Is writing an addiction?

3 Apr 2013

I just had a thought and decided to pose the question here. Do you think it's an addiction?

I know when I first started writing and posting stuff on the sister site and then here, I didn't really have much confidence, but I found that when I started to really enjoy writing, I couldn't seem to go one day without writing something, at least, even if it was something silly or just for me. I still feel this way and I wonder if it is because I am addicted to it. I probably am addicted, but as addictions go, it's one of my better ones and very enjoyable.

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4 Apr 2013

No, writing isn't an addiction. It might be a compulsion for some, however, as it seems to be for you. And as compulsions go, I agree that writing is one of the better ones of the lot. happy8

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4 Apr 2013

Absolutely! I think that writing is different for everyone. For some of us it can be an addiction. I know that I feel off kilter if I've not written anything for an entire day. There are times when I merely sit and tinker about with works in progress, not being able to think of a single new word to add, but it still helps me feel relaxed just to open the document and fiddle about with every intention of writing something. At times I just sit down and rant away about things that bother me, even if no one but me will ever read it. So yes, for me it is an addiction, one I enjoy indulging. happy8

“Many people hear voices when no one is there. Some of them are called mad and are shut up in rooms where they stare at the walls all day. Others are called writers and they do pretty much the same thing.”

4 Apr 2013

Quote by Circle_Something
I just had a thought and decided to pose the question here. Do you think it's an addiction?

Not necessarily, but it could be for some...this article would give you a clue...

Psychology Today - What Is Addiction?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/addiction-in-society/201302/what-is-addiction

From the article...

As I wrote in Psychology Today magazine,

Addiction is the search for emotional satisfaction—for a sense of security, a sense of being loved, even a sense of control over life. But the gratification is temporary and illusory, and the behavior results instead in greater self-disgust, reduced psychological security, and poorer coping ability. That’s what all addictions have in common.

I've read a number of things about addiction over the years btw, and generally what distinguishes an "addiction" from a "compulsion" as Maggie put it, is negative consequences...by definition...

So...if you've ever skipped work to stay home and finish a story, or even stayed up all night writing and as a result couldn't function...or have at any time chose to write instead of taking care of other responsibilities, and as a result have had to face consequences...then yes, for you writing would be an addiction...

I once knew a drinker who had a moderating problem...

4 Apr 2013

For me it's absolutely an addiction. As Cicle said, I started on the sister site and wrote there first in that genre because that's what the site is about . My first story was written for my enjoyment and was amazed when it was approved. Now, I'm relieved when I finish a story or a chapter. Within no longer than a day I have to start something else or I get the Joneses. If that's not an addiction, what is?
I NEED MY FIX!!

8 Apr 2013

I love to write. I have been writing in some form or another my adult life. When I was working, I wrote a 1200 page book which was privately sold. I have published magazine articles,blogs. FAQs, and other writings. All of that writing was technical in nature. I was known worldwide as the expert in certain technical things. When I retired I turned to writing stories. I discovered that it tooka different discipline to write that way. I used to find that if I did not learn something new everyday,that day was wasted. I edited books throughout my career for friends and colleagues. That I found to be a worthwhile exercise. Now I assist other authors here to create their best wort thereby teaching them and reinforcing what I have llearned.

It could be an addiction, but I have 4 - 6 stories buzzing in my head at any time. My Life of the Nauga story was concieved 42 years ago. I used to tell it as a story at parties. This site is the first one where I wrote it down to share with the world. I have a couple more in my brain just waiting to be rreleased. You can see from me that I love to write, but I do not need to write everyday.

I just keep hopping from place to place.
I never stay too long.
I just keep moving singing a song.
So you better stop me if you want to chat.
Or you will never know where I am at.