I Love Being a Writing Hermit

 by Beth Ann Farley

Are you a hermit?  When I first took the leap of faith to leave my full time employment to stay home and heal my body, little did I know that God had more in store for me. I hated—not a very nice word—being home by myself. I missed people. I had worked in a very busy public library for many years and then boom; home to heal and be ALONE so much of the time.

Each and every day, I would just sink deeper and deeper into depression because I missed my life. I had no routine. I had no desire to do anything. It wasn’t until I surrendered to God allowing Him to take hold of my life and teach me patience. During what felt like an eternity of adjusting to my new shut-in life, I had no idea that God was growing me into servant with my writing.

During the healing process, I started reading the Word of God again and accepting each and every day for what it was. I found a great Bible Group to join, did a little bit of volunteer work but mostly became comfortable with being home honoring the silence of writing. I researched topics, made my plot cards, took my free writing classes, started a blog, and started submitting articles to various magazines. I became so comfortable that now I love being a writing HERMIT.

Is that okay? Is it okay to love being a writing hermit? I love being in my own zone. I love when my to do list consists only of writing. I love when everyone is gone, phone is off, sunshine is peeking in on my desk and I can retreat in my writing. However, I have to admit…It is NOT okay for me to be a hermit every day because I would forget the world around me. I would forget to enjoy live beyond the words.

Like many writers, we gather our stories from our life experiences. I glean from other women who like to share. We can learn so much in life just by becoming part of life. After all, Jesus was more than a carpenter. He did not stay in his “shop” all day creating; just the opposite.

I read a quote from Jean Rook from Dressing for Success (1968):

One day a week, Sunday in my case, I believe in resting the skin. No foundation cream, no powder, but always eyeliner and mascara. Unless you don’t mind looking like a boiled egg.  —Jean Rock

Now, if we can apply that to our writing lives: One day a week, believe in resting from the world. No pens, no computers, no paper, no deadlines; well maybe a little peak at your emails. Unless you do this you’ll end up looking like a “boiled-egg.” What does that even mean?

Don’t forget to come out of your writing shell and take in the world around you. You’ll be amazed at what words you’ll be excited to share about.

What are some ways you find to come out of your shell? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Even writing hermits need to come out of their shells occasionally! thoughts from Beth Ann Farley (Click to Tweet)

Are you a writing hermit? Don't forget to leave your shell every now and then - via Beth Ann Farley (Click to Tweet)

Beth Ann Farley lives in Kansas City, MO with her husband and six grown children and 13 grandchildren. She has written for www.bookfun.org., Toot n’ Town magazine. She has recently been published with Landline magazine, Teachers in Focus, Horse & Rider, Mature Years, Indian Life and Wesleyan Publishing.  Her poetry has been featured in Sweet Freedom written by Jennifer Slattery. She has been a guest blogger on thewriteconversation@blogspot.com by Edie Melson and Poppy Smith’s Inspiring Women to Thrive blog. Beth is a co-host on Living by Grace, a faith-based Facebook community. She often writes for the Senior Smart Network; a network devoted to senior citizens.

Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves to tootle around the country side with her husband and their motorcycle. She loves reading, writing in her journal walking her little peek-a-poo named Peek-a-chew and engaging in Women’s’ Bible Studies.

Visit her online at: http://firsthalfday1.wordpress.com.