Cacoethes scribendi

'An incurable itch for scribbling takes possession of many, and grows inveterate in their insane breast.' - Juvenal

I had never come across the phrase 'cacoethes scribendi', the 'incurable itch for scribbling' before. It perfectly describes the phenomenon that makes writers function despite all despair and common sense. I am horrified by the possibility of putting so much time and effort and hope into my original SF novel only to have it go absolutely nowhere, but alas, the itch will be scratched.

(no subject)

Gakked from refugeenews: news.com.au reported on 2 December that 27 Iraqi refugees currently held on Nauru have been found to be genuine refugees after their cases were reassessed by Australia. Australia will only take 16 of them. You know, I presume the Howard government reckons it will be safely history by the time these people seek compensation for the hell they and their children have been put through.

Also, a radio current affairs program, This American Life, ran a story on Nauru - it'll be available for listening online next week, so bookmark it if you're interested.