Writing Is...

It's time to confess. I'm a junkie. You see, writing is not just a job or career, it is a demanding, continuous way of life. I keep a small notebook and a few pencils in my handbag at all times, and when I see a scene that triggers a story idea or get an out-of-the-blue fascinating original thought, I write it down ASAP. If I'm driving at the time, I pull over at the first opportunity. I've lost a couple of good poems—and I'm not a good, much less accomplished poet—simply because I couldn't get the well-worked-out words down in time. Heart-breakingly, once these inspirational nuggets slip out of mind, they never come back. Ever! I've tried to reach out for them numerous times. It never works.

I also keep a notebook and pencil in the drawer of my bedside table and use it frequently. Haven't you ever noticed how often ideas, solutions to problems, and even plots for short stories emerge from dreams or wakeful periods in the middle of the night? I think that's because our minds are freed from the chaos of daytime distractions and thus have a pure, clean slate to work on. Church is another ripe venue. Although I always try to hide it, more than once I've snuck my mini-notebook out of my purse in the middle of a pastor's sermon (Please don't tell him!) to record an especially well-phrased gem. On one occasion, after six months of struggle trying to recover from a bout of severe back pain, I got a verbal vision of healing while singing away in the midst of a joyous hymn. Glory, hallelujah!

Writers are crazy animals. We walk around with our heads in the clouds as if inspiration is going to zap us out of a thundercloud. We chew our pencils in anxiety, struggling to make the very best word choices. Others of us pound away at our keyboards at all hours of the day or night—utilizing our "best writing time." Ideas are crazy critters, too. They pop up randomly here and there, often when we least expect them. But once the words start to flow, they feed on themselves and set off a tirade of verbiage. Is there a writer in you? If so, don't ignore it. The world needs all the creative ideas we can bring to life. Who knows? Maybe you'll be writing a blog of your own, one of these days.

Loving my writing life and the God who inspires it,
Margaret