WRITING WHEN YOU'RE NOT WRITING

Writing when you're not writing appears to be a contradiction.  Yet, it is important to be aware that writers often think they're writing when they don't have pen to paper or aren't sitting down at their computer.  Probably you know that it's generally advised (as a writing tip) that you carry a notebook with you to write down your ideas.  And many writers and wannabe writers do exactly that.

But, this is NOT what I mean when I say that you're writing when you're not writing.  What I mean is that you're thinking.   As long as you're a thinking person, you're a writing person.

I remember that I went through a period where I simply could not write, and I worried that I would no longer be a writer.  A friend of mine who was very familiar with my writing and more importantly with my commitment to writing, urged me to not be concerned that I wasn't writing.  She said, "You will always be a writer, even if you aren't writing."   Ironically, I had someone tell me the same thing about herself  recently.  My friend's statement had a hu impact on me.  It got me through a much longer than desired dry period regarding my writing.

Not only have I been grateful to my friend, but the experience allowed me to change my view of myself as a writer.  And, it gave new meaning to "you're writing even when you're not writing."

So keep "writing."

For tips on how to overcome writer's block when you want to take pen to paper, or sit down at the computer, see Overcome Writer's Block Easily.