Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Write "Right?"

I had sort of an epiphany last night, right as I was falling asleep. I'm surprised I even remember it, because it was during that phase of sleepiness, that I like to describe as the "dusk." It's right before you fall asleep, your mind is looping with thoughts that don't make much sense, as your brain prepares for dreamy-dream land.

I was thinking, once again, about walking off my writing career path. I was comparing myself to other magazine writers I know, and don't know. And thought, "I could never write like that, I'm never going to make it."

Then I started thinking about my artist friends. The ones who work as animators and graphic design artists, and how they don't like their jobs much either. Most of them say, they're just day jobs they struggle with, in order to make enough money to create the real art that they want to, without "starving." Some are modern artists, some are realists, others... copycats.

I think the same can be said of writers. I may not write like some of the people I work with (thought I won't be here much longer) but I do have my own style. Just like any kind of art, each writer has their expression, their own way of doing things. So maybe I shouldn't give up just yet.

5 comments:

Ionafey said...

I agree with this. There are no unique stories, but there are unique voices. It would be a shame if yours was silent, even if you are working on it.

Writing, for me, is becoming more about having fun and letting come what may. Of course, I have a full time job, too, so that takes the money pressure away.

Keep going. You do write well. It's hard because self doubt is so prevalent. Get some feedback because it is good for the writer's soul.

Following your blog,
Lynda

Inching Past Quarterlife said...

Thanks Lynda, that's great advice. Do you write at your full-time job?

I'm a writer full-time (at least until I have to leave my job on the 17th) and I think writing for work, has killed my writing for pleasure desire.

Ionafey said...

No, I work as a nurse on a busy floor. Let's just say that my job does not directly involve writing, but it sure does give me some great characters. :)

You may be right regarding the desire. It's a tricky thing to get back. I just try to write stuff I think is fun and not worry so much about others reading it. It's hard, though. I understand, believe me.

Lynda

Valinora Troy said...

I agree with Lynda. Don't give up, ignore those little gremlins of discouragement and self doubt (squash them if you can!) that plague writers everywhere.

Good luck with the job hunt, I'm sure you'll find something that will inspire rather than kill your desire to write, and pay you as well!

Inching Past Quarterlife said...

Thank you Valinora! I'm definitely starting to lean toward getting an editor job, where I don't have to write, so I can spend my free time gaining my creativity back. Both you and Ionafey made a great point, writing should be for you.