The Consolations of Writing

Why do we Write

What is it about writing that people find so comforting?

At a Christmas lunch this week my colleagues were discussing the possibility of rentrenchment. Even Telcos are expecting to feel the pinch apparently, and 2009 – 2010 is not looking too rosy. The conversation went like this:

‘Oh well. If I lose my job I’ll just stay home and work on my novel.’

‘You’re writing a book. Great. Yeah, I’ve got a book started. It would be good to have time to keep going with it.’

‘Me too. I’m also writing. A detective novel. It’s coming along.’

It turns out that quite a few of our group are keen writers and all that’s stopping them is the time to keep at it. Or is it? And what are the consolations of writing? Why do some of us feel that writing a novel (and presumably having it published) will shield us from the uncertainty and anxiety of losing our jobs?

I think most of us are inclined to view creativity as a shelter and a retreat from the problems of life. When all else fails, we have inner creative resources that we are at last going to set free.

If only this were true. In my experience creativity, especially the writing kind, is hard work. It takes a lot of discipline to sit down and do that 500 words, more or less, every day. If the recession bites and you are forced to give up your day job, by all means write, but remember to keep at it when times improve.

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