The Whale: The Writer's Spirit Animal

When I think about and prepare for intensive writing periods, the image of a whale comes to mind. Whales come to the surface -- daily life -- suck in some air and then descend unapologetic away from the human world to do their work beneath. 

Intensive writing periods can feel like this. You can come up for air -- meet with friends, have dinner with your family, call your mom, take out the trash -- and then you must bid your goodbyes suck in all the love and human connnection and dive back down.

Writers Can Feel Like They Are Swimming Alone for Long Periods

During our happy holidays phone call, a family friend shared her belief that "a writer's life is a lonely one." I do not experience the work as lonely because it can feel so connected to something greater. When I connect with people between sessions, I have a full self to share.

That said, it can feel uncertain. You're swimming along in the words, wondering "Is this any good?"

As Dory told Nemo's father "Just Keep Swimming." Think of the whale. They trust their inner guidance going great distances without a GPS. True sometimes military testing throws them off just as wars may throw us off.

That said, most of the time, if you are willing to suck down the air you need, descend below and swim around separate from the kerfuffle above, you'll connect with this mystical writers space...one that few people dare to explore.

When you come back up, you'll be so proud of yourself, you might feel inspired to do one of these...