“The Chair on the Hill” © R.L. Herron
A good friend recently asked me why I write.
I get that a lot. Most likely that’s because I’m always writing. I don’t often think about the “why” of it, so it took me several moments to tell him I really don’t know.
He didn’t seem to think it was much of an answer. Probably because it wasn’t.
Writing has been a part of my personal and professional life for so long, it’s second nature. I’ve written essays, technical abstracts, short stories and poetry.
I created a well-respected web site and forum nearly ten years ago. I’ve edited book-length manuscripts, annual reports, editorial columns and web sites.
Through it all, I found the hardest part of any writing effort is the beginning, but not for the reason you might think.
It’s not so much trying to discover something to write about. Quite the contrary. Once I begin, it is often far more difficult to stop. No, the hardest part is overcoming the inertia of my own procrastination.
I was much better at beginning when I had a deadline to meet.
Knowing someone was waiting for my words to be delivered, particularly when that someone could definitely affect my paycheck, gave a certain impetus to the start of the process.
They tell me I’m supposed to be taking it easy now, sitting back and enjoying the peace and quiet, since there are no deadlines.
The photograph above, taken in my back yard, reminds me a lot of how I feel these days. The scene is idyllic but, as in the picture, my chair is often empty.
Peace and quiet is, by definition, peaceful and quiet. It is also, to say the least, rather boring.
To keep the creative juices flowing, and my sanity intact, I think I need a solid deadline to meet.
Got any?
Painting With Light 