IWSG: Inspired to Write?


The Insecure Writers Support Group is brought to you by  founder Alex J Cavanaugh and a whole lot of other people. Sign up and a look at who is cohosting this month here. 
The May question: “It's spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?”
Thus far, my writing never increases or decreases because of seasons. Spring and summer are busy times outdoors for me, and yet, my morning ritual of writing goes on as usual. Writing during various seasons of life seems to go forward, too. When I had issues at work a couple of years ago, I wondered if my writing would suffer. It did not. When my son had a stroke, I wondered if I could write through my worry. I did. And when my dad died, I wondered if my creative mind could push through the emotional stuff connected to grief. Words poured out.
Seasons of the calendar year nor life seem to slow my desire to write. There's always readjustment, though. For me, writing is not only the way to get the voices out of my head and stories on paper, but is also my therapy.
On the other hand, spring pushes me to clean. (I love cleaning and organizing.) I’ve been cleaning up my Word files and backing up EVERYTHING on my computer, storing those files in couple of places. This isn't just for writers. Computer users everywhere need to back up files on a regular basis or YOU WILL BE SORRY. In addition to the spring file clean up and saves, I take a look at my files (including photos) a couple of times a year. And while spring cleaning fever is hot within, I also…
do some real housekeeping related to writing. I clean my keyboard. I clean my designated desk in my den (previously my formal living room). The shelves that house all the paper that I end up with from writing, I sort and purge (a work in progress).
Paper for me is the devil.
Does spring affect my writing? Nope, but seasonal cleaning and writing go hand in hand for me.
T.

Comments

I really need to acquire some of your cleaning/organisational skills.
And I love that writing is your therapy.
James Pailly said…
I have enormous admiration for you for being able to write on despite the hardships of life. I had some serious life problems these last few months, and my writing took a hit. I'm starting to bounce back with my writing, and I have a lot of optimism at the moment, but it would have been nice if I hadn't had to take that hit in the first place.
Readjustments - good way to look at it.
I back up my files at least once a week. You never know...
Crystal Collier said…
I love that your habits are so firmly established that nothing shakes them. That's the way to be!
Jemi Fraser said…
I wish I liked cleaning like you do - for me it's a necessary evil :P
I've been bowled over a few times by life recently as well - and the words do keep coming - just not always the words I expect :)
Chrys Fey said…
It's great that your writing schedule isn't disturbed by the change of seasons. That's what a good writing schedule should be like. :)

I also get inspired to clean and garden and do projects around the house during this time.
Hi Teresa - you are setting us all examples - good ones I know ... and at this time of year, there's always lots to do - getting out and about is just so much nicer ... light and beautiful fresh scents ... enjoy and congratulations on always writing. You have had a lot to contend with ... take care - cheers Hilary
cleemckenzie said…
I'll bet Mellie gets some spring cleaning, too! Wonder what her thoughts are about that? Great to see her darlin' face here today.
I hear you about all the paper. For every piece I toss, five more sneak in somehow. :)
emaginette said…
Yeah. Writing can be a relief when life hits hard. The only outlet where you don't have to hold back.

Anna from elements of emaginette
Pat Hatt said…
Keeping on writing through it all is the way to be. I have my stuff backed up 3 times.
Fundy Blue said…
Wise words, Teresa! I backup my backups. It's wonderful that you can write consistently and that writing is therapy for you. Journaling has often gotten me through difficult times. Happy writing in May.
Kalpana said…
You sound like a wonderfully organised person - wish I was too - one always feels so much better when one cleans and organises - photos, paper, Works in Progress. Must do some back ups.
Doing regular backups of your files is so important. I love cleaning and organising too :-)

Ronel visiting on Insecure Writer's Support Group day: Autumn Decisions
Mary Aalgaard said…
I'm in the need of cleaning and purging. The warm weather and sunshine do tempt me to go outside. Writing is definitely therapy. It's good to have that outlet.
You sound so organized.
I need to get into a habit of backing up my stuff more often. I've heard horror stories about writers losing thousands of words through neglect in backing up work.
Writer In Transit
Nick Wilford said…
Now that's the kind of spring cleaning I could get on board with. Definitely so important to back up. Glad to hear you can just keep on writing no matter the external circumstances.
Spring makes me want to clean, too! But I've had too much cleaning this year...we had our carpets replaced and I took the opportunity to go through everything. Took me weeks! I may not clean the rest of the year... :)

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