Testimonials

May 14, 2010

“We love writing features, right?”  A writer friend tossed about those words last week while we were standing at a salad bar.  She was speaking about the two of us to a mutual friend.  For a moment, time stood still.

It was one of those split-seconds you remember in detail… luscious red tomato wedges, sunshine pouring through the windows, a sinking feeling in my gut… a simple yet defining moment because I had no ready answer.

She’s right in theory and, in her case, practice.  She loves writing features.  She loves it enough to start a blog about everyday life in our small community.  She loves writing about local people doing what they do and loves it enough to write for no financial reward.  That’s impressive.

Days later, her words still stick like foxtails in my mind.  I love writing features, don’t I?  But, then, why am I not currently working on a feature?  Why no blog entry since 2008?  Her question forced me  to answer one huge question of my own.  How did I let writing become just a job, a chore, something I have to do in order to pay the bills?

The answer is no great mystery.  It’s that proverbial busman’s holiday, the last thing I want to do after putting in a 14-hour day is spend even more time at the computer.  Yet, the very instant my friend spoke those words, I knew I had strayed from my path.  I was jealous of my friend’s passion for our craft.

I miss the writing.  Crave it even.  I miss the roller coaster rush, the electricity in your veins that keeps you awake for hours after writing something you know will inform and hope will inspire.  Thanks, my friend, for the kick in the ass.