This is such an honest article. I travelled consistently for three years and wrote the entire time but I suppose I used new types of stress and tension to fuel my writing. I was living on a boat and sailing long-distance, which provided a fairly daily amount of struggle and adjustment with the elements. But I also wrote a lot about how travel itself was affecting me — from existing outside my comfort zone to pondering on the things you miss while travelling (friends, weddings, births, deaths etc).

I agree that writing requires some level of tension. I wonder if it’s because obstacles/problems/disagreements fire up your brain into problem-solving mode, which is a creative and imaginative place to be. Without any problems to solve, inspiration is difficult to find.

Also, if you find you’re living in a stress-free way, does that mean you’re always living in your comfort zone? I find that I have to push myself out of my comfort zone to achieve anything I’m proud of and to challenge myself productively.

I don’t think that good writing requires trauma, but I do think writers need to make concerted efforts to push themselves into challenging situations to prevent creativity from lapsing.

I really liked this article, it really made me think. Thanks!