I’ve been going through old posts with the thought of organizing them better for those who visit A Writer of History and came across this one I wrote in 2012. The thoughts seem just as relevant today as they were then.
A week or so ago, I wrote myself a note containing a single word: writaholic. At the time, I had been reflecting on how obsessed I’ve become about writing. The truth of the matter is that I could write every day for most of the day and enjoy almost every minute of it. Sometimes, in fact, I feel the words churning inside me, clamouring for release.
While out walking, I craft sentences to describe something I’ve seen. While driving I plot some twist or turn in my stories. While washing the dishes or gardening or standing in the shower, I think of changes required to further polish a chapter. When I’m not thinking or working directly on writing, I’m devising a new blog post or a way to gain further insights from the historical fiction survey I’ve recently completed or I’m musing on how to connect with others in the field of historical fiction or in the more general field of publishing. And on and on it goes.
I haven’t been writing that long – about four years now [update to 13 years] – and I wonder if it will always be this way or whether I will eventually settle into a less compulsive pattern. If you have any wisdom to share, I would be grateful.
Note: the photo was taken in Japan. The tiny twists of paper represent people’s wishes for good fortune.
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M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel, PARIS IN RUINS, is available on Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Kobo, and Barnes&Noble. An earlier novel, TIME AND REGRET was published by Lake Union. Mary’s other novels, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads or on her website www.mktod.com.
7 Responses
You’re not alone, Mary!
I don’t think there is an answer to your question because every individual is different. I’ve been in your state for almost 45 years. The pandemic has given me pause and I’ll have to see what happens, but I suspect at some point the writer that is my soul will emerge again. Meanwhile, just enjoy and channel!
“the writer that is in my soul” … love this TK. Sending best wishes.
So glad you have named my illness. Now I can dream of one day finding a support group. Many thanks.
A support group sounds like a great idea, K. I have quite a few author friends, but most of my writing process is solo 🙂
You are doomed. It gets worse But at least you are walking Judy ridgley
On Tue, Aug 31, 2021, 6:30 AM All about historical fiction wrote:
> M.K. Tod posted: ” I’ve been going through old posts with the thought of > organizing them better for those who visit A Writer of History and came > across this one I wrote in 2012. The thoughts seem just as relevant today > as they were then. A week or so ago, I wrote myse” >
Many things to be thankful for, Judy! Take care.