IWSG Blog Post - No Replacement for Writing

The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

June 7 question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

I started writing because I couldn't not write. I needed an outlet that was just for me. Writing is my selfishness.

The thing that could stop me is the word Yes. There's daily pressure to do more... take on more... give more of one's time and energy. School, church, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, random strangers--everyone asks for time like it's no big deal. Sometimes they ask politely. Sometimes they ask in a way that tells rather than requests. They imply our time is owed. That we're not doing our part.

Sometimes my No is firm. Sometimes it's whispered. No makes me feel guilty. One day, I might give a reluctant, defeated yes. That weak yes will get a training montage where it gets stronger, better, and faster. Saying No will get harder. It's tricky to turn a Yes back into a No.

So, to answer the question, obligations are what might replace writing. Groups like the IWSG remind me that writing is a valid use of time and shouldn't require excuses. To anyone who's reading this, thank you for your support. Even if reading my blog doesn't seem like much, it really helps. Love you guys, and long live the IWSG!