How I Fell Back in Love with Writing

by Jon Macomber

It’s happened to all of us. That creative urge gradually declining to a spark and then a smolder. It happened to me and I lost my desire to relight that torch. A lot of the usual reasons: getting older, different interests, and other priorities pronounce themselves until you start saying “I used to write...” Occasionally it would cross my mind but the most precious resource we have, time, gave me excuses to avoid proceeding.

Then I saw an instagram post from Jukebox, a local fave spot. Something called “Story Wars” was coming. Interesting. I was familiar with improv but not a timed individual exercise in writing – 5 minutes to develop a story from a random prompt. After much encouragement from my wife I gave it a go.

I found a fantastic community in Story Wars. The inspiration for spontaneous creativity hit me and suddenly there was a flicker. I loved the inclusivity and positive atmosphere. There were a variety of characters present and the laughter and support were very encouraging. Friendly rivalries and inside jokes quickly appeared and new faces would participate every month.

Having performed improv comedy and lots of sketch comedy writing during my time in NYC I quickly took to the format. It was great coming up with an idea and pounding on it for 300 seconds until something coherent comes through. Not everything is a winner of course – the most frustrating part is getting three minutes into an idea until you realize it’s a dead end. No turning back sweetheart - gotta finish and make it into something. No U-turns here.

But this is what I needed. Always a chronic rewriter, I was forced to embrace and trust my creative interests and go forward. Suddenly my enemy, time, was a tool. I can’t say I’ve always liked what I’ve written – there have been some real clunkers. But the point is that I was writing again and I loved it.

While I still haven’t finished that latest screenplay or mapped out a novel I really look forward to those five-minute bursts every month. I love hearing what others come up with and it’s always delightful to see how many stories can spring forth from one simple suggestion.

So I am grateful to Story Wars for reigniting my love for writing. I will never defeat my nemesis, time, but now I have the courage and support to explore those creative urges again. Even if it’s a well written but criminally unappreciated work email or a simple journal entry it has been a pleasure to get that spark back.