MY LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH WRITING.

Am I passionate about writing? Yes, I am.

Is it sometimes confusing for me? Yes

Would I rather be doing something else? Never

People who write are supposed to live, breathe and love writing, but realizing that you don't do any of these things can be devastating. When I focused my attention, I knew I was good at writing, but this didn't matter with so many persistent and nagging doubts in my head.

I kept asking myself repeatedly if I was sure I wanted to pursue writing as a full-time career. I was seduced by the hallmark card ideal, an ideal I was learning that did not reflect reality. It became apparent to me that the ideal was not based on reality at all.

How does a "writer" look?

What do writers look like? Do you picture an eccentric human typing away furiously on their keyboard or scribbling furiously on their notepad with their hands occasionally running through their bushy hair/ overgrown mustache? In your opinion, what does a writer look like in general? No one likes clichéd images. They're unoriginal and overused by definition. Writers live in a world where such used and abused ideas are not welcomed, nor should they be, and so they hate them more. Nevertheless, their presence is widespread in society, which makes it difficult to separate from them.

Let's go back to the topic. As a writer, we all have our good/bad days when it comes to writing. Sometimes it can last for days, weeks, or even months. The same thing seems to apply no matter how long you have been writing. Some days I feel like I've got this writing game nailed down; it comes so easily to me, I just let the words flow. Other times, it feels like my 2-year-old nephew can write better than me.

My experience, as well as my conversations with other writers, tells me that we all share the same sentiment. Writing is like having a best friend. Sometimes you love it, but other times it just irritates you. It really is like having a best friend. The good times almost always outweigh the bad. So we keep in touch.

The love/hate emotions about writing are very real for me - at least, they are. I'm in the love phase at the moment - thank God. Every day seems to bring with it new ideas for me to write about, and I am putting the words together well in my head with each passage.

Last month, the situation was different. It was a nightmare. I lost my inspiration. I didn't have a burning desire to write anymore. Even when I forced myself to create something, it was painful. I couldn't think of any words, and my mind was blank.

When we truly love someone, what do we do? Despite their crap, we tolerate them. I have done the same with writing. Writing isn't easy, and neither is love. To get to the good times, we have to go through hard times. Our reason for doing this is simply the way it makes us feel, so I do this too.

It's okay if I have to write a few crappy pieces. Trying to overcome writer's block. Take the disappointment of only getting a few likes for something you put hours into. I will accept it. In the end, there will be a lesson or two learned and maybe even more.

Be brave and embrace the creative genius of your writing process, and you will find joy in the journey.