Michael T. Hare

A parasite is an organism that lives in or on another organism, known as the host, from which it obtains nutrients at the host’s expense. In the life of a writer, negative feelings are part of the bargain, and if we aren’t prepared to deal with that fact, we can inadvertently let in parasites to help us cope.

Parasites in the biological sense can’t be detected by the naked eye, and similarly, it can be problematic to catch one in our emotional lives. Scrolling social media, listening to music, and staying too busy to write are just a few examples of emotional parasites; they’re ways for us to avoid processing negative emotion.

In the long run, this avoidance stunts our creativity and rarely offers a solid solution. It keeps us suspended in a world of hesitation and keeps us from growing our writing muscles. My parasite was listening to music, and only when I eliminated it did I finally achieve the strength to write consistently.

Parasites can begin as a harmless way for us to unwind. Music, for me, used to be a great way to build up ideas for my story. It let me write in my head, so to speak, instead of actually putting words on the page, and this became an addictive pattern because I could invest my story without any effort. The second I took my headphones off, I realized I was in the same world with the same writing struggles, longing for the ghost of a book I’d never written.

Listening to music, in and of itself, may not be inherently bad, but it did become something that sucked more and more time out of my day as I turned to it instead of getting work done. It had become my refuge, which is what makes a habit a parasite.

Let’s be honest, it’s much easier to zone out than crank out a chapter, but easier will not make you better. Easier will keep you in that cycle of reluctance and keep your pages blank. What you need to do is replace ‘zoning out’ with a period of reflection. Dig deep and ask yourself: Why am I avoiding writing? Is it a fear of failure? Am I scared of not measuring up?

Whatever your reasons may be, if you refuse to acknowledge and process those feelings, you’ll remain a slave to your fears.

Trust me when I say zoning out isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s really an act of idolatry. Think about it for a minute: what are we running from? We’re running from a negative emotion and seeking refuge in the creation, not the Creator. True peace comes only from Yaweh, and He doesn’t give as the world gives (John 14:27). No wonder our habits don’t get us anywhere! Negative emotions don’t flee in the face of a good beat or a funny TikTok. Such things can only numb what Yaweh can calm.

It’s Him who provides a true escape, and that isn’t by running. It’s by facing the situation with the understanding that He’s got you. In all areas of life, only He can give true peace, and that makes a pair of headphones seem pretty darn insignificant.

Maybe you have parasites in your life that rob you of accomplishment, and that’s okay. I was (and still am) you. It takes a lot of work for me to write instead of zoning out. It’s a hard decision. I know it is. But you’re tougher than that. Don’t let fear stifle the writer inside you. Say it out loud: “I am a writer. I have potential. My work is good. Yahweh is on my side.” We’re problem-solvers, critical-thinkers, worldbuilding artists! If we’re struggling in our craft, we get creative because that’s who we are! We take after our Lord and Savior!

If you’re trying to give up your parasites, I recommend reaching out—trade your isolation for community. Seek accountability from loved ones, set boundaries for yourself, and most importantly, DON’T GO IT ALONE. Think of every acknowledgment note you’ve ever read by any author. Did they ever work alone? No. It takes more than two hands to write a great book, and the same goes for a great life.

You are tougher than what you’re running from. Yaweh is tougher than what you’re running from. Now is the time to put your dreams to paper, sprint through the fire, and publish that book! Consistency will be your best friend through this. Keep it kindled and never stop writing. I speak from experience when I say it hasn’t let me down.

I wish you the best of luck in your writing, traveler.