Writing Saved My Life

I kick writing around a lot.

I've used it--actually, pimped it out might be a better term--to get my acting recognized.

I've beaten it up to make it work for different kinds of people and performers.

I've handed it away, and cut ties with it.

I've denied how much I like to to do it in comparison to other things.

In general, I haven't really shown it much appreciation.

So I'll say this--

Writing saved my life.

Until I started making writing a regular part of my life, I felt like I had so much inside me, and no way to get it out. I had no idea how many more doors could open if I just started putting down all the things that were running around inside my head.

People have been so supportive of me. To think that this year was bookended by a wonderful show done by wonderful friends in Christin's bookstore and ended at Perishable Theatre and the Artists' Exchange with three times that many people paying to hear what I'd written is something I can't really wrap my head around just yet.

There have been so many times this year where I wanted to stop writing. I was sick of opportunities being presented to me as a writer, but not as an actor. I understand that actor's are a dime a dozen and writers are a bit more scarce, but I wasn't interested in being a writer. I wanted to break apart from that, and I thought that once this year was over, I'd put the writing on hold.

Now I realize that would be like drifting in the ocean, and putting a hole in the lifesaver you're holding.

I'm grateful I can write, and I'm grateful people like what I write.

And next year, I'm going to write...well, more may not be necessary...so let's just say I'm going to write.

I'm going to keep on writing.

And if any of you want to call me a writer from now on, I'll just smile and say "Thank you."