Comments on: Writing as Compulsion

By: Jan Merry

Jan Merry — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 05:36:35 +0000

In reply to Mary Latela. Hi Mary. I think for me writing is all those things too. I feel compelled to write. I have to sit at my desk and write, even just a little, every day. Dedication and perseverance are what follows the initial jottings and both are essential for success, I have found. Writing is a lot of hard work but rewarding if you are satisfied with the end product. Thank you for your comment. Food for thought.

By: Mary Latela

Mary Latela — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 03:37:00 +0000

I think really writing, taking this as a calling/lifework is something you must do, but unlike compulsions, it has a purpose which results in creating something new. I can’t get enough, but I have to write. I hear what you are saying and it rings true. But there’s nothing wrong with dedication, perseverance, etc…. good compulsions?

By: Jan Merry

Jan Merry — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:05:07 +0000

In reply to Pamela Cook. Hi Pamela. I love your Flying Pony Blog and the whole idea of how you came to choose that title. I also admire Les Murray's poetry. His insights into country life remind me of Frost only I relate to Murray rather than Frost. Thank you for your comments.

By: Jan Merry

Jan Merry — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 14:52:49 +0000

In reply to MM Finck. Thank you for your comments, MM Finck, which I have just seen. A little late I know but I have been away from a computer for some time travelling. I like your observation that writing is a kind of addiction. Just can't seem to stay away from it at times, even when it is not going particularly well.

By: MM Finck

MM Finck — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 15:03:22 +0000

I think you raise a very interesting question! You know, I don’t know the answer for myself. I think that it is like an addiction to the high I get when I’ve written something I like. I’m always going for the next high, I think. Metaphorically speaking! 🙂
~MM

By: Featuring Women Writers on WWWB 2013 - Women Writers, Women Books

Featuring Women Writers on WWWB 2013 - Women Writers, Women Books — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:49:35 +0000

[…] – Dr Hannah Thompson Writing with Aphasia – Amy Good Making Up Words – Ebony McKenna Writing as Compulsion – Jan Merry Molluscs and Me, a Slow Process – Helen Howard Creative Therapy – Cassie […]

By: Jan Merry

Jan Merry — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:17:21 +0000

In reply to Eileen Popp Syracuse NY. Hello Eileen. I agree with you, technology seems to get in the way of creativity. We're surrounded with images and noise leaving less and less room for imaginative thought. I still write a first draft in long hand, jotting down ideas as they come, before later transferring to computer.Thank you for your comments.

By: Eileen Popp Syracuse NY

Eileen Popp Syracuse NY — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 10:50:45 +0000

In reply to Jan Merry. Jan, you are right- just because I don't have a smart phone, or I pad , or fancy technology- I can read my wonderful books, poetry and we always have our imagination!! thanks for sharing what you did.Eileen

By: Pamela Cook

Pamela Cook — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 22:48:02 +0000

Great post Jan. Can so relate to what you’re saying. I loved Heidi as a child too – haven’t thought of her for many years and I remember being blown away by The Sound And The fury when I read it at Uni. As a writer I love to escape into the pages just as I do when reading. Look forward to reading your book – sounds beautiful.

By: Jan Merry

Jan Merry — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 16:21:38 +0000

In reply to Holly Rose. Thank you for your kind words, Holly. It's nice to know I'm not alone. In this day and age when we are bombarded with pictures, movies, video, instagrams and so on, thank goodness we can still enjoy the visual imagery inside our heads that comes with reading.