For me, writing can be like swimming. There are times that writing is like being in a crisp clear lake. You have lots of energy, and you feel compelled to leisurely go a great distance. Other times it can be like swimming in the ocean, a fun challenge as waves hit you from one direction or another. It is harder work, but it is still joyful. Then, there are times that writing is like doing laps in the local pool. You just put your head down and do it. It may not be as much fun as open water swimming. It may not be as interesting. Yet it is part of staying in shape.

For the competitive swimmer, which I am not, I imagine that the audience may also play a role. For me, swimming is more solitary, even when done in a crowded pool. Yet when I write, I often have the audience at least partially in mind.

Today is another day where I am tired. I’ve written a bit already today for work. I have more to write tomorrow. So, as the day ends, I do a couple laps on the keyboard and churn out at least a few paragraphs. I struggle to make it someone interesting, but I know that I am just doing laps and look forward to a day when I’m better rested and can explore one of the more interesting writing themes waiting for me.