Yes! Writing is fun. Writing is glorious. Writing is work.

That last bit escapes us sometimes, because when it’s work, the fun and glory can fade. I wrote a short story over the past few days. I didn’t want to. It was hard. But I was on a deadline and made myself.

In the end, I’m pleased with it. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a solid piece, and one I’m happy to include in the journal I edit.

Would not have happened if I had sat around and waited for my muse, or for for the writing to be fun.

Corollary to writing on deadline: writing rituals. They help me meet my deadlines.

Here’s that story, btw —

Nothing Like Before