My husband has an expression when new or surprising things happen and he has to adjust or accept. He says, "It's never dull." I don't like it when he says that- as if life is supposed to be constantly active and if it is slow or dull something must be wrong. That's because I'm a writer. We like things dull. We like things quiet, moving slowly. But, life isn't like that.
In life, we have to be flexible. We do have to adjust and accept change. And, actually, in writing conflict is key to keeping a reader's attention- whether it's a fast-paced thriller or an extended metaphor on seasonal change.
You would think life in prison might be perfect for the writer. And I have compared the discipline of writing to the discipline of being in a prison. It's a good metaphor in itself: like the writer, the prisoner experiences a real distinction between what has to be done (most often for others) and the real need for self-expression in order to survive.
But, as in life on the outside, prison life is never dull. There are always changes. The group of women I have the privilege of working with is going through changes now. A new day. A new time. I have to adjust. Adjustment takes time. So, I won't be seeing my writing friends until the summer term when new schedules can accommodate. I will still collect writings and post. I will still hope for readers and connections.
Perhaps what I'm really saying is that I will miss them.
