Lessons Learned: I’m Happier When I Write

I’ve always loved to write. Always. I mean, I started my first novel when I was about 7. And that’s not even including the mass of picture books I wrote before that (complete with illustrations). But the weird thing is, I’ve never been great at the whole “consistently writing” thing. Aside from the times I was in a creative writing course in college where I was forced to write weekly for assignments and a 6-week stint where I finally got the hang of it, it’s always been a here-and-there kind of thing. Inconsistent.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately and wondering why that is. It makes no sense, really. I had a bit of an epiphany the other day (side note: epiphany is my current favorite word):

I’m so much happier when I’m writing. 

That’s the truth. I’m sure all you other writers out there are the same. I spend so much of my time (a ridiculous amount, in fact) thinking about writing. My current book, my next book, my characters, the physical act of writing, my dream writing space, my dream agent. my book on a shelf, etc. But I spend so little of my time actually writing. It makes no sense and I’m ready to change it!

So here’s my writing goal:

Write consistently. 

Less time thinking about writing and more time actually doing it. I know I’ll be happier.

Are you with me?