Writing is Making Me a (Happy) Hermit
As I looked forward to retirement a couple of years ago I understood that my life would slow down. What I didn’t foresee was how much would change about me.
As far back as I can remember I have wanted to write in some capacity and I am over the moon to be doing this now, having left the 9 to 5 corporate world. But being a writer requires a different lifestyle than I have been accustomed to.
My husband and I have always been a very active and social couple. Back in Colorado, in addition to our jobs, our calendar was always full of golf dates, sporting events, dinner plans, and parties that we often hosted. So the term hermit is only relatively speaking, I do actually leave the house. But there was a time when being alone was unsettling for me and even a few hours would bring down my mood. This is no longer the case.
I have known people who are self-proclaimed homebodies. I never understood that in the past. In fact, I think I looked at it as somewhat of a negative trait. “There is a whole world out there so get out and see it!” I would think. Or maybe I mistakingly looked at it as laziness.
It only makes sense that novelists would have to lock themselves away for long periods when working on a piece. Bestselling authors such as John Grisham and James Patterson swear by routines that become second nature. And what about Harper Lee who became a recluse after the success of To Kill A Mockingbird? Or Catcher in the Rye’s J.D Salinger? Did a life of solidarity while writing these classics shape their shy nature? Or were they content to live in this way because of it?
Writing is a big part of my life now which involves much more time at home with a day or more without leaving the house. For someone like me who is just figuring this writing thing out and trying to find my voice, there are other aspects than just the writing itself. I read, watch Master Classes, and continue to learn about maintaining my website which also requires time in front of the computer.
Surprisingly, I am actually enjoying the time spent alone working on this craft. The time moves quickly and I have to set an alarm so I will remember to get up and take a walk or get on my bike. I am fortunate to live where I can often work out on the back patio. Being a true believer that everything has its season, I feel that I am at the right point in time for this endeavor.
The writing life is essentially one of solitary confinement – if you can’t deal with this, you needn’t apply.
Will Self
A friend recently asked me what a typical day looks like for me now that I am retired. I hesitated because when I say I write it is hard for people to relate. Many of my friends and family don’t really understand or support it. But that’s okay. My life is good and although there is more time at home than ever before I have enough. I golf a couple of days each week and we enjoy other activities in our town, occasionally meeting other couples for dinner. I also have a group of women that I walk and lunch when I want to get out and be social. We still travel and out-of-town family and friends visit. Yet many days I am here just plugging away hour after hour and you know what? These are great days too!
