Celeste Jones asked a great question last
month. She asked: do you consider writing to be a lonely
activity? Lonely? Not on your life! I love my characters. Cassie has been with
me since childhood. I can certainly see why people would ask this question and I imagine non-writers would feel that writing is lonely. But the vast majority of writers that answered her
question gave a resounding, NO! I love
having a weekend to myself when Nick is away I can go the whole weekend with no
desire to leave the house, and no reason to talk to another living soul. One responder did mention that it might be lonely for the person the writer lives with. I can see that. I like to go off into my writing room alone, except for the cats, and that does leave Nick alone. But I always stop by seven o’clock during the school year and during the summer when I can write during the day, I stop before he comes home.
I love the solitude of writing, I love
the quiet, and I love my characters – my friends, who live contentedly in my
head. I love them for the feeling of companionship they give me when I write.
Great post PK. Very interesting question and I enjoyed reading your perspective.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
It very different than people might think.
DeletePK,
ReplyDeletean interesting post, I wrote in quiet moments, but it never got in the way of life.
Love and warm hugs,
Paul.
Sometimes it get in the way of mind, but I still love it.
DeleteRay says sometimes he feels lonely - you're right, the reader has their characters to keep them company.
ReplyDeleteWe will always have company. I've told Nick I haven't really ever been alone.
DeleteIt's a gift, a choice to be alone. It's not lonely. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteNot being a writer I'm not sure. Can understand the other half possibly being a little lonely.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ronnie
xx
Yes, that worries me sometimes, but Nick usually keeps himself pretty busy.
DeleteWriting is how I deal with stress. I escape, but I do feel guilty for leaving my husband alone so much. I try to quit at a reasonable hour and we curl up and watch some movies together.
ReplyDeleteIt's my escape too. I can spend hours over there if I don't watch myself.
DeleteHey PK...very interesting question and great answer. I can understand how a writer wouldn't be lonely with all those characters clamoring to have their stories told. Can also understand how their partner could get a bit lonely if the writer wasn't careful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Cat,
DeleteIt's kinda nice to always be surrounded by friends. I just need to make sure Nick is too.
Sometimes you can be surrounded with family and friends but still be lonely. I think the writer or artist will get lost in the creativity!
ReplyDeleteSometimes that world is more real than my own.
DeleteFrom I readers point of view, I can understand. Never really thought about it what's it like for the writer. Can you stop the creative process when you stop writing or does it go on in your head? And if it doesn't turn of like turning a knob, are you still alone in your world, even there are people around you? Or is solitude, being alone in a room a condition to write? You made me curious.
ReplyDeleteOf course I can only speak for myself, but Cassie will talk to me anywhere. We talk a lot in the car, as I'm going to sleep or waking up. Yet she's a lady and will rarely bother me when I'm talking to someone in real life. I can write in my head anywhere I am, but I love the solitude of my own writing room over looking my back yard.
DeleteI find writing to be a solitary activity, but far from lonely. I love most of my characters and always enjoy reading any comments left, good or bad.
ReplyDeleteSo no, I don't think writing is lonely, just time for me to unwind! ;-)
John (aka The Bawdy Bloke)
John, I agree completely. Especially about the comments, they are so important.
Delete