The Pleasure of Not Writing
Yes, take time to think
Think many positive thoughts
Then make time to write
But, write everyday?
Is that really positive?
How about a break?
Every other week I meet with a Writers’ Group. Our attendance varies between two and eight. We never know who’ll show up, but even if I am there alone, I enjoy going to that writers’ spot and sharing ideas with fellow writers via my blog.
When others attend (usually two or more join me), we begin with a prompt that we pull out of a hat (actually a little bag), and then we free write for 15 minutes or so. Each of us shares orally with one another what we’ve written during free write – and then we share something we’ve been working on at home, making copies for each other to look on and offer positive criticism.
During the free write, I get a kick out of how many different approaches we take to the same prompt. A few weeks ago the prompt was, “The Pleasure of Not Writing.”
Here is what my fifteen minute rambling produced:
Writing is an itch
That needs to be scratched,
But I can turn around
And grieve the time that’s snatched!
I can get so wrapped up
In getting words out of my brain
That it can be exhausting
And on life – take quite a drain!
I need to take a break
And not write for a day or two;
Do something else creative –
What would that be for you?
Would you watch TV and vegetate?
Would you fish or visit friends?
Would you clean, or sort, or gravitate
To some project without ends?
I take pleasure in my writing.
I love hearing from bloggers out there,
But I think there’s pleasure in not writing –
I’m just not sure I know where!
Oh wait – I know a place I’ll go –
To the kitchen where I’ll cook –
To the Food Bank where I’ll serve –
To Plain Jane’s to have a look.
I’ll bide my time at the mall
Or take in a concert or two.
What pleasure will you find NOT writing?
What other activities are happy for you?
A pedicure? Ah, it feels so good!
Time at the beach? Ah, so refreshing!
Quiet time with Jesus?
Ah yes, I’m headed to my lovely sanctuary now.
Join me!