I caught the tail end of Oprah's interview with J.K Rowling. (For those from another planet, she's the author of the Harry Potter books.) This was a chance sort of thing because 1) dislike Oprah and have never watched her show unless forced 2) it wasn't even supposed to be on. I was getting my nails done, and usually get Let's Make a Deal. Harmless fluff. But the station had some technical difficulty, and jumped into this Oprah interview. All that to say, I believe Someone wanted me to hear what she had to say.
Oprah asked her, “Here's the question I'm sure you get everyday. What's next? Will you write again?”
“Of course I'm going to write again. I have to. I can't NOT write! And that's how you know you're really a writer.”
That spells good news for me, because I've been feeling completely frustrated lately, and wondering if I should keep going on this writing journey. One part of my frustration is the lack of time in my day to write. I've tried various means of tweaking my schedule, but inevitably, something steals my time. The bigger part is that as I meet more and more wonderful writers through contests and prompt blogs, I feel less and less capable. I read their short stories and think, “Wow. How did she come up with that? I wouldn't have thought of that at all.” Yet, that writer did. While it's been wonderful, and encouraging, to be invited to join several groups of writers, when I compare myself to them, I'm just not that good.
But J.K Rowling thinks I'm a writer. She said so on national TV. I think what she meant was that I wouldn't have the feelings of frustration at NOT writing if I weren't a writer. Simple as that. So I will push on. I'll will continue to post drafts. I will continue to write poetry. I'll continue to dream
Because I can't NOT write.
11 comments:
i hear you...and i feel that some days...today being one of them...
haha... classic....
I can't NOT write either and more often than not, don't have the time either... but it's there inside of me (all of us) good or bad, get it out when you can :)
I agree. You *must* continue to write. And never beat yourself up over not coming up with something someone else came up with. They won't come up with what you come up with. Anyway, we like the authentic Tina! Push on. Fit it in where you can. Write little bits and pieces in journals and notebooks while you are waiting in lines. Write things in your head when you don't have a way to write things on paper or type onto your laptop. And remember that the life you lead, that 'interferes' with your writing, is what ultimately gives you your unique wisdom and point of view. You have something to "bring to the table" because of this crazy, busy, wonderful life of yours.
Love you, friend!
To not write is to have no voice and I will not be muted. Neither will you. Not write? You might as well say not breathe.
Cee
Writers hate to write...but cant NOT write...Its that urge...that lump in your throat that you HAVE to get out...Writers force themselves to write at times and other times it just flows naturally...Dont let life discourage you...Write about the things keeping you away or whatever is going on in your world...through your eyes...Dont worry that you dont write like another...Write like you can only do :)
I wondered what was going on lately, now all becomes clear. I know exactly what you mean, joining some of these writing and poetry prompts makes me feel I have nothing original, unique or remotely clever to offer to make me stand out. But do not be put off Tina because you are a writer, and a poet and you are good at both so yes, I think you were meant to hear that interview.
good! i'd be sad if you quit writing.
i think that is nothing other than the voice of the ENEMY in your ear. press on and continue to create. no one may ever think your a genius (although i highly doubt that) but it makes your heart sing… so WRITE on!!
thanks for sharing your heart!
Yes, do keep writing. You write well! I love your poems. Some of the phrases you use are exquisite. I'm very pleased you are carryiing on :)
Oooh, I don't like Oprah either.
Her comments make me wonder what the world will find when Harper Lee passes...
Keep writing!
Phew, I'm glad I'm not a writer. I can not write for weeks on end.
No coincidences in life. That fire is either in your belly or it's not. Sometimes I write with my photographs. Doesn't matter if I use words so long as I get that fire out into the world.
Good for you for listening when you could have so easily tuned out.
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