Hey cHEwY gum gums!

I’m blogging in a motel room, in a small town. The next day, I’ll be visiting a charming primary school, full of excited kids.

So is the life of a writer lonely? No, but you do spend a lot of time alone, and that’s okay.

I’m not saying that you have to be a hermit and go write in some faraway place. Besides, the idea of a writer’s retreat scares me. While others might enjoy a quiet and remote place to write, gimme a noisy cafe, food court or library any day. I like being around people, eavesdropping on random conversations and noticing weird things. (Mmmm, that doesn’t creepy haha).

Still, whether I’m surrounded by passengers on a plane or sitting poolside in some resort, I am being lost in my world with story’s characters. I’m capturing voices, thoughts and observations. I don’t need to be in front of a laptop or paper for this to happen. I could be jogging, driving, or playing some video games. An idea might pop up. A spark might be lit. But it happens more often when I’m alone. As author of Katrina Nannestad says, you’re allowed to daydream when you’re a writer. There are days where I may only write a few words, but it still feels productive because I’ve been inside a character’s head or I’ve worked out a possible scene.

It’s funny how people don’t realise how much time you spend alone as a writer. Even outside of writing time, you usually spend a lot of time travelling on your own. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely as a writer. There’s plenty of support options for writers who feel like they’re on their own. Writing groups, both in real life and online offer plenty of supportive advice and encouragement. But at the end of the day, it’s you and your thoughts.

So yes, I’m on my own, but I am also watching an episode of The Walking Dead (season 3. Yeah I am slowly getting through it). Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast, YouTube or talk-back radio, just so I can hear other voices in the background. Then there are the inner voices in my head too haha. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.

O.W