Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
***
October 3 question - How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something?
Wow - timely question!
As many of you know, I've got a family member recovering from some major injuries. Events like my loved one's accident and subsequent recovery require a lot of time outside of our regular schedules. As we all know, time is a valuable and coveted commodity. Like many of us, I don't have enough of it and the current situation gives me less time for writing.
When I don't have regular writing time, my groove gets a little bumpy and my confidence drops. To get back into my groove, I end up needing to reread my WIP. More time required, but it does work.
On the flip side, writing most definitely helps me through all parts of life. It's a fabulous way to relieve stress and work through situations.
Despite all the ups and downs that life throws along our paths, I know I'll continue to write.
How about you? Does writing help you cope and relieve some stress? (Except when it's causing you stress!! 😄)
Your energies are needed elsewhere and that's all right. Time to write will return.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true - just trying to keep my mind working on things :)
DeleteWriting will be a good way to relieve the stress of what you've been through.
ReplyDeleteIt sure will!!!
DeleteWhen I'm in a place I can't write, I pull out a notebook or my phone and jot things down. It really helps me feel less helpless. And not so guilty because I'm not writing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good idea. I'll have to pick up that habit!
DeleteMajor events seem to be weights on our writing shoulders. I hope your family member is doing well. Write! :)
ReplyDeleteThey are weights indeed!
DeleteHe's showing good improvements - thanks!!
You'll always be able to come back and write again. That's the important thing. Just write when you can.
ReplyDeleteYes! I think you're exactly right, Ken!
DeleteDuring really stressful times just getting down a few words helps. Hope your family member heals and is healthy again very soon.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Lee. He's doing well, although it looks to be a few months still!
DeleteVenting. Helps me cope. Helps me be strong. I can say anything to a page and nothing bad happens. Then I burn or delete it and I still feel better.
ReplyDeleteFiction does something similar but for completely different reasons. ;-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
That's a fabulous idea! I did that kind of thing in high school a lot (burned those pages in bonfires!). I'll have to try that again!
DeleteWriting is my biggest stress reliever. I also do yoga and read a fair amount, and I stream, too, but writing has the added benefit of making me feel like I'm making good use of my time. Happy IWSG day! http://www.raimeygallant.com
ReplyDeleteI agree - I do find exercise helps a lot - and reading is always a joy and an escape! :)
DeleteWriting allows me to escape reality when it's too much. I suppose in that way, it keeps me sane.
ReplyDeleteYes - that escape does exactly the same for me!!
DeleteUnderstand everything you say. Medical conditions (your own or family members') take up writing time and emotional energy. I know!
ReplyDeleteBtw, my blog is Write On at https://rosemaryreaderandwriter.wordpress.com. Google won't let me use my WordPress profile when commenting.
They really do!!
DeleteI found you!! :)
I'm like you. If I don't write for a few days, I get really cranky. Hope the recovery process is proceeding faster than predicted.
ReplyDeleteHe's moving along well - thanks! It will still be a while, but he's so relieved to see good progress! :)
DeleteWell wishes to your loved one! Writing is good to help you through tough times. Whether you journal or write something uplifting to get your head-space clear.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meka!
DeleteI mostly write romance for that very fact - it's always a positive to dive into!
I think it's great to know that you'll come back to your writing. Sometimes when you're super busy, that's all you can do.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly it! Sometimes there's not a single minute in the day - and that's the way it has to be
DeleteEven when real life elements creep into the writing, writing provides an escape from the reality, and also gives a way to maybe process things in a different way from simply mulling it over.
ReplyDeleteI hope your family member is recovering well, Jemi.
Thanks Jeff - he's making steady progress which is a huge relief!
DeleteI agree - writing provides both an escape and a chance to work things out!
I can relate :)
ReplyDeleteAnd it's good to hear you will continue to write.
I think many of us can! Life can be completely crazy!!!
DeleteI hope your relative is recovering and that you're able to find time for yourself and your writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary - me too! :)
DeleteGlad your writing helps you and best wishes to the family member going through a rough time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan - much appreciated! :)
DeleteFamily and health are top priority!
ReplyDeleteEverything else will fall into place thereafter...
Hope you're well, Jemi. 😃
Thanks so much Michelle!! We're making progress!
DeleteI'm so sorry your family member. I hope they continue to heal and recover.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm in the middle of family trauma or illness I journal. It's something I can go to when I have more time for ideas to expand on.
He's making good progress but it's a long road!
DeleteI haven't journaled in a long time - might be time to do that again!
Writing definitely helps me relieve stress. (Marketing causes it! *LOL*) It's helped me through all the rough times in life. Hope your family member heals up well and you find your way back to your writing. :)
ReplyDeleteYES!!! Marketing is definitely stress inducing! :)
DeleteThanks - me too :P
Sorry to hear about your family member's struggles. I hope they feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteIn times of great trauma, writing is the last thing on my mind, aside from feeling guilty I'm not doing it. In those moments, I need to take care of myself, and that's what I do.
That's exactly what I've had to do - it's getting easier now so I hope to pick up the writing soon!
DeleteWriting is more an escape for me, rather than a stress reliever. But life does have a way of intruding :( And family comes first, always. I’m glad your family member is going to be okay. 3>
ReplyDeleteThanks Gwen - he's been 'fixed' and now it's all about healing and recovering strength.
DeleteWriting is definitely a great escape!
Focusing on supporting your family is so important. Sometimes, our other pursuits need to take a backseat. From reading the comments above, it sounds like he's on the road to recovery and healing which is great news.
ReplyDeleteHe really is, although he'll have a few long months before we can say he's healed, but we're thrilled with the progress! :)
DeleteThankfully you have an escape with your writing... Taking care of loved ones is stressful, but remember to take a bit of time for yourself. You don't want to get too run down and get ill.... take care.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough - thanks for the tips! :)
DeleteMy writing takes a hit when something is going on in my life. And then it's hard to get back into it.
ReplyDeleteIt is!!! Getting back in the swing of things is tough :)
DeleteSounds like a stressful time. I hope things improve and you can get back to writing soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon - I hope so too!
DeleteGlad your relative is on the mend. These events can definitely put a damper on writing. I've had to take breaks before but I always come back.
ReplyDeleteMe too!! :)
DeleteJemi! Thanks for sharing your Flash Fiction. You're amazing! I've always loved writing. It's such a huge stress reliever. So easy to get lost in the worlds I write! Haha...
ReplyDelete((Hugs))
Thanks Elizabeth! It really IS so easy to get lost in those words and those worlds!! :)
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear one of your loved ones was injured! Yes, the unexpected throws all things, including writing. And yes, I get how writing can pull us through tough times. Hugs to you and your family. Be gentle on yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn. He's healing and getting stronger but it's a long road!
Delete