Not writing, still breathing

I’m sure I saw someone say over on Facebook that writing is like breathing, i.e. necessary to life. And up to a few months ago I would have agreed. Regardless of the intrusion of life events (and often because of just that!) writing was the ‘go to’ place, and thinking about writing was the default state of mind.
However back in January a funny thing happened. I just couldn’t write any more. At first I thought it was just the novel I was writing, from which my brain surely needed a break, but even having put that (and my M.A.) aside, and considered a couple of other projects, I discovered there was nothing else I actually wanted or needed to say. It was peculiar, it was unthinkable.

Not drowning but knitting

Apart from the general disruption to life, I was seriously concerned for my sanity, in fact my entire physical and mental well-being. How would I survive? Well all  I can say is that three months down the line, I am getting from day to day in somewhat better shape than I was before my flight from writing. I am waving, not drowning and certainly still alive.

But what now? A new writing adventure (non-fiction, memoir, editing)?  Or is the next adventure not to write? I’m certainly not rushing into enything just yet but before I rename this blog The Joy of Golf (been there done that) or Knitting tips: how not to drop a stitch while watching Poldark I’m going to carry on a bit longer and give space to some of the writing friends whose efforts deserve support.

Guaranteed awesome

First of all,  there’s good news from Stroud Short Stories, who in a break from tradition are publishing the work read at their great short story nights. Yes, this includes mine, but also another 70 + stories from over 50 authors.
If the ones I heard are anything to go by this collection is guaranteed to be awesome. Big thanks to Nimue Brown who has shouldered the considerable work of putting the collection together and all that it entails.

The anthology is being launched on Friday in Stroud where copies will be on sale or you can order via Lulu.

My first guest of the new season is  Jane Davis, an author whose books – and energy! – I really admire and who will be talking later this week about Women Writing Women, an intriguing indie publishing venture.

So, as ever, watch this space!