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.

Ghosts, flamingos, guitars and vodka. Eclectic subjects, eccentric stories:

Humorous guide & Recommended Read =^.^= How To Make a Cup of Tea
A flash fiction series :) A Random Moment in Time
Editors' Pick! :D I Am The Deep, Dark Woods
And another EP!: The Fragility of Age
=^.^=

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

Connect with Maggie

Like my Facebook fan pages: Maggie Rascal and M.P. Witwer • Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maggierascal • Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Maggie1Rascal

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

"I write because kidnapping, torturing and murdering fictional people is legal."

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.