A Long and Winding Road

My Writing Journey Part 19

Since I’ve been on this writing journey, I have found it to be like driving a beat up car with dodgy brakes on a very, hilly single-lane road winding around a cliff edge with hairpin turns, (did I mention I get motion sickness?) and no time to enjoy the scenery, complete with the inevitable potholes, roadblocks and numerous detours. Many of which are of are my own making whether from not doing road upgrades and necessary vehicle repairs or as a result of external factors.

There’s a famous 1957 quote by Allen Saunders that goes “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans”. My version of that would go “Life is what happens when you are busy trying to write your next book.” It seems to be something that resonates with many of the authors I am in contact with. Unexpected health issues and other life curveballs designed to derail plans to both write and share the journey.

The stop, start nature of my writing career always leads me to wonder if it’s something that needs to be persisted with, or a sign that it’s not meant to be. This is always the conundrum.

Is it always meant to be this much of a challenge?

Well maybe it is meant to be this much of a challenge. Maybe the dodgy brakes and motion sickness are just part of the ride—like an extreme sport for introverts with overactive imaginations.

Some days, I wonder if the universe is hinting I should take the next exit. Other days, I figure it's just testing my suspension.

But here’s the thing—I keep showing up. I keep scribbling barely legible notes in the dark when I should be sleeping, plotting chapters in random moments, and stubbornly steering this rickety writing-mobile around the next bend.

So, until the wheels fall off completely—or I finally find that elusive well-maintained, straight-road, scenic route—I’ll keep going.

And if you’re on your own bumpy road, wondering if it’s worth it—this is your reminder: It is worth it. You’re not alone. Keep driving.