The ability to see and share with our audience the very things we feel most passionate about is important in writing. And perhaps, even with life in general.

This is why the tendency of writers to bond is no different than that of musicians jamming with their instruments as a band, or activists coming up with pep rallies, or sports fans rooting for favourite teams. They also like to read about the things and people they care about. They also enjoy “talking shop” with one another. The only difference between them and writers is that writers don’t just read, talk, or watch the things they like. They write about it.

Whenever I meet another writer, I get all excited and start asking things like: What do you like to write about? Where have you been published? How did you start writing? Yes, I never get tired of the stories - either successful and struggling ones - when it comes to these. And, I never get tired of handing out ideas, suggestions, and encouragement to writers who may need them at the time.

I also seek out ideas, suggestions, and encouragement whenever I need them. That’s why I enjoy having a writing community, a good stack of reading materials on writing, and a healthy bookmark/favourite file of writing web sites. If I want quotes and inspiration from various ‘writing greats,’ one of the books I turn to is Sophy Burnham’s For Writers Only. It’s filled with ideas and essays on writers’ struggles, stories, and successes. I love being able to read these writers’ journeys into the writing life because they inspire and guide me in my pursuits.

With all of these things in my system, do I actually find the time to write?

Definitely. No matter how difficult it may be to bring out the words at times, or to come up with something clever, funny, inspirational, or informative - Nothing beats the actual process of writing itself.