I've been on a short writing break. Yesterday I started back into the new book on Africa. I'm excited, but scared. This one needs lots of research. It needs deep, genuine emotion. I have a lot of it drafted, but writing it well will require a lot more work.
Having free time lately startled me, honestly. Life could be easier if I didn't claim every available moment as writing time. But here I go again. And here are some thoughts on why:
From the WIFYR blog, a writing tip from Sarah B. Larson:
Never give up. But also to write every day, even if it’s just a page. I took a few months off for the first time in years and years because I was so far ahead and life was so busy, and it’s been so hard to get back in the habit of writing consistently again.
And from Elder Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle and president of BYU: “Where do we find our greatest joy? I suggest that it is in creativity—the process and feeling of creating something.”
I've joked about this, but when I don't write, I usually end up with a closet full of crafts. For a while, I made Santa figurines with hand-sculpted hands and faces. But for me, the making is never enough--I have to share them. The Santas sold well. Until they didn't. Selling crafts isn't worth the effort. I finally solved this problem by donating the results of a craft rampage to the Mothers Without Borders craft bazaar that helps children in Zambia.
Writing alone isn't quite enough for me, either. I want to share my words. Speaking of which, it's been a while since I wrote any articles about African humanitarian work. A few simple words spurred people to help the children for whom I wrote. That was a great feeling. Back back to the topic.
The act of creating something new--a bracelet, a photo page, or even better, an entire written world, is rejuvenating. It's why I write. Sharing it with others is still my dream. But perhaps it's time to rememberit's not the only reason.
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