Music is actually one of those other creative pursuits that largely fell by the wayside. Sometimes I do sit down at the old piano, but I very rarely play these days. Music is one area where even with persistence I could never be more than mediocre, because I just don’t have enough raw talent.

Your comment about other creative pursuits is important, I think. Photography is my second creative pursuit. I do get that, very much so. I wish I had more music in my hands and voice, though. It’s certainly in my soul.

However, I have given up playing videogames entirely (not that I ever was much of a gamer to begin with), because it was just a waste of time for me with no writing benefits. I’ve given up keeping a diary, because if I’m going to write I’d rather write something someone else might read one day. I have cut down on other arty/crafty things I used to do such as quilting, crocheting, drawing, etc…, though I won’t give up on them completely, because sometimes the creative mind needs something other than writing to do.

I no longer stay at social events I do not enjoy out of politeness. When I want to go home and write, I excuse myself and go home. I’m also single and childless by choice (which doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with writing), so there’s no family needing attention other than my parents.

So it’s up to the individual writer what he or she will give up for writing. Otherwise I agree with you that the important thing is to keep writing no matter what. Since I started tracking my daily wordcount three and a half years ago, I’ve only missed my admittedly modest minimum goal once.