Drunk on writing

/ Tracy Abell

On a personal level, 2024 has brought an awful lot of pain and hardship to people I love, making these first five months feel like an entire year has already passed. And when I factor in the horrors of the U.S.–sponsored genocide of Palestinians, the emotional weight of these days is almost more than I can bear. But I’m now finding consistent refuge in my writing because I’ve made it a daily priority.

Rather than trying to cram a writing session into whatever slots I could find in my days and then saying oh-well if it didn’t happen, writing is now (again) part of my morning routine. As a result, I’ve been making slow progress on the second draft of my middle grade novel. I typically work for 60-90 minutes and that’s enough to keep me (mostly) centered for the rest of the day. That routine and commitment to my creativity keep me afloat, although some days I look and feel like this disheveled Northern Shoveler.

Lake Hasty. April 2, 2024

As Ray Bradbury said, You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.

6 thoughts on “Drunk on writing”

  2. I deeply relate to the Ray Bradbury quote and your first paragraph. I too find it unbearable beyond words and seek periods of refuge in writing projects, while still standing against this horrifically cruel, calculated, brutal, sadistic genocide. The raw footage I’ve seen in real time can never be unseen or justified. Thank you for your humane presence in this world. 🕊️🩶🙏

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    • Apologies for the delay in responding! Thank you for letting me know the quote resonated with you. This reality truly is unbearable and I’m glad you’re finding refuge as you can. Yesterday was very hard for me and late in the day I listened to the little voice inside telling me to submerge myself in my writing project again, and felt more centered afterward. Take good care of yourself.

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