What I Did Today Instead of Writing (4): The 0-Word Week

Dan Belmont
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read
Source: Pixabay

It started as a reward.

I had managed to write a two-thousand-word story in a single day. Hardly an impressive feat for most writers here, I know, but a miracle for my standards.

Naturally, such a marvellous display of work ethic couldn’t go uncelebrated—which is why I rewarded myself by taking a day off.

I didn’t expect it to be so good. It’s amazing how pleasant life can be for an unproductive writer. The lazy breakfasts, the guiltless hours on Facebook, the Netflix nights. “I could get used to it,” I thought. One day turned into two, then three, then more. I watched as competition deadlines flew by, writing prompts went unanswered, and fresh story ideas grew stale before reaching the page.

After nearly two weeks had passed, I looked back and realised I hadn't moved a single millimetre toward my creative goals. It’s funny how a sequence of pleasant days can lead to such an unpleasant result. I felt guilty, embarrassed—even a bit depressed. I missed writing, no matter how uncomfortable it was.

A few minutes later, I grabbed my phone to write this post. Suddenly, I was at peace again.

I like how this series allows me to overcome my missteps and go back to work again, with no guilt or hesitation. I guess this is how religious people feel when they confess their sins, read an act of contrition and say their penance prayers. I could have done all that, of course, but the prospect of explaining Medium to a priest wasn't enticing. Instead of going into a church, I'm publishing this.

Tomorrow I will write again. Tomorrow all will be forgiven.

The Junction

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Thanks to Stephen M. Tomic

Dan Belmont

Written by

I write short stories. I also write about writing. If I'm procrastinating on both, I write about why I haven't been writing. E-mail: danbelmontwriter@gmail.com

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