I’ve been at this writing thing for almost two years now, and in that time I’ve read countless blogs, emails and comments from other writers who say not writing makes them anxious, or irritable, or antsy.  I’m reluctant to say I’ve never felt that way.  I’ve written consistently for periods of time and gone without writing for long periods of time, but I’ve never felt like writing was essential to my mental stability.  [Note: If you've read my personal blog lately, you know my mental stability isn't as sound as it could be these days.]

I’m now happy to report this has all changed.  I’ve caught the bug and it is really taking hold.  I have not been able to open my WIP since before leaving for San Fran.  And where, in the past, this would be no more than another prod for my ever-present guilt, these days it’s more of an irritation.  It’s making me anxious and antsy.  I finally feel like a member of the club.

I’m guessing this virus was airborne at Nationals.  It hovered in the air, lingered in the elevators and manifested in the bar.  It passed from chair to attendee as the workshops rolled through and could have even been lifted from the moving rail of the escalators.  Heck, I might have even gotten it from the mouse in the business center.

No matter where exactly I contracted this virus, I’m damn glad it found me.  I wish it would have found me when I have more time to treat it, but I’m happy all the same.  Ideas for scenes emerge in my mind when I’m least expecting it.  My characters pace impatiently, giving me flashes of the emotion, humor and angst that is to come if only I’d sit down and type.  Three more weeks of school and then I get a break.  Then I can begin the treatment.  Only I have no intention of curing this ailment.  In fact, I’m hoping to keep it for quite a long time.

Do you have this virus?  Do you get the shivers and fall into withdrawals if you’ve been away from writing too long?  If you’re a reader, how long do you go between books?  If you finish one and don’t have another to pick up right away, does it make you anxious to get to the store?