Getting Back to Writing – would I rather just read?

I love books, particularly well-written ones.  In the past two weeks I’ve been immersed in a new world: Ethiopia, Eritrea and the lives of characters in Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese. This 2009 bestseller was loaned to me by a friend, who offered it after I said I like historical fiction.  Verghese’s ability to create a vital world with complex people and events are so considerable that I feel intimidated to get back to my own writing.   I loved the experience of reading it so much I read during the day as well as before sleeping.  Occasionally it made sleep hard to attain, for I cared so much about the people. They had become part of my psyche.

The articles in the September edition of WestWord, the magazine of WGA (Writers Guild of Alberta) shared much about the writing process.  One article by Toby Welch was titled Manoeuver the Clock: Find More Writing Time in Your Schedule.  Toby interviewed several writers to discover what they did.  After reading about the challenges most writers face in relationships, family, full-time jobs, and volunteering, I felt I have no excuse whatever to not write.  I’m retired and live alone. So why am I not writing?

It’s very tempting to just sit and read.  There are so many wonderful books out there.  If I were in town this week I would attend some of the author readings at WordFest.  I’m going to Kelowna to care for my grand-son instead.  My priorities are clear in that respect.  When and if my son asks me to come to help, I will  (unless I have made an earlier commitment to a workshop or conference). There are few commitments more important to me than this grandson right now.

I recall a book I bought ten years ago called You Don’t Have to Write That Book.  I am at that space again.  I’ll see how I feel once I’m back from Kelowna, and out of my grandmother role.