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To Write or Not to Write

I haven’t posted on here in quite a while, because I’ve been busy writing. Two novels, actually. But there are times recently when I haven’t felt like writing. With so much happening in the world–the coronavirus, elections, Brexit, impeachment hearings, etc., I find it hard to focus and hard to be creative.

It’s times like these that I wonder if I should continue to write, or not. Many writers face writer’s block from time to time, but is this something else?

I hear on the news that we should avoid crowds to limit our risks of getting the virus. But how concerned should we really be? Sometimes I think I’d be better off avoiding the news on TV and on the internet. Maybe then I would be able to focus on being creative.

But if I get sick, I won’t be doing much writing, either. It’s a conundrum.

susanfinlay :

View Comments (11)

  • If you stopped writing I would miss your books. we are all worried what does coronavirus. And I think watching TV gets us even more upset while listening to the news even gets us more upset. Because at this point that is all they talk about. I think we cannot make it stop us living our lives.. I had a trip planned to Greece and Sicily before this all started. I did not cancel my trip we went on it and we are coming home Saturday. However we make sure we took several precautions. Even the toys I booked with Private tours. So I think the secret is we have to continue to live our lives as we always do. Take special precautions we need to take but don't let it stop us from doing the things we love to do. There is still a lot of beauty around us that you keep us inspired at all times.

    • Thank you, Annette. That's good, positive advice. I'm glad you were able to go on your trip to Greece and Sicily. Sounds wonderful.

  • Keep writing! I have to take total breaks from the news, TV and internet, from time to time to protect my sanity. Give those voices in your head life, Susan.

  • Hi Susan, You write much more than I do. I have not sold anything lately so don't feel like writing. All I've done is a short, rambling memory story. I heard most people who get the new virus don't feel terribly sick - it produces a dry cough. They self-quarantine to keep from spreading it. Without a lot else to do, you can watch the news, let all the bad stuff give you ideas, and sit at your writing table to write it down.
    I hope you feel better soon.

      • I would love to meet you for coffee and talk. Are you in SCW? Can you think of a coffee shop between our areas? I just sent my group a short story about a writer with writer's block who can't think of anything new to write. It's pretty good in a Twilight Zone kind of way.

  • As a therapist (retired) i believe all things in moderation. I am also a big believer in looking at what i have control over & what I don't control. Also taking one thing or one day at a time.
    1. Election is in Nov I have to vote between two candidates. I have already done my homework.
    2. Virus i have cleaned my car & my house. I do all the precautions i posted online. I refuse to become isolated in my home at this point. I am single I am single & could go nuts, just be careful not to go to a room of coughing people.
    You have a wonderful escape, a creative mind.....and it is ever so wicked. Tiny