The cobwebs. The dust. The spam comments.
(Dude, really? Do a lot of people click to see your "cure" for baldness while reading this blog? If so, I gotta get a better clientele.)
So, I've decided to do this again, until I don't.
It wasn't popular demand that brought me back. I sometimes feel I write in spite of popular demand.
This is for me.
I'm picking this up because earlier this week I had a conversation with my friend, Catherine Ann. She and I have worked together on countless creative projects - she's a gifted visual artist, writer, and photographer. And on more than one occasion she has listened to me whine about my declining level of interest in writing anything at all.
"Do you want it straight?" she asked. "Because I can tell you what the problem is. But you're not gonna like it."
Well, I screwed up my courage and said, "Sure."
"You've gotten lazy," she said. "You've been writing for reasons that don't have anything to do with your love of writing: money, affirmation, a sense of responsibility. So it's like a job, and anytime we have a job, we do things the easiest, laziest, most efficient way, and often that means repeating ourselves. Stamping it out. There's no joy in that."
"But writing is art," she went on. "Your best writing comes when you're doing it for the sheer joy of it. That's when you feel inspired. That's when you can't wait to get at it. That's when the magic happens. So you need to write without purpose."
Writing without purpose. Interesting concept.
By "writing without purpose", I'm sure she didn't mean "pointless writing" (although I will own up to my share of that). In her mind (being a visual artist) it meant just picking up the brush and approaching the empty canvas with no expectations; an open spirit; and the excitement that comes from letting go and having something greater (God, The Universe, whatever) take the lead in the process.
I think she may be on to something. So let's give it a shot, shall we?
If you're new here, and can ignore the detritus that built up over almost three years of neglect, feel free to have a look around.
On the right, you'll see a link to a love story - my parents' story. That's a pretty good place to start. Of all the writing I've done, that's some of my favourite, and I did it with no intention to sell it. I just thought it was a fairly cool story that needed to be told. And I loved telling it. I can't ever remember being so excited to sit down in front of a keyboard.
How about that? It was written without purpose.
If you're an old friend, welcome back. You can't know how much I've missed our times.
Let's have some more.
Welcome back, geezer.
And seize this opportunity to increase your penis size with a genuine faux Patek Philippe watch!!!
Posted by: CWJ | July 07, 2011 at 07:40 PM
So glad you're back! I love your writing!
Posted by: Charlotte Hilliker | July 07, 2011 at 07:45 PM
Oh finally.
I can say with honesty that I added you on Facebook because I couldn't bear to NOT read your wittisisms (Is that a word? No? Tough.) and your criticisms...now I'll get them in stereo.
Happy day indeed.
Posted by: Kristine (not the cool one though) | July 07, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Welcome back! Be sure to tweet new posts, too. You're so much fun to share.
Saw something recently along the lines of there not being any such thing as writer's block, just the need to allow yourself to write poorly.
Posted by: mrtl | July 07, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Dazzle me, I have high expectations of you!
Posted by: J on the West Coast | July 07, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Wow - you are still on my Google Reader. Welcome back just in time for the new nostalgic blogging wave.
Posted by: Alan | July 07, 2011 at 08:50 PM
YAY! Heeeeeee's baaaaack!
Posted by: von Krankipantzen | July 07, 2011 at 08:55 PM
i am new here but
completely agree with
the writing without purpose concept...
and also the part about the excitement of just letting go
and seeing what happens...
looking forward to reading more...
Posted by: gkgirl | July 07, 2011 at 09:02 PM
Welcome home Nils - I have missed you here Rob
Posted by: Robert Paterson | July 07, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Don't mind us. We're just going to sit back and enjoy your non-purposeful writing. Have at it! And yes. Welcome back. Cobwebs and all! (and hooray for friends like Cat!!!)
Posted by: Cath Manley | July 07, 2011 at 09:39 PM
So happy to see you're back here again! I always loved your posts. And I know I loved reading your parents' love story. So much laughter here, along with some tears. You've been missed here. I hope you enjoy it enough to keep on coming back.
Posted by: squirl | July 07, 2011 at 10:08 PM
resurrection
yes!
welcome back
i agree... work without a purpose. some of my best creations are started in that manner.
Posted by: twisteduterus | July 07, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Welcome back! I can't tell you how good it is to see a new post. And huge thanks to Catherine Ann for giving you kick you needed to come back to us. xx
Posted by: Emma Ham | July 07, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Many moons ago, long before I met you I went to the Harborfront Theatre to watch a performance of the much talked about "Maritime Star". I had no idea who you were but as I sat spellbound I wondered with awe who this wonderful writer "Nils Ling" was. I loved every syllable of every word of every line of that play. I have no doubt you'll repeat the thrill again and again and again. :)
Posted by: Catherine Ann | July 07, 2011 at 10:43 PM
yay!!! glad to see ya back!
Posted by: Sandy | July 08, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Catherine Ann is my new internet hero! Thank her for me and thank YOU for listening to her!
Posted by: SaraSue | July 08, 2011 at 04:01 AM
YAY Nils! I totally agree with Cat... writing is a job, a career choice but it must ALWAYS be fun and fill you up!
Posted by: Patti Larsen | July 08, 2011 at 08:38 AM
Hey, glad you're back! This site is getting about the same amount of attention as the Royal Tour. Can't wait to hear about your brush with 'the couple'. Heard you on CBC...not sure who enjoyed getting the invite more...you or Allison!
Posted by: Jean | July 08, 2011 at 08:39 AM
I look forward to read your art. Your blog has been an inspiration for my writing for many years and I hope it will inspire me to write more.
Posted by: William | July 08, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Well, it's about time!
Posted by: Kristine | July 08, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Hi Nils. Nice to see you. :)
Posted by: shari | July 08, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Well this is an interesting turn of events. Looking forward to your return.
Posted by: Deneen | July 08, 2011 at 01:07 PM
I just thought I'd check on you here for the heck of it and *bam* there was a new post! Phenomenal! Welcome back...
:)
Posted by: Effie | July 08, 2011 at 02:09 PM
about damn f-ing time. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Catherine Ann is one smart cookie.
Posted by: Kelly Rinne | July 10, 2011 at 09:13 PM
FINALLY!!! Not being a Facebook or Twitter user I was following your column in the Carlyle Observer. This is much better.
Posted by: bev | July 11, 2011 at 12:52 PM