I follow Nathan Bransford's blog, and a few days ago he asked what we had to give up to write. I read through half of the posts (there are so many!) and I've been thinking about it ever since. Many women said they aren't going to have children so they can write (I'm not sure if that's the only reason or not), or even getting married or being in a relationship.
I'm sure we've all made sacrifices, sometimes more on a certain day than others. I've given up my dream of becoming an actress. I've given up hope of ever getting paid a lot of money. But my dream is different now. I want to get married, and have children, and be a stay-at-home mom and writer all in one. Is that unrealistic? I don't think so.
But this post isn't just about what you or I have given up. I want to know what you've gained from writing? I've gained wonderful friends that I don't think I would have connected with if it wasn't for our love of writing. I've gained a wonderful ease in writing essays (for school, which I am no longer in), I've gained a ton of characters that I know intimately. I could probably go on and on. But the one thing I've truly gained is a love for the written word and the appreciation of being able to write novels, one of the things I love the most.
How about you? What have you lost or given up (temporarily or forever) and what have you gotten from your writing?
Happy May!
I always say my partner worships the quicksand I walk upon. His love was never more evident during the obsessive time of writing a few years ago when nothing existed except the writing. I even lost some weight because all I wanted to do when I arrived home from work every day was to write, write, and write some more. In two weeks, I banged out a 50,000 rough draft. At the end of the two weeks, my partner was still there.
ReplyDeleteIn many ways, we all give up a part of ourselves to our writing. I give up bonding time with the cats and dogs. I give up watching a weekly TV program because I never know when the writing bug is going to bite. I give up some of the time I once spent devouring every book in site. I give up so much, and yet I gain so much as well.
My friends sometimes say I have a greater perspective about life in general. I can look at a situation - a failing relationship, the catty remarks of someone - and truly analyze the beneath the surface stuff. I truly think that comes from writing. I have to know everything that is going on in the minds of my characters - what, why, who, when, whatever! I need to be able to track their motivations/reasons, and, in many ways, I apply this logic to everyday life.
I love creating new characters and worlds. My mind is always frenzying (I know, not a word, but that's the word I want) away. I love the journey I take everytime I sit down to write. I hate the moments when the last chapter is upon me.
Like you, I've also gained some wonderful friends (or at least followers of my blog) who understand me on a deeper level than most, because they are writers as well.
Life, unfortunately, is about sacrifice. We give so much to our writing, and - sometimes - we give less to the world around us. Hopefully, in the end, our writing will impact others in a positive way.
S
I don't think those are unrealistic goals. I share the same general ideas; I'd love to stay at home with my son and write full time. I haven't found a way to make that happen yet, but luckily I have a wife that is always trying to help me get there.
ReplyDeleteI've gained quite a bit - friends to be sure, but I've also found more confidence in other aspects of life. Finishing stories, getting published, etc. have all made me more aware of my abilities and just how unique they are.
Happy May to you too!
I haven't given up anything really. Like you, I now have an appreciation of language and I admire those that aspire to perfect their craft. Writing has opened up a whole new chapter in my life and I'm loving every moment of it. (pun unintended)
ReplyDeleteI have gained: many friends, a truckload of knowledge and humility, respect for the craft, respect for honest criticism, and a sense of humor about my writing.
ReplyDeleteI have given up: a good portion of my sanity (the portion that wasn't doing me much good, anyway), my unrealistic expectations, the ability to read fiction whenever I want to (I still do, but I can't during certain phases of novel writing), and my previous career.
I'm married, I have 5 kids, I'm a stay at home mom, and a writer all in one. I'm not published yet, but I will be. With persistence, all things are possible. I say Go for it!
Liz
Thank you all for sharing. I'm really glad there is a community of writers that can share and encourage each other. It always helps to see people going through the same struggles and persevere.
ReplyDeleteHah! I've got four kids and a bunch of other responsibilities, and STILL I write...if you want something enough, you just do it. Anyway, about what I've gained...a million adventures in fictitious lands/with crazy people I get to make up. So fun!
ReplyDelete