How do non-writers cope without writing?

Writing has always been a non-negotiable part of my wellbeing.

If I’m not writing, I get edgy. Twitchy. Like some fundamental need in me isn’t being met.

When I was a kid, I used to write knock off Hardy Boys novels on the electric typewriter that I made my parents buy (yes, I’m that old).

At university, I took every Creative Writing module available, I even did a Creative Writing dissertation, then I went on to do an MA in it at Sussex Uni (while they still had one).

I think putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard in my case) helps me to process and understand what I’m feeling. Which is why if I’m not doing it, I struggle.

“Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose, or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.” –Graham Greene

I tend to express my emotions through fiction when I write, but on the coaching courses I run for AuthorSpark, I always recommend that people journal each day as they begin to build their online profile and influence.

Why? Because it’s hard. 

Posting and becoming more visible might seem easy for some people but for a lot of people it’s anxiety-inducing. 

The unexpected emotions that go with starting to build an online profile are one of the reasons people don’t succeed in their goal. 

They blame other things, of course. They’re too busy. It’s not important after all. They don’t need an online profile anyway. They were only doing it because their employer told them to.

The reality? There are hidden difficulties in building a social media profile that are nothing to do with having the time to write or post. 

It’s exposing.

Privately writing down your feelings each day not only helps to track the journey so you can reflect on them later but it helps you make sense of those feelings. Give it a try.