What writing is not: note to self
Reading: With a constant interaction with words it is so easy to feel like reading is but writing. Despite the similarity in the act, reading is not writing. It is the consumption of another’s writing. Reading multiple books might make one’s writing better but it is not writing.
Discussing books: Slicing ideas, discussing metaphors and allegories, finding patterns in another writer’s ways and relating them to one’s life is an important work. It is an intimate work. But it is not writing.
Talking about writing: Talking about struggling to write is a common thing to find support. One might find support but if one hasn’t written through that support it still is not writing.
Watching films and analysing: Another mimicry. As writers engage in such acts to help them in writing but also because it might as well be a peer’s work, it is very easy to fall into this trap. It is not writing.
Talking about publishing: Publish what?
In summary, being close to the fire but not jumping into it is not burning! Jump!
What writing is: Writing!
@coffeeandscribblings
9September 1, 2026 116 2
