My Creative Comeback

I published twice in 2023. Only twice. I didn't participate in a single challenge, and I really didn't even try to write anything new.

My first post in 2023 was a stupid poem that I wrote years ago in a creative writing class. I revisited it, made a couple of edits, and threw it up on my account because I didn't have the energy to write something new. It was also full of references to my then fiancé.

Fast forward six months, and I'm writing a "how to" article on healing after breaking up a relationship of seven years. The irony is not lost on me.

The time I could've spent writing in 2023 was spent planning a wedding, trying to fix a relationship, and dealing with a break up.

We're 25 days into 2024 and I still have no desire to write. I have no inspiration. I have no ideas.

I had one idea while intoxicated one random weekend. I was so excited to read it the next morning with a clear head. Want to know what it was about? I personified puzzle pieces. What is that? Why did I think it was a genius idea? Obviously it was the tequila.

Personify two puzzle pieces. They're created together, cut together, torn apart and thrown in with hundreds or thousands of strangers. The likelihood of seeing your partner is zero-none. Until someone buys you and starts to put you back together. You meet some people up close and personal and eventually you're back to your friends and your soulmate, hopefully. If the puzzle gets finished... Then torn apart and throw back in the dark. For some puzzles that's it for a month, a year, a decade, or a lifetime.

That was my brilliant idea. So I guess, if you'd read that, let me know in the comments? Maybe I write it without ever telling the reader they're puzzle pieces. Maybe it's a metaphor for something. I don't know, I was drunk.

My goal for myself after the break up was to get back into writing. I renewed my Vocal+ membership, removed some of my mediocre work from my page, along with stories about my engagement, and I did my best to start fresh. Look how that turned out.

So... we're trying that again. It's a new year, new me - if we believe in that crap.

But seriously though? I'm making 2024 about what I want. I'm spending time with the people I want to, talking to the people I want to. I'll eat what I want, drink what I want, and explore new (and old) hobbies if I so desire. I'll get out the coloring book, watch trash reality TV, and talk to my dog like he's a person.

What I want more than anything though? The one hobby I let slide that I just can't allow myself to leave in the dust...

Writing.

I cannot stop writing. Writing was my passion. It was my therapy (before I could afford therapy). I believed it was my future. The fervor and sincerity I feel when I write something I'm proud of is unparalleled. Some of my other hobbies may bring me joy, but writing something that other people enjoy is exhilarating.

So I'm giving myself homework, and you can help hold me accountable. I have to write SOMETHING NEW every month. I can't recycle old stories or pull passages from old journals... This year I'm focusing on remembering how to write. Maybe I'll enter some challenges and use them for inspiration. Maybe I'll write an amazing novel about personified puzzle pieces. Maybe I'll just roll with the punches and upload something last minute on the last day of the month... But we're doing this.

It's going to rough at first - for you and for me. But I have to believe my talent is still in there somewhere, and I haven't peaked yet as a writer. My best piece is still unwritten.

My challenge to you - what is your passion? Are you doing anything and everything to keep it alive and well? Or are you holding yourself back like I have been for years?

Join this journey with me.

I believe in us. We got this.