WRITER'S BLOCK: LOVE OF WRITING

I cannot retrieve the past when I could knock out novels quickly.  Nor would I want to.  Rather, what I want is to feel connected more deeply to the novels I do write.  This is the experience I'm having with my new novel.

I think one of the reasons this is happening is because I don't care if it gets published.  Don't get me wrong.  I'd love to get it published.  But, I'm writing it because it's fun and it's filling an emotional need as well.

I know people who set out to get published and they do achieve it.  But, without the inherent desire to write, the achievement of publication is not meaningful.

Then there are people who set out to be published and don't get published.  Some stop writing because all they wanted was to be published.  Others love words and keep writing.

I have coached both kinds of writers.  By far the most enjoyable to coach are the ones who love to write.  Where writing is like breathing.  But, I have also seen people "grow" into their writing.  And so, I never discourage writers or wannabe writers who have other reasons to write.

You may not know what kind of writer you are.  Freewriting often gives the clue.  If you haven't done it, why not start now?