Be sure to visit Two Writing Teachers for more slices of life.
“Why aren’t you writing?” Ruth Ayres asked me in a quiet voice a couple of weeks ago. Thoughts (or should I say excuses) tumbled around in my head. What could I say that would make sense, because I don’t know what happened to my writing life. My last post was June 13. How did this happen?
January 11, 2011 was the date of my first, but tentative step into writing and allowing the world to read my thoughts. Week after week, I pressed that publish button and held my breath. Would anyone be there to read and comment? Someone did read and they left the most wonderful comments. The weekly sharing of lives developed friendships around the world. Weeks changed into months of writing. Months added up to become years of writing about those small moments or noticings of life happening.
Then one day I didn’t write. The next week there were no words published. Week after week passed. Something always seemed to come up on Tuesday, which gave me the excuse not to post.
Friends from near and far reached out. “Are you okay?” “What’s going on?” “You are not writing.” I assured them, there was no problem. I just fell out of the habit. I said I would be back, I just didn’t know when.
Ruth also asked another question, “Do you miss writing?”
It took me a minute to answer her. This question went to my heart. “No, I don’t miss the writing. But what I do miss is the community of writers.”
I know I don’t have to tell you, dear reader, writing is hard. It is hard to always be present and aware, looking for that moment to bring to life with words. I’ve taken a break, but now I know I need to get back to writing.
Thank you to those who inquired and nudged me back to sharing my words.
YOU’RE BACK! Be still my heart. This post made me smile. I like chatting with you.
You are a treasure to many, many, many…
It is hard and it does take work. I’m glad you’ve taken time off and are ready to dive back in, Elsie.
I feel ya! My writing life has been stagnant for a while, too, but I feel the pull to write again. I hope you do, too! 😉
The strange thing about your absence is you were there with comments. I’d look for you after receiving one, to no avail. I’m so glad you are back. I missed your absolutely perfect slices. So good to see you and Ruth in St. Louis!
Glad to hear from you! The community does draw us back and keep us going.
Elise, Welcome Back and look at all these comments! Your community of writers is supporting you! It looks like a good decision to resume writing. I hope you find this so. I will look forward to your future posts and thanks for your comment on mine, today. I have been writing almost daily since the Slice of Life Challenge last March. It is a wonderful community of writer’s.
I have missed you! I have had a hard time writing, too, in recent weeks. Why are we all in such a place? Today’s quote by Dorothy Parker was just the thing: I hate writing. I love having written.
Very nice to see you back to your writing. I’ve missed your stories and observations.
‘Writing is hard. It is hard to always be present and aware, looking for that moment to bring to life with words.’ These words jumped off the page as they honestly encapsulate the challenge that writing brings. Writing’s joy comes in the response and support of audience/community. There is joy and quite often relief in having written. You most assuredly understand this important fact Elsie. Great piece.
This was such perfect timing for me. I’ve just started this SOL thing this school year and felt guilty for missing the past 2 weeks. Your post gave me permission to go easy on myself and just get back to it. Thank you for writing again.
So happy to hear from you. I too love the connections I’ve made with my writing friends. It’s hard to come up with something every week, but I’ve missed your voice. Welcome back!
So happy to hear that all is good. I know what you mean about writing. Some times there just isn’t anything to write about and I think “why bother?”. But like you, I miss the community. Looking forward to your slices.
I go in seasons with my writing too. Glad to see you back on the horse and sharing!
So glad you are back. I have missed your stories and take on life. I know how easy it is to find reasons not to post since I haven’t posted anything for the last two weeks,
I was delighted to discover your post today, as I, too, had been wondering what had become of you! Like others I have missed your unique point of view and your unique ways of sharing your thoughts. But I do understand how one can run out of steam. It happened to me for the first time last night. I just didn’t have the energy to “do it.” Various minor distractions have used up my energy this week over which I had little control. But finding you back encourages me to get back in the saddle this coming week. I agree with all that it’s hard work to do this week after week, but it makes me feel better about myself when I maintain the weekly discipline and stay in touch with other writers. Welcome Back!!!
Glad you’re back! Is does seem to be about habit, doesn’t it?
I am glad you are back. I often think of stopping – it is so much hard work – but it is the community that keeps me going.
You can try WordPress prompts or photo challenges. I came across Haiku writing in WordPress, in the beginning it was difficult but I kept at it . It is fun and challenging. Regards
I’m glad you’re okay. I’ve been doing different writing, and not weekly. Hope you enjoy being back!
Not weekly here on TWT, I meant. Life changes what we have as goals, I think.
I get that Linda. You are writing a lot, but also reading a lot too.
Missing our community, though!
I’M IN THAT SAME BOAT THESE DAYS. I HAVEN’T BEEN WRITING. UGH
I noticed and missed your voice too.
I’m working on a video piece due tomorrow but I’ll be back
I hope you will send me some images for my new community video 2017
I’ve been thinking about what to send.