TRUE INDIE: Writing in a Time of Uncertainty

The other day, I found myself chatting with a good writer friend about how I’m not experiencing those lovely “Christmassy” emotions I usually have this time of year. You know, that warm and fuzzy feeling of anticipation as Christmas approaches, and thoughts drift to gift-giving, ice skating, game nights in front of a crackling fire, and downing too much eggnog. (Or Bailey’s Irish Cream, in my case.)

I’ve decked the halls, trimmed the tree, watched the obligatory movies (Christmas Vacation and The Holiday are must-sees), but still, I’m just not feelin’ it.

My friend agreed that it’s also not the same this year for her either, and suggested our melancholy moods are likely due to looming feelings of uncertainty. After all, no one really knows what’s going to happen in 2025 in many key areas of our lives. 

Especially as independent artists, our employment is often unpredictable, and rapid advances in technology stand to threaten our livelihoods just as potentially major changes to our country’s institutions are afoot. It’s hard to belt out “All I Want for Christmas is You” at your annual Christmas party when you aren’t sure what your life might look like in the coming months and years.

And when stressors like these enter our lives, it’s easy to put our writing aside in favor of more “pressing” tasks. Nothing derails creativity quite like being in survival mode.

But I’m here to argue that your writing will never be more needed than it is in times like these.

When people are anxious, uncertain, and scared, your words can provide comfort and diversion, both essential to help calm and reset a burdened mind and nervous system.

Your words can give levity and laughter—truly the best medicine for heavy hearts.

Your words can offer a new perspective, a window into someone else’s experience, and transport us to worlds and situations we’d never ordinarily encounter—all necessary to feeling empathy and compassion for others.

Your words can be a welcome respite from everyday struggles, and give a stressed soul a place to rest and recover, if even for a short while.

We are tribal creatures. There will always be a vital need for human connection and storytelling, and no computer, corporation, or government entity can take that away.

So keep creating. Keep writing that screenplay, pilot, or novel. Keep writing poetry, songs, and short stories. The harder things are, the more important it is.

Always keep creating.