Could You Stop Writing?
By Brad
R. Cook
I’m
serious, can you stop?
Before
any big lottery, like the 550 Million Jackpot this week, everyone starts
speculating, what would you do with all that money – it really is the best part
of the lottery. First comes the obligatory, “I’m quitting my job.” That’s
followed by the cars, boats, and antique books that we’d buy, (is that just
me?) Then start the big dreams, putting colonies on the moon, buying an island,
or finally building that castle I’ve always wanted.
But
then I was asked if I would stop writing… I hadn’t thought of that. Sure with
my new found wealth I could lie on an Ibiza beach or hang out in a Scottish pub
for a few years. Life would be easy for awhile, but even I have to admit, after
five minutes I’d be contemplating plot lines, characters, and looking around at
how an Atlantian hit squad would assault that beach. That’s just who I am.
I’ve
heard this challenge in workshops and from other writers. It’s like a sick
taunt. “Go ahead and try to stop, you addict.” But worst, is that it’s true. First,
the typing chills come, when your fingers start searching for the keys. Then the errant plot bunnies scamper around
your feet, and your mind starts creating conversations for everyone around you.
If not satiated, the symptoms get worse – napkins will no longer be for wiping,
but become the notepads for novel ideas that may never see the light of day. Then
at its height…you start blogging. Say it isn’t so, give in to the addiction, and
let the words flow… *exhales*
Writers
write.
Painters
paint,
Sculptors
sculpt,
Programmers
program,
And
Baristas…make it all possible.
It’s
who we are and we can’t deny it – or the words will stalk you.
By the
way, if I had won, I would have paid off the big publishers to produce all my
novels, and then paid people to buy them. I’d then finance the movie, toy
lines, video games, and graphic novels. I’d be George Lucas, and then I’d sell
it all and make even more money…maniacal laugh.
My
challenge to you is this – don’t stop writing!
Never
stop creating, never stop reaching, and never give up!
Find
new ways of writing. It’s good practice for what you really want to write.
Try a script
for a play or movie, craft a poem, pen a short story about what’s outside your
window, whip up some fanfic, or just write a scene in a completely different
genre.
One
could call these writing exercises, but, it’s really about expanding your
horizons, challenging your brain, and improving your craft.
I
suppose my answer to the title question is no, I can’t stop. Words swirl in my
head, along with character traits, woven plot lines, grammar rules, and scenes
for future novels. We are storytellers, bards of the most creative degree, who
twist language into art and toy with the emotions of the reader. We do this not
out of some maniacal god-complex, but as a natural response to being
creative. Art is emotion, and words are
art. If a picture is worth 1000 words, my books are worth 75 to 100 pictures.
Accept
who you are, embrace the obsession, hoard all the words you can, and let the
stories flow. We’re writers. To deny the words is to stop breathing or eating. It
could possibly, or not really, cause of cancer, but don’t quote me on that.
As for
the lottery – the odds might be against you but somebody always wins… until
they lose it all a few years later.
Let us
know in the comments what you would do if you were a super rich writer.
Looking
for a last minute gift idea – consider one of these two books!
Zero
Time by T.W. Fendley
St.
Louis Reflections an Anthology by St. Louis Writers Guild in honor of its 90th
Anniversary
Both
are available through online retailers or off line at Left Bank Books in the
Central West End.
Brad R. Cook is a historical fantasy
author and President of St. Louis Writers Guild. Please visit www.bradrcook.com or follow me on Twitter @bradrcook
