October 5 IWSG Question: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
My favorite aspect of being a writer... is feeling like a writer.
There are two times in my life where I really feel comfortable in my own skin. Two times that I feel like I'm fulfilling my dharma: teaching yoga and writing.
Most of my writing is done propped up on my bed late at night after work, after chores are done and after kids are in bed. I feel like a want-to-be writer then. Because, you know, "real" writers have cute little writing cottages on the beach where they can take breaks and walk the sand to find their latest best selling idea. And they don't have to work real jobs to pay the bills because their mail box is full of royalty checks.
These past few years I've been fortunate to travel to the West Coast a few times. They were much-needed mini vacations to reconnect with old friends, practice yoga in chic little studios and of course, to write.
Sitting in a Starbucks in Seattle - feel like a writer.
Walking the rocky Northwest beaches thinking of ideas - feel like a writer
Sitting in an airport with my laptop open - feel like a writer
Jotting down notes while waiting to meet my friend for the afternoon - feel like a writer
It's not just when I'm away that I feel like a writer. Right now I'm sitting in my local Starbucks waiting on my girls to be finished dance class. I've gotten into a good habit these past couple months of day job, home to kids, drop girls at dance, go to Starbucks and write, pick up girls and continue with mom chores for the evening.
I like my cherished moments here. In fact I try and pick the far back corner booth so I can hide in case people I know stop in. I don't want forced socialization to hinder my writing!
I suppose the theme here is my favorite aspect of being a writer... is sitting down and actually writing.
This post is a part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly meeting of writers who over think, under write and just want people to like them.
I agree with you! I don't feel right when I'm not writing regularly. Even though it's my job, it's also my outlet, and fiction writing feeds my soul in a way my nonfiction business writing can't.
ReplyDeleteThose hours in Starbucks can be golden. I wrote most of my first book in coffee shops while my daughter was at swim practice.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a great routine going there with writing at Starbucks while the kids are at dance class. I imagine you really need an organized and disciplined approach to writing when you have kids and it sounds like you've got that one nailed.
ReplyDeleteI love the beaches of OR and go back whenever I can. I was lucky enough to grow up in Portland, so I spent many an hour at the beach. Now I go back to fuel my soul and writing. Enjoy the feeling of writing and know that your are a writer!
ReplyDeleteAh, I think you described it perfectly. When I'm writing is the only time I feel right in my skin!
ReplyDeleteI get that. It's so nice to just slip into your own head and let your imagination go wild for a while. Incidentally, we live between several beaches...and never visit them. I don't think they help the writing process at all. ;)
ReplyDeleteFantastic answer. I really feel like myself when I'm writing too. :)
ReplyDeleteOver think, under write, and just want people to like them? Zinger!
ReplyDeleteI gotta admire someone who can write out in public, even in a dark corner. I've got to be home alone or it doesn't work.
It's always inspiring to me to hear how people work in writing to daily lives. Rarely are we ever holed up in a home office, free of distractions and obligations to let the muse carry us away. Instead it's moments claimed between shuffling kids or early hours or late hours where sleep suffers. Way to own feeling like a writer. That can be a tough one too!
ReplyDeleteHere's my IWSG post for November: YA Author Stephanie Scott
This is such a great answer - "I suppose the theme here is my favorite aspect of being a writer... is sitting down and actually writing." :)
ReplyDeleteI've tried writing in a cafe...and surprisingly got quite a bit done. My writing hours have always been late at night when the world is fast asleep...
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Day!
Writer In Transit
I feel like I did some of my best writing while waiting in a coffee shop for one of my kids to finish practice. No social media, no TV, no other demands on my time. When you have children, you steal every minute.
ReplyDeleteYou know, even though I have a home office, I keep promising myself I'm going to try writing elsewhere sometimes. Your post has motivated me to take my notebook down to the Puget Sound and give it a go--as soon as this rain stops. Wishing you happy writing in November.
ReplyDeleteI think I've agreed with everyone favorite so far. hehehe
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
As you know from my post, I so relate to you! A cozy corner at Starbuck's with a laptop sounds very much like a writer :)
ReplyDeleteThere are times, like right now, when I can't write either. It just occurred to me that I still feel like a writer. Wow! That took a long time coming. Welcome to IWSG, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteI love when I can take my computer and write somewhere else besides home. It definitely helps w/my creativity. And if it's at a cafe where there are yummy things to eat- even better! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe feeling of accomplishment when you've gotten something done is magnificent, as well! A good bout of writing always feels so good.
ReplyDeleteThe enjoyment of writing is really coming through in your blog! It is amazing that you have this great routine going, and I also think that, as a busy mom and full-time employee, you actually cherish those writing moments more and therefore, achieve a lot. There is a purpose and there is enjoyment! Well done, I'd say. I love "looking like a writer", but unfortunately, I don't quite "feel" like one (yet)!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could ever write in public--tried once, it didn't really work, so kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteI loved writing while my daughters were in dance class - it seemed like the perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteFeeling like a writer is awesome!
I agree! Pulling out the notepad or the laptop and writing anywhere and everywhere makes me feel like a writer. Oddly, it makes me feel it almost more than sitting down and my desk in my nice workspace and using the lovely great desktop that's there for the purpose...we must have mental images stuck in our heads of writers in coffee shops.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, Jennifer! Feeling like a "real" writer is a wonderful aspect of writing ~ and it feels the most real when you're actually doing it! I've never tried writing in a Starbucks or another coffee shop. I'd be too curious about what was going on around me. I seem to do most of my writing on my kitchen counter, fueled by coffee, with the tv going in the background. Good luck with your writing in November!
ReplyDeleteReal writers have cute little writing cottages on the beach where they can take breaks and walk the sand.. Loved this. Brought a smile to my face. A dream all wannabe writers have. Hope you fulfill this dream.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've found a great plan. Don't forget: if you write, you're a writer.
ReplyDeleteI remember when the kids were little, before the time of lap tops and Starbucks. Now I write at home. No need to feel like a writer, you are one.
ReplyDeleteNancy
A friend of mine, a real published writer, spent many years writing in her bed or laundry room after the kids went to bed and all her other chores were done. Writers, who are moms and have other jobs, write wherever they can. Good for you for taking the time that the girls are in dance to do some writing at a favorite coffee shop! That's where I wrote my first play.
ReplyDeleteMary at Play off the Page
Most real writers work and they write in the oddest places and the oddest times. We do what we have to do.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the IWSG!