Are you still writing? I have lost count of the number of occasions on which this question has been asked of me.
My response to anyone posing the above question is always an emphatic “yes”. For me writing is an integral part of who I am. It constitutes self-expression. I could no more give up composing poetry than I could abandon an old and dear friend. At times friends can be irritating. We disagree and even argue, but true friendship survives such disagreements. Likewise, with my writing I sometimes find myself becoming frustrated. I swear at my computer (I never swear at my friends I must hasten to add)! – and close Microsoft Word in disgust. However while I do abandon specific poems I can never envisage giving up my writing.
Writing is, for me, an itch that must be scratched. While on my way into the office or walking in beautiful places, the germ of a poem often develops in my brain. I feel restless until I’m able to get it down on virtual paper (all my writing takes place on my laptops).
Writing is both pleasure and pain. The frustration of sitting at a computer for hours, only to throw away what I have been working on, is balanced by the pleasure of producing a poem which is (in my opinion) worthy of seeing the light of day via this blog and, perhaps also (ultimately) to find itself within the leaves of a book.
So when people ask “are you still writing?” I shall continue to answer with an emphatic “yes”.
K Morris - Poet 
Lovely. I like the “old friend” analogy too ✏️
Thank you, I am delighted you like my post and agree with me on this. Kind regards, Kevin
Great piece. Friendship is formed by adversity, not hindered by it. Absolutely loved “it is an itch to be scratched.”
Thank you. I’m pleased you like the analogy with an itch. Like an itch, you can scratch it but, sooner or later it will reappear again and require scratching once more. Best, Kevin
Absolutely. Could not agree with you more.
Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House and commented:
Always writing…Just need to finish a few and stop starting new manuscripts…
Many thanks for sharing my post. Much appreciated. Best, Kevin
Welcome Kevin
Yes, for me too. It is like breathing to me
Thank you for your comment. I also feel that writing is like breathing. Kind regards, Kevin
Thankyou. It is good to connect
Indeed it is. I am always pleased to connect with fellow poets and readers.
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Agreed! Lol, for me procrastination creeps in, or I don’t schedule my writing time, aaaannnnnd I end up binge watching Netflix for days while my characters glare at me from inside my imagination. Or sometimes life happens, and I can’t sit down and write. But writing is absolutely something I need, and I’ll always go back. 🙂
Many thanks for your comment. We all get distracted from time to time. But I am glad that you always go back to your writing. All the best, Kevin
Interesting. I am lazy type when it comes to writing but as you said yourself, I never abort a poem or short story.
Thank you for your comment. We have all, at times been guilty of being lazy. And I am, myself no plaster saint on that score. Kind regards, Kevin
Thanks.
I feel the same way. Writing may be frustrating at times, but it’s part of me, and something I “have to” do.
Many thanks for your comment. I guessed that you would feel the same way about writing, Tori. Best wishes, Kevin