Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand. ~George Orwell
Most days writing is a joy.
But there are days, especially when I feel the words won’t obey my commands no matter how hard I pound on the keyboard, that I think George was on to something.
Writerly friends: Demon or Muse?
I love it when it's done 🙂 Until i've got to promote 🙁
@KarenG I'm just beginning to realize how much time promotion really takes. Holy Cats! Where's the time for writing?
No def not demon, but perhaps an antichrist?
@AA Agreed that writing has too much power to be just a lowly demon. But not ready to concede the antichrist is driving me! 🙂
Ummm, yes! I say yes to both. Like you, it all depends on the day. I love the Orwell quote – it's one of my faves. 🙂
100% pure Demon.
@Shannon You are the quote queen! You've probably already used that one, right?
@Bane Bahaha! I should have seen that coming.
Definitely depends on my mood. But lately I've been calling my life revision Hell, so I guess that says something…
Yesterday…Demon on FIRE! Today…my Muse and friend.
@Shannon I think I have a condo in revision Hell.
@Sheri And it's good both ways! I like it. 🙂
I think taking one day at a time, it is like exercising – it hurts a little, but you feel great when you're done – you did something worthwhile.
But then a few days/weeks later you look at what you wrote and it makes you cringe. Demonic.
So then you go through re-writes, which are also demonic.
Then finally you reach a point where you have – in my case – a few good chapters (can't say that for the whole book, I but I think I have a few good chapters) – and you start to feel happy and inspired again.
But not for very long 🙂
@Margo It's like some manic-depressive demon-angel thing. Absolutely. (yay for good chapters!) :0
I can totally relate to this. I hope tomorrow is a better day. (Smiles)
It does depend on the day.
It's a demon when I want to write and can't (other obligations). It's a joy when I have the time and the ideas are flowing.
Woops, I totally dodged the question.
@Buffy *sending better day to you*
@Myrna I try to remember that. It gets me through.
@Vicki You didn't dodge, you saw all sides. Because you're a writer! 🙂
Like you said, it depends on the day. I think we have both inside of us and because this whole thing is such a roller coaster ride, it varies which one rears its head.
One of my favourite quotes is "The best part of writing is having written."
Embrace your inner demon!
Nelsa
@Lisa I feel like I'm playing whack-a-mole with those demons raising their heads! 🙂
@wordwork Love that! And embracing your inner demon sounds like the theme for many a paranormal YA novel on the shelves today! 🙂