Does anyone here write just for fun?

[aiblins]

Just that, really. I used to take writing very seriously but came to a stop when it really dawned on me what a tough world publishing is. I really couldn't handle all the rejection of submitting to agents, etc (hats off to everyone tough enough to do that!) and the thought of my writing being in the public arena and open to criticism by anyone really isn't that attractive. But- I'm still drawn to it- I've tried a few other creative outlets like painting and so on, but none quite scratch the same itch. So I'm curious- does anyone else here write without any plans to publish?

I'm about a quarter of the way through my first attempt at a proper novel, and am just enjoying the process for what it is at the moment. I've read loads of threads on here about the querying process, finding agents, rejections and all the rest of it, and it sounds horribly daunting.

For now, I'm just going to write the thing and then let my family members read it.

Not wholly creative writing as such but I write for the Mass Observation Project and love it. I love knowing my musings may be used some time in the future

I write poetry and put it together with old photographs. I've shared a few but they’re mainly for me. It’s all about the process.

@Sidebeforeself That's really interesting! I've read loads of WWII era mass observation diaries but didn't realise it was still going. A brilliant thing to be involved with.

Well yes me too. I'm an artist in real life and most of my independent work I do for myself, I consider it complete when it's finished, it doesn't need an audience. My writing is the same, my work is done when the books are finished, my teachers have made suggestions about publishing but I don't want to delude myself about my chances so my focus is just on how much I'm enjoying completing my story.

I find I get to a kind of threshold of thinking about a scene and then I have to get it on the page.

Non of the above stops my stupid family from asking 'when are you publishing' like that's the only reason I would be doing it. No one would be asking when I was going pro footballer if I enjoyed a kick about at the local park every weekend.

I had absolutely no idea this was still in existence as an active thing! Fascinating! Can you say more about your involvement, @Sidebeforeself ?

Yes of course! I started about 10 years ago after watching Housewife 49. I too was amazed that it was still going. I had to apply by writing a brief bio and why I wanted to join. I think sometimes it’s closed to new members depending on the demographic make up of those already writing for them , but it’s worth a shot

You get 3 commissions a year ( usually on 2/3 different topics) and every year on 31st May they ask you to send in a diary. But you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.

Im always amazed at how much I find to write about even if the topic doesn’t immediately appeal to me. You should look into it… you are literally writing the history books!

I'm a bit late to this but your post struck me, this is exactly how I feel. I have been (well, was) an illustrator for over 25 years and am now edging into a new field. I think that I definitely created images to accompany writing/poems that were sadly never actually shared.
People want the immediate, short form version of everything now, especially online. And the communities that exist for creatives definitely do prioritise immediacy over time based content.

I also love the idea of narrating words to short films made by myself, perhaps even adding recorded sounds, some music, etc (my DH writes music which would help!).

I have only recently started to pull the scraps of my poems together, and would eventually like to create longer prose. I had a good start in life with writing although pushed it aside in my late teens to concentrate on other things. I am now over 50 and would love to dive back in.

I can't imagine even thinking about publishing at this stage, or ever, really. I very much miss being able to share though, as when sharing paintings and images there is already a strong sense that many communities are open to it, and no one has to concentrate or give up time to ingest it. I also noticed post pandemic that social media quickly filled up with a somewhat new, 'relatable' short form type of poetry, which isn't really my cup of tea. I feel a bit lost at sea with it all.