We’re told that the most important thing about writing is to have something to say. Which I completely agree with. Most of the time.
This post is about those other times. The times when I have nothing to say. And yet still suffer from a compulsion to say it.
And by “it” I mean nothing.
If you’re a writer, you know what I’m talking about.
It’s that hot-lava feeling that stirs from the depths of your being. Almost like when you have to pee, except that it comes from a higher place. Possibly your solar plexus but definitely not your bladder.
And the urge can come at any time. It starts as a tinkling of a thought with the biggest part – the part you haven’t uncovered yet – pushing against your every intention.
Why am I telling you this?
Because once upon a long time ago I was a young, single mother and writing saved me. (I am now an OLDER single mother – and writing continues to save me.)
In fact, writing is the one thing that has always been a constant in my life. And for that, I am grateful.
I’ve written through my insecurities. My fears. My self-esteem issues . . . Words have oozed out of my soul like puss out of the face of a teenager.
Writing consoles. Heals. Brings you to a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.
I’m not sure what I would have turned out to be if I wasn’t a writer but I do know this. I wouldn’t be me. And on that note, I believe it’s time to make a toast:
To writing!
(Dear Muse, I’m going to walk into the kitchen now and it would be really cool if there was a bottle of wine waiting for me on the counter. Or vodka.)
I’ve been trying to make comments on your blog and I never can. I don’t know what the glitch is. This time I connected through Twitter and it’s working. So…voila!
Even if the words don’t always go down on paper, I am continually writing in my head. Seems to sort the mess that is my brain. Kind of like a shrink on board, so to speak. This saves me. That’s all I can say. I am toasting the muse right now…because I’m in France and by golly, there is always a bottle of red nearby. Chin!
Delana, so nice to hear from you!
And chin to you! (Is that what they say in France?)
Happy to hear that I’m not the only one with an over-active hamster 🙂
Thanks for persisting – looking into the glitch right now!