Why Write by Janna Qualman
A deadline hangs, waiting. I am poised and ready, good intention is with me, but the words don’t care. They’ve hidden. They are mean and elusive.
Writer’s block has settled in, and I’m frozen at the computer. There is no flow, no zone, only quick-passing time and doubt, exacerbated by the weight of life’s other responsibilities. My creativity is entirely stunted, and now I’ve no chance.
That’s when I ask myself, why am I a writer? Why do I torture myself with this strenuous, miserable process, again and again? I can see no dream, no goal, no purpose.
But just when I’ve got the towel arched above my head, wondering if I could really throw it in, a saving grace. A moment of my own, a hint of inspiration. I find my way to the computer, where my fingers tiptoe along the keys, soon enough dancing, fluid with their composition. Time, for now, is my friend; words become friendly, too.
My creativity is born again, and I understand its need. My need for it. I see that maybe it’s not miserable, but instead it is beautiful.
I write. I write some more, and more. Soon, because I have trusted the process, I have something worth sharing; something that maybe someone will want to read.
I find that’s why I put myself through every bit of it. Because in the end, it’s worth it.
Janna Qualman is a freelance and women’s fiction writer. Visit her blog Something She Wrote.
Yes! This is what writers (and artists and anyone else who has to be self-driven to their goals) do - this is the "magic" - because there really is no "magic" -- it's the creative mind, yes, but it is also WORK!
Good post, Janna
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Writing is kind like parenting...and relationships, isn't it?
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It think we sometimes have to talk ourselves into it all over again.
Sounds like marriage to me.
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Yes, trusting the process is one of the most important things a writer ultimately has to allow.
The words seem to flow when one is not looking so hard to find them. They usually find me when I least expect it.
And when my Muse finally gets home after hanging out with her friends somewhere. She never tells me.
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There is nothing that feels so good as when the creativity juices are flowing! Excellent article, Janna.
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The creative process is liberating, intimidating, frightening and life giving. Janna you're a writer from your soul. It's so evident in all you write. Great post.
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This spoke to my heart - I feel the exact same way.
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