Emotional Writing

[sunstruckdream]

So...I'll try really hard to keep this from being a vent.

I've been an emotional wreck lately for a couple of reasons, that, as far as this post goes, are unimportant. But the more depressed I've been getting, the more I've been working on my writing. I think I'm using it as a distraction, a short-term painkiller to get away. And I keep doing this because it works (short-term, as I said.)

But here's what's weird...

My writing's been clearer lately. Less verbal junk, and more straightforwardness. My theory is that because I'm so sick of certain people's crud/beating around bush, I refuse to employ any myself.

What are your thoughts on this? Or, to better phrase the question, how do your emotions affect your writing? Do they sneak into the tone, the characters? Just interested.

I completely could have made this post without ranting about my life...I realize that now. Sorry, I guess I did want to vent a little bit.

Thanks...

 

[avatarblade2000]

...

First off, I'm sorry for how you're feeling, sunstruck. The short-term is fine, sure, but I don't have to tell you how long God's remedy lasts. I've had to remind myself of that lately, too, so...know you're not alone in the Realm of the Rut.

Secondly, you're right about the lack of reluctance on a lot of levels. We feel the need to vent in those circumstances and usually do with gusto, even if you're the type who bottles it up; once that stuff comes out, it doesn't hesitate. When I'm in a mood that fits the situation I'm trying to capture on paper, it comes out with zero thought on my part; it just happens, whole and full on that paper. I try to get myself into that frame of mind whenever I write, so that I can better relate and emulate my characters...

...but when I'm angry, or depressed, and trying to write, or compelled to write, the same thing happens, though what I write doesn't necessarily come out sounding the same way I'm feeling. It just - COMES OUT, so to speak.

Again, I'm sorry for the pain you're going through, whatever that might be. I'll pray about it, if that's okay with you. In any case, I hope and pray God shows you something out of it, and ultimately comes back to the fact that He loves you very much. Keep writing, keep loving, keep DREAMING!

 

[sunstruckdream]

Thank you, avatar

 

[Tariel]

I definitely understand the feeling - I write better when I'm depressed. Sometimes writing makes me depressed, which in turn improves my writing Seriously though, Sonata Arctica's "Don't Say a Word" and a few hours of writing is almost guaranteed to make me feel better, no matter what the problem. Bonus points if there are tears involved.

Do any of you watch Heroes? My roommate once compared me when I'm writing to a character on the show, but it would be hard for me to explain if nobody here watches it.


In general, my emotions affect my writing, but not as much as my writing affects my emotions.

 

[sunstruckdream]

No...I only saw Heroes once, way back at the beginning, and in all truth I hardly remember it.

Agreed, writing is very cathartic. Crying over a scene can be a huge release.

 

[Tariel]

No...I only saw Heroes once, way back at the beginning, and in all truth I hardly remember it.

Agreed, writing is very cathartic. Crying over a scene can be a huge release.

ok - I'll try to explain. There's a painter (Isaac) who can paint the future but can only do it while he's on drugs - but later learns to do it without them (short version). My friend suggested that that is what it is like for the "depression voice" - that there might be a way to get the voice without the depression.

I love crying over scenes. There was one scene that I was going to do one of two ways. I wrote both to see what they looked like, and I cried during one of them - needless to say, that's the version I went with.

 

[Kokopelli]

Some people tend to write better that way, and I know the real world experiences influence many writes. Take Poe and Dickinson for example.

Similarly, for me, this month has been one big CF, spinning out of control. I have found that I am becoming increasingly ticked off at the smallest things. E.g. housing market in this cesspool city I live in, my financial aide situation, etc.

The sad irony of this? I found the main character's personality is beginning to take shape more. Only problem with it is that it is a mirror image of me; foul-mouthed man who has really accomplished nothing grand in his life, is full of useless information, and ticked off the world.

 

[LadyMarion52]

So...I'll try really hard to keep this from being a vent.

I've been an emotional wreck lately for a couple of reasons, that, as far as this post goes, are unimportant. But the more depressed I've been getting, the more I've been working on my writing. I think I'm using it as a distraction, a short-term painkiller to get away. And I keep doing this because it works (short-term, as I said.)

But here's what's weird...

My writing's been clearer lately. Less verbal junk, and more straightforwardness. My theory is that because I'm so sick of certain people's crud/beating around bush, I refuse to employ any myself.

What are your thoughts on this? Or, to better phrase the question, how do your emotions affect your writing? Do they sneak into the tone, the characters? Just interested.

I completely could have made this post without ranting about my life...I realize that now. Sorry, I guess I did want to vent a little bit.

Thanks...

Hi I think that our emotions feed our writing at times. I find myself using my writing to escape or to help me to deal with problems by taking my mind off them for a while and that keeps me a little more sane.......haha. I say that emotions can be used for so much good. I think that it's a good and positive way to express yourself through your writing. Also I notice that my writing is more passionate and has better clarity when I'm in this state. I hope that you do well. This is my first time to really give in to writing and taking my imagination to the written word. I am an artist and play music but I'm more into writing to now. It also seems to clear my mind and bring some healing. I wish you love and blessings.....Lady Marion