For the Sake of the Art Itself

Question: When was the last time you let yourself create something just for the sake of the art itself? Not with, necessarily, a view to making it available for public consumption (although that may happen), but to give yourself more free reign over what you are creating?

Over the past few weeks, I have struggled to complete the final read-through of my manuscript (almost done). With too much ‘chaos’ happening in certain areas of my life, staying focused has been difficult. And outside of my blog posts or other social media content, I have not felt like I have created something original in a long time.

The Surprise

Twelve days ago, I opened a Word document and started writing (normally I like to write first drafts longhand). I began with just a short dialogue exchange that had been rolling around in my mind for a few days. I had a vague image of the main character, but no concrete ideas about what I thought the story would actually be about. All I knew was that I had to let the words guide me. Now, just shy of 14,000 words, I know this is the beginning of a novella or novel. But I am not writing it with the intention of publication (anything can happen, right?), but simply for the joy of writing.

Sheer Joy

There is something magical in creating for the sake of the art itself. It is sheer joy. And freeing. No pressure. No deadlines. And no worrying about whether or not others will like it. Through this project — wherever it may lead — I am falling in love again with writing. And that is the best thing of all … doing the thing that I love to do no holds barred.