and his/her writing (even when we're not typing) ;-)
DeleteGreat post, Ava! And yes, we all get to that point where even the craziest thing sets us on edge; for me it's when I'm on a hot work deadline and Husband tells me I'm not loading the dishwasher right. Um...the dishes are in there, bub, it's right! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I think you're just being passive-aggressive to get out of doing dishes :-)
DeleteI also get crabby if I don't write for a while. Unreasonably crabby. Glad I'm not the only one :)
ReplyDeleteWhew! There is sanity in numbers!
DeleteI love your post. I'm there with everyone on crabby. And bacon. And happy places are good!
ReplyDeleteHope everyone has some time in their happy places with their special loved-ones this weekend! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDelete