Today is IWSG day. Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and all the other writers who support each other, make us all smile and think in this monthly hop. No one is mocked or sneered at. All are welcome. We have all been there: http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
This month's co-hosts are:
Allison Gammons,Tamara Narayan, Eva E. Solar, Rachel Pattison, and Ann V. Friend!
We are The Insecure Writer's Support Group.
Well, I have a doozie for you: what do you do with a writer who is not writing?
 |
| Not WRITING??? What ARE you, then? |
Really, what if the writer isn't writing? Does that make him a non-writer? I mean, writers write, right? Right?
At the moment I am taking a break. I am right now formatting a book. And correcting the odd issue with style (we do grow and develop) but I am deliberately not composing a thing. I'm not even reading my several works in progress. Though I'm checking my blog, and I don't want to miss the IWSG, I'm not doing a whole lot else writing-wise.
I burned out, writing's a chore right now, and I really need the break.
Am I a writer?
I certainly am. I think I was born to tell stories. It fulfills me, it gives enjoyment to others (generally), it's a whole lot of fun, and I love it.
So, for right now I'm a writer who is resting. Banking the fires, if you like.
I suspect we worry too much about whether we fit this mold or that. We are what we are, and I'd say you all are pretty fantastic.
Back to resting and reading other things not my own. I'll do more formatting tomorrow.
Write on, everyone!
Even when I'm not writing, I still call myself a writer. Of course, when I'm not writing I'm usually mad and/or worried that I'm not writing, but that's an entirely different issue. :)
ReplyDeleteBut we all get burned out from time to time, and we all need to take time away from writing in order to recharge.
Happy formatting!
Well of course you are. I'm a mother, even though my kids are grown and I'm not actively "mothering." I'm reader, even when there's not a book in my hands. I'm a quilter, although my grandnephew might be grown before I finish his baby quilt. If writing is a chore, of course you should take a break. Why wouldn't you? But you're still a writer. And a good one.
ReplyDeleteIf an actor isn't in a movie in a few years, does that make him still and actor? If a singer doesn't produce an album for a few years, is he still a singer? If a doctor goes on sabbatical for two years, is he still a doctor? When a mother's children all move out, is she still a mother?
ReplyDeleteYes, you're still a writer, even when you take a break. Look how long Stephen King went between books there for a while. Now, enjoy your break, stop stressing over it, and return when you feel ready :)
Hi Diana - you're a writer .. you've written too many books not to be a writer .. but in being one you need to read, you need to present your works properly etc etc ... so time off to let those grey cells rejuvinate is ok .. good luck and enjoy - you are progressing .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI used to kick myself for missing a day of writing. A DAY. Now I understand that it can be extremely beneficial. Not only does it give the writer a mental break, but he or she can return to the WIP with fresh eyes.
ReplyDelete:)
Everyone needs a break sometime, otherwise the tank empties. We have to take care of ourselves when we're writers. There's no boss to say, take the day off. So we have to do it for ourselves! You'll come back stronger than ever, I'm sure :-)
ReplyDeleteWe all need some time off now and then. Enjoy your rest.
ReplyDelete