‘Me’ Offers an Exclusive Interview On The Touchy Subject of Writing Problems

Today, I would like to welcome Me to a mini-interview. She is an aspiring author who has graciously agreed to take a little time away and sit down (in all confidentiality) and discuss her writing problem. As some of you may have heard in the news, writing problems are becoming more and more common with the advent of word processing and the spread of home computers.

Me as a super-hero

I: Me, how did you break it to your significant other that you wanted to write a novel?

Me: I actually took my laptop into the TV room, plopped it on the desk and giggling like a crazy lady said, “I’m going to write a story. And get this, it’s going to be a romance!” That was followed by maniacal laughter. I don’t recall my husband’s reply.

I: Was this when you first realized you had a ‘problem?’

Me: No, actually. This just set the stage. It was experimental, really. The real problem came about a year later.

I: How so?

Me: Just small things. Things that are easy to ignore, overlook or explain away. It began with things like me saying, “just a minute” to my family and then taking fifteen minutes to finish writing or editing a scene. Gradually, it turned into more noticeable things such as over-steaming broccoli and burning things in the oven. That progressed to the inability to go on vacation unless I brought my laptop, a severe interest in accessing webmail. And finally, the inability to focus on things other than my writing. I find I lose hours at a time without completely understand where they went.

I: Were there other signs?

Me: I haven’t admitted this to many, but sometimes I catch myself speaking in tongues. Things like, ms, POV, WIP, query, hook, YA, and denouement. They just pop out. That can be a real conversation stopper when I’m on what I call ‘the outside.’

I: What are you doing about this problem? Have you sought help?

Me: They say the first step is admitting to having a problem. And I don’t really see this as a problem. It makes me happy. The demons are at rest when I write. While it can be a compulsion that keeps me up at night, it can also be incredibly therapeutic. The real problem is with people who don’t understand writing. We need to educate the people. Education is the key. Writers will never enjoy full membership in society until that society is educated. In education comes understanding.

I: Okay, I can see we’ve touched on a soft spot here. But again, have you sought help, such as a support group?

Me: Yes, I have. It’s called Agent Query Connect. I speak with other writers several times a day. We have discussions and once a week, real-time chats. I find it very helpful to know that I am not alone.

I: And is this support group helping alleviate your problem?

Me: I have to chat after my family has gone to bed, so, no. Not really. I feel guilty if I spend more time with my laptop than with them.

I: Do you feel as though you have to hide your problem?

Me: No, but sometimes I feel as though I am merely managing it. I make bargains with myself. If you wash the dishes, then you can write. But I’m not hiding my problem.

I: How are you symptoms today?

Me: Today’s not a good day. In fact, November is not a good month. The problem is NaNoWriMo is going on right now and that always increases my symptoms. Sometimes, it seems as though the more I gain in understanding and support from other industry insiders, the stronger the compulsion becomes.

I: Have you considered getting outside help? Outside your support group?

Me: Yes. I am currently seeking an agent. I hope that finding a literary agent will provide my family and friends with the legitimacy they need in order to accept me the way I am and to see the other side of my problem. Writing is something that will not go away. They can’t turn a blind eye to this. They need to learn to cope with having someone in their circle who has a writing problem.

I: Have you considered–

Me: Sorry to interrupt, but I just got this fabulous idea on how to pull the plot lines together for my WIP. I need to go write it down. It’s the answer to all my progression and pacing problems. Thanks for the interview. Bye.

I: Well, thank you for your time with us today. If you would like to donate to the Writer’s Cause, you can–

Me: I said, I gotta go.

I: Wow, it seems like you’re really jonesing. You’re bouncing like a 4-year-old who’s had too much apple juice. Do you find that when inspiration strikes you need to work immediately or will the muse come back later? Is a muse real?

Me: I said… forget it.

Interview subject opens her laptop and disappears.