Are we sure we want to do this?

[voluptuary_manque]

It appears that in one writer's opinion, writing is bad for you.

 

[3113]

It has become increasingly clear to me over these last 10 years, in which I have written more regularly than before, that the more I write the worse I become. More self-absorbed, less sensitive to the needs of others, less flexible, more determined to say what I have to say, when I want and how I want, if I could only be left alone to figure it out.

He says this like it's a bad thing....

Also, is he sure this isn't just old age? Or the fact that he's probably autistic?

I also like this part: " It's astonishing that novelists have any social life at all."

What's a social life?

 

[Kurokami]

Maybe it's just me, but writing can be a team sport. My wife and I often write together; myself behind the keyboard while we discuss the plot, sentence structure and character development. It's led to some utterly entertaining conversations, and I feel that the general quality of my work has improved for her assistance.

So, yes, writing can put you in a self-absorbed funk, but only if you let it.

 

[sr71plt]

I much prefer my self-absorbed funk than most of the embassy cocktail parties I've had to attend.

 

[Kurokami]

I much prefer my self-absorbed funk than most of the embassy cocktail parties I've had to attend.

And I can certainly get behind that. Personally, I pride myself on my misanthropy, it's just that when I write I prefer to have a partner.

 

[3113]

...embassy cocktail parties I've had to attend.

*Perk* Did you wear a tux?

 

[lovecraft68]

I have always been anti social writing now gives me a legitimate excuse.
"Sorry, my husband would have come but he has to get his story submitted tonight"

Rather than "Yeah he's not here because he doesn't like you."

Like Kurokami above, my wife is an active participant in my writing. We read the dialogue as the characters and will even 'roleplay' some of the scenes.

Maybe that's why I go out of my way, to put in the rough stuff.

 

[Loring2]

Ah yes

I much prefer my self-absorbed funk than most of the embassy cocktail parties I've had to attend.

I remember them well ... those embassy cocktail parties ,,, Alas

 

[curious2c]

I've learned over time to be a better writer... at least I think I have. I can't see writing being a bad thing for a person. One needs to come up with fresh ideas and ways to say/write things, but that just improves one's mind if done properly. I mean... thinking outside the box, inside the box, and with the box upside down on your head can be invigorating, and send one on journeys of whimsy and delight.

I suppose if one is forced to write for their sole support and to earn a living it could become tedious if one were to let get so.