Confessions of a Writing Addict

Yeah, I have a problem.

I'm addicted to writing. It's not so funny. It took a long time for me to admit that.

I should sleep but it nags at me until I get up and satisfy the craving. The laundry needs to be folded, but honestly, can't we wear it out of the basket? I mean, come on! It's been sitting there so long it's already wrinkled!

Yeah, it's more than a problem. My fantasy world has taken over my life. I can't even talk to someone without thinking, gee, how would Hero respond to this idiot? Sometimes, I use his words. Why not? I mean, at this point I know more about him than myself.

Don't ask me to go cold turkey either-- it puts me in a bad mood. In fact, for two years, I got a daily fix.

I had such a high last summer, it's all a blur. Oh, yeah, that was some good writing.

It's costly. Forget the books I buy to support my habit, or the time I spend in front of a manuscript I won't let anyone else near... it cost me sleep, it cost me a clean house, it might even cost me my relationships. I mean, my friends wonder why I never call, but how do I tell them I need to write? It comes off a little problematic and screams intervention time.

I'm enjoying a fantasy life, have ten books, neatly lined up on my shelf to prove it. I read them often, needing a shot of the good stuff once and awhile.

Well, truth be told, there's one that doesn't give me a buzz anymore. Guess I overdosed or something. Maybe it's a sign that it's done, really, there's not much more I can do with it. Isn't that sad? My baby is all grown up and doesn't need me.

I still get a wicked rush from two of them.

I'm saving three for future editing cravings.

The other four we don't talk about. Cripes, I get goosebumps just thinking about them.

I live in a fantasy world, and I'm really at home there. I bet someplace out in the real world, someone else knows the pains of perfecting their books, the costs involved, and the sobering truth- one day I will have to  let them go, wonder what kinda rush that would be?

Now I'm curious.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so much more intrigued by you, Tanya. Even more than reuniting after all of these years. I'm a closet screenwriter, but n to the lengths that you've spoken about. I think we need to have a meeting of the minds and you can help me with my screenplay and I can pull you back from the edge...lol

Tanya Reimer said...

Already, others are confessing to an addiction. Fun.

PK HREZO said...

lol... love your profile! You're in the right place connecting with the right peeps... or should I say bleeps. I'm a mom of 2 as well, so writing is my retreat... my fix. I can't get enough, and yet there never seems to be any time for it! :)

The Happy Gapper said...

Believe it or not, I once wrote (poorly). I was a dishonorable mention in the bulwer-lytton fiction contest in the romance category. Now - a grocery list is about all I bother to write. It makes sense that you do something like this, Tanya. I always knew you should be doing something creative with your gifts. Go forth!

Jeremy

Unknown said...

Hey Tanya! What you do is great! You think of it as an addiction but i think its wonderful. Yes the process is pulling you away from other things in your life but it is exactly what you said yourself! It is life and everyone makes mistakes so that we can learn from them. So i believe that instead of an addiction, your writing should be thought of as a great challenge instead :) Also, at least this addiction as you call it doesn't seriously harm you or others like if it were a drug addiction. Writing allows you to use your creativity in a good way! Not only do you get a kick of creating a new world, but can you imagine how happy you might make some readers with your books?! It is amazing what you do and i'm very proud of you :) And to finish, everyone has their own hobbies to help deal with life (especially if they need a break from helping so many people like you do) and i believe you have chosen a great one!!!

Katherine Poirier

Anonymous said...

I am so proud of you Tanya!! You inspire me to write as well as that is something I love to do as well!! I have always admired you!! You are so intelligent and intriguing!! I love the way you write!! Keep on doing what you love!! You are very good at it!!::)))