Feeding my Addiction

By Darvell Hunt

I have a few vices in my life, which include Diet Coke, late-night crime shows, and my writing—and not necessarily in that order.

I’ve quit doing all of the above, but writing probably the most. Being a writer is frustrating at times, and I have asked, like I’m sure many of you have, why oh why do I keep doing it?

I feel like a smoker who cannot stop, despite every attempt to break the habit. Lucky for me, I haven’t had to deal with quitting smoking, but I have had to deal with writing. Every time I quit writing, I have returned because I could not resist the urge. But you know, quitting and restarting numerous times seems to have strengthened my resolve to continue—it’s harder to stop the next time.

True writers have to write. We are compelled to do so. There are many so-called writers who have quit for good, and that’s fine—for them. I can’t seem to kick the habit, myself—and I’m glad for that. This endeavor of mine might be frustrating, but the rewards outweigh the costs.

I am a writer. If you are too, I both congratulate you and console you.