Writing is an act of solitude. You are alone with your thoughts. Even when you are with others, if you are writing in your mind, you are alone. What becomes of someone alone all the time? How physically and mentally fit is the writer who sits at his computer most of the time? What can be the product of that mind?

I’ve known those obsessed with something: rock climbing, music, writing, golf. It isn’t a pretty sight. Although the initial interest is healthy and honorable, neglect of the necessary eventually indicates a love gone bad. A short-tempered partner is sure sign, unless, of course, you are both obsessed.

Why do people desert the balance in their lives that allows that which they are passionate about to stand out? The pure satisfaction of the act might be to blame. Instant gratification is an epidemic with no cure in sight, but obsession might also lie in the goal. Some type “A’s” are driven to complete, driven to compete, and driven to attain a goal once set. “I am going to finish this novel by the end of the month.”

Obsession (or something very close to it) is necessary in some fields to reach a level not attainable by most. Take Olympic athletes, for example. Elementary school children all over the world train several hours a day for years to reach world-class level. Is that passion or obsession?

Is there such a beast as a world-class writer? Writing is a subjective art. There is a certain level of competency and style required, but in the writing arena, world-class status lies substantially in exposure. Did you cover the right topic at the right time in the right way? There are millions, perhaps billions, of writers. Fabulous writers and storytellers live in every little town dotting countries all over the world. Few of those have had the opportunity to have their work appreciated worldwide. Fortunately, a reward from writing can come from anyone who reads or listens.

Writing does not require obsession, but it does required dedication. Moby Dick was not written in a single sitting. The research or field study required for some pieces may take months or even years. Most writers and coaches will tell you to write everyday. Dedicate some quality time to reflection and writing. Hone your craft. I agree that consistency and dedication are important to a successful writing career. The real key, however, is to live your life with passion, and then write with passion about things you love.

Writing is an act of solitude.  You are alone with your thoughts.  Even when you are with others, if you are writing in your mind, you are alone.  What becomes of someone alone all the time?   How physically and mentally fit is the writer who sits at his computer most of the time?  What can be the product of that mind?

I’ve known those obsessed with something: rock climbing, music, writing, golf.  It isn’t a pretty sight.  Although the initial interest is healthy and honorable, neglect of the necessary eventually indicates a love gone bad.   A short-tempered partner is sure sign, unless, of course, you are both obsessed.

Why do people desert the balance in their lives that allows that which they are passionate about to stand out?  The pure satisfaction of the act might be to blame.   Instant gratification is an epidemic with no cure in sight, but obsession might also lie in the goal.  Some type “A’s” are driven to complete, driven to compete, and driven to attain a goal once set.  “I am going to finish this novel by the end of the month.”

Obsession (or something very close to it) is necessary in some fields to reach a level not attainable by most.  Take Olympic athletes, for example.  Elementary school children all over the world train several hours a day for years to reach world-class level.  Is that passion or obsession? 

Is there such a beast as a world-class writer?  Writing is a subjective art.  There is a certain level of competency and style required, but in the writing arena, world-class status lies substantially in exposure.    Did you cover the right topic at the right time in the right way?  There are millions, perhaps billions, of writers.  Fabulous writers and storytellers live in every little town dotting countries all over the world.  Few of those have had the opportunity to have their work appreciated worldwide.  Fortunately, a reward from writing can come from anyone who reads or listens.

 Writing does not require obsession, but it does required dedication.  Moby Dick was not written in a single sitting.   The research or field study required for some pieces may take months or even years.  Most writers and coaches will tell you to write everyday.  Dedicate some quality time to reflection and writing.   Hone your craft.  I agree that consistency and dedication are important to a successful writing career.  The real key, however, is to live your life with passion, and then write with passion about things you love.