A strange thing has happened to me

[Tobin S.]

I no longer have the desire to write. I guess I could still do it if I had to, but, before, I felt compelled to do it. I think that maybe my writing had it's roots in loneliness. There was no affection in my life. I'd pour my heart out into those stories sometimes and here you guys would be to read and keep me company. I'd like to thank you for that.

If I ever find myself around your way, drinks are on me. And hold me to that. :D

[suninvited]

1. you have a real skill for writing

and I think the time will come where you will have the desire again. Not out of lonliness, though, but for other reasons.

[Tobin S.]

2. Maybe you are right

Thank you. :)

[pinboy3niner]

3. Writing--even without an audience--can be cathartic

Merely posting on the internet involves social contact. A compulsion to write is not the same thing. I knew someone who was advised by his psychiatrist to write about his experiences as a therapeutic exercise. Doing it was an epiphany for him, even with no one else reading his work. It was only coincidental that he wound up being published by Random House. :)

[Tobin S.]

4. I know about the cathartic aspect of writing

And I've done some of that and it helped me a great deal. More than most people on here know. Have you seen any of my stories?

[pinboy3niner]

8. I've read some of your posts...

..but not your stories. PM me some links--it sounds like you may need a broader audience, even if you're on a respite at the moment.

[hunter]

5. You've brought a lot of wisdom to DU.

Wherever you shine your light, the world will be a better place for it.

:yourock:

[Rosie1223]

6. Goodness, man -- Don't worry about us!

We're all happy you're happy!

:hi:

[PassingFair]

7. Ack! Don't stop.

I enjoyed your detached,observational style.
(W. Somerset Maugham is one of my favs....)

Guess you're too attached to do that anymore!

[Brickbat]

9. When I met Mr. Brickbat, I stopped keeping the journal I had started in fifth grade.

He became my journal. I started writing other things, but my writing definitely changed.

You'll write again; it'll just be different.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. My dear Tobin...

I understand where you are so well...

And even though I miss your stories from the road, I understand why you don't feel compelled to write them anymore.

But the really important thing is that now you have Jennifer to love, and that is an amazing and vital place to be!

You're happy, and that's all that matters!

We'll be here should you ever decide that you have some wonderful story to tell...

:hi:

:hug:

[Mopar151]

11. I hope you keep sharing

There some folks here, like you, who have interesting stories to share, from worlds most of us don't get to see - it's one of my favorite things about DU. It's OK if you don't feel compelled - I just hope you still share now and then.

[WilliamPitt]

12. It comes. It goes.

It will return, and then go again, and come back.

[rrneck]

13. I'll miss your stuff. You do good work.

Just because one muse has left that doesn't mean another hasn't arrived.



There's a whole herd of muses out there, and once they find you they never leave you alone for long.

[Kali]

14. ...

I'm :woohoo: :applause: for you,

:cry: :-( for me as a fan

[Capn Sunshine]

15. Sometimes, your desire just takes a few days off

Then , when you least expect it, POW! And you're up writing at 3 AM because you want to finish the thought.

[Moondog]

16. The Muse is a fickle lady. She comes and goes as she sees fit.

Perhaps she will be back. Perhaps she won't.

But just because the Muse is no longer perched upon your shoulder does not mean that you cannot, or should not visit. You do not have to sing for your supper, so to speak.

Just drop by. Set a spell. Have a cold one and visit when you have a mind to do so.

[Callalily]

17. Oh Tobin, I am truly confident

that you will be writing again.

And you know, your voice may be different, but you will still be writing with the same depth and compassion as before.

Enjoy your hiatus!

I will be patiently waiting to read your upcoming tomes!

[elleng]

18. WILL DO, Tobin!

Miss you, but happy for the reason! Do want to know about your interesting 'adventures,' of course, as well as fun events with Jennifer, but certainly understand.

ENJOY!!!



:thumbsup:

[abq e streeter]

19. Another fan of your writing, but a much bigger fan of your being happy

Pretty good trade, I'd say. And like some others have said, might just be the muse taking a little break and the desire to write will return in different ways. Your finally having found someone who understands and appreciates you gives me some hope that even at 59, love will find me once more too. And I don't drink anymore, but if you ever find yourself in a layover in Albuquerque, dinner is on me. (although if you insist on the drinks being on you, I guess I'd splurge for some fancy sparkling water or something and you can spring for that).

[A-Schwarzenegger]

20. May I say it ain't no sin to write from happiness?

I wouldn't say I'm compelled as I once was.
It's more like a good habit that heals day by
day, that I'm better at & enjoy more than ever.
I can't help if somehow a little happiness elbowed
its way into my life. I couldn't stop writing just
because I wasn't so lonesome as I was. Asked why she wrote,
Flannery O'Connor said, "Because I'm good at it."

[hibbing]

21. good and bad

Hi Tobin,
I'm happy that you have found someone and no longer feel compelled to write, but like other fans of yours, I will miss your stories. I always learned something interesting from them.

Peace

[lunatica]

22. Thanks for writing up to now

I wish you so much happiness that you'll never feel lonely again!