Rediscovering the Joy of Words: My Unscripted Return to Writing

Remember that time I swapped my trusty keyboard for a marketing magic wand at Bluesfest Byron Bay? Yeah, it felt like trading in a comfy old sweater for a snazzy suit (the best part is that I wear band t-shirts, shorts and thongs every day, that’s “Byron” for you).

Writing, one of my loves, had turned into a bit of a ball and chain — all SEO this, clickbait that. So, I gave it the old ‘see ya later’. And the break? It was like finally taking off a pair of tight shoes after a long day. Liberating, to say the least. But here I am, dusting off my old friend, the keyboard, ready to fall back in love with writing, but with a new set of rules.

The Journey of the Break

Jumping into the Bluesfest gig was like diving headfirst into a pool of “Wow, this is new.” Big cheers to Mikela Meli for letting me stir up some fun in there. I also upped my dad game, hanging out more with my kiddos. Watching them grow is like a time-lapse video you can’t pause. Makes you think about what matters.

This time away from writing was like looking through a new lens. Money was trickling in from past writing — nice, but not the headline. The real eye-opener? Realising that I had turned writing into a robot’s job. No wonder my creative side was throwing tantrums.

Challenges Faced and getting back into it

Challenges during the break? Nah, it was smooth sailing. My brain was on vacation, sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. But here’s the fun part — getting back into the music scene lit a fire under me. It’s like rediscovering an old album you loved. Suddenly, I’m all about hitting the stage again, not just behind the curtain.

So, why pick up writing again? Because suddenly, it felt right. Like deciding to eat a salad after a week of junk food. And as I settled into my new gig, the old urge to write started knocking. This time, it’s about fun, not deadlines or targets.

Day one of writing again? Right now. This blog. No grand plan, no roadmap. It’s spontaneous, like jazz. Just letting the fingers do the talking on the keyboard. And hey, ChatGPT has been a great sidekick, throwing questions at me like a seasoned interviewer. Got to get rid of that rust!

But let’s talk about the real deal — getting back into the groove. My writing style? Still as unpredictable as a cat on catnip. I’m not tying myself down to routines or formulas. It’s all about catching the wave when it comes. And you know what? It feels fantastic. No more looking over my shoulder, wondering if Mr. Google is happy with my keyword density.

Expanding Perspectives

During my break, I had time to think. Like, really think. About what I want to write, why I want to write, and who I’m writing for. It’s no longer about pleasing the algorithm gods. It’s about telling stories that matter, stories that resonate, stories that might just make someone’s day a bit brighter. I’ve been jotting down ideas that hit me at the oddest of times — in the shower, during a walk, or in the middle of a Netflix binge. Creativity doesn’t keep office hours, and neither do I now.

Rediscovering writing has been like finding an old guitar in the attic. It’s a bit dusty, and the strings are rusty, but it still plays a sweet tune. I’ve been experimenting with styles — a bit of narrative here, a sprinkle of humour there. Like a chef trying out new recipes. And the best part? There’s no fear of failure. If something doesn’t work, so what? It’s all part of the process.

One thing this break has taught me is to embrace change. The world of writing is evolving, and so am I. I’m playing with new formats, exploring different platforms, and even dabbling in some video content. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a vlog. The sky’s the limit, and I’m just getting started.

The Wrap

This journey back to writing has been a rollercoaster — the fun kind, with unexpected twists and turns. My advice to anyone thinking of taking a break? Do it. It might just be the best decision you ever make. And when you come back, you’ll be stronger, fresher, and full of new ideas.

So, here’s to new beginnings, to writing without chains, and to enjoying the ride. Fasten your seatbelts, folks — it’s going to be a wild ride. And I, for one, can