I do not write like I brush my teeth, but I should. It should be part of my daily routine. However, if I brushed my teeth like I write, I would be in big trouble with my dentist! If only I were as diligent about my writing as I am about eating, sleeping, exercising and yes, dental hygiene. It causes me great chagrin to admit that my recent writing habits have been far more like my flossing (erratic at best, until about a week before a visit to the dentist), then my brushing (at least, twice daily). How is it then, that God grants me this incredible gift of writing and instead of putting pen to paper (or fingers to laptop), I manage to squander it?
Lately, when people ask how my writing is going, I respond: “Oh, you know, life’s intruded, and I haven’t had time.” How ridiculous is this answer? Am I writer, or aren’t I? Last time I checked, being a writer means that you write—all the time—just like you brush your teeth, clean your floors, and eat. I’d be remiss not to admit, I am extremely disappointed in myself (even though my teeth glisten, my floors sparkle, and I am very well fed)! So, it’s time to publicly (here) declare: “NO MORE!” If I am going to call myself a writer, then I’m going to treat my writing with the respect that it deserves.
Therefore, although “life is still intruding’, I’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month) in an attempt to rekindle my passion for writing. During NaNoWriMo, participants sign on to write 50,000 words during the month of November. This can apply to a single novel, or several writing projects. The key to all of this—write, write, write some more, and keep on WRITING!!! The accountability of being a part of this wonderful event is unparalleled for me, because it gives me “permission” to choose writing over other activities and chores that can wait. Does this mean shirk all responsibilities in lieu of writing? Of course not, but writing does deserve “equal billing” at the very least. So, as I jump into NaNoWriMo with both feet, and pledge to put pen to paper as regularly as I wash my hair, clean my floors and walk my dog. Remember, you heard it here folks—catch you on the flip side!
MJ Wallace 