“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” ~Gloria Steinem

I may not agree with Gloria on everything.   But her take on writing is spot-on.  Know what I mean?  There’s something about writing that, if you’re called to it, is mysterious and mesmerizing.  Fantastic and hair-raising.  Startling.  Compelling.

The nuts-and-bolts of writing is a solo flight.  Others may offer help, advice, or corrected grammar, but no one can do your writing for you.  That job is yours alone.

A Camaraderie

Writing can also be the basis for camaraderie.  A bookish “Band of Brothers,” to borrow from the venerable Bard.  No one appreciates the frustration or fulfillment of writing like a fellow writer.

Few realize how much work it is to haul a bunch of characters around in your head all day like another novelist.  No one appreciates the expenditure of mental energy that goes into rewrites, or the incessant search for just the “right’ word or phrase.  Only another writer truly understands the ouch! of that last rejection letter, or the swirling delight attached to an editorial “Yes!”

Gloria was right.  Writing really is the only thing that, when I ‘m doing it, I don’t feel like I should be doing something else.  If you’re a writer, you know what I mean because you, like me, are fulfilling your calling when you write.

Don’t Put It Off

So, exit this blog and get busy writing.  Don’t jump to another article on writing, update your status or start tweeting.  That’s not writing, it’s dilly-dallying.  Knock out a new story.  Outline a holiday piece.  Submit that memoir that’s been sitting in your bottom drawer gathering dust.  Revise a rejected manuscript.  Polish a poem or publish an Ebook.

Whatever you do, don’t put it off.  Take a deep breath.  Close the door.  Unplug the TV.  Mute the phone.  Whatever it takes.  No more excuses.  Dive in.  Now.

It’s takes guts to be a writer, but you can do it.  Not only because you’re doing what you were called to do, but because we need you.  Your voice.  Your perspective.  Your willingness to learn and grow and inspire us along the way.  We need your story.  And you’re the only one who can tell it.

What’s your story?  Share it in the comments section in 50 words or less.  If you don’t have time for that, choose a one or two word genre that best describes what you’re working on, like short story, historical fiction or memoir.  We’re waiting to hear from YOU!