Inspire Your Writing Using Negative Life Experiences
Why Do You Write?
I have seen that question asked so many times now that I want to projectile-vomit. And of course the two most popular answers to that question are that we write because we have a love of writing or we have a passion for writing.
Well not me! I did not begin writing because I had a passion for the written word, and quite frankly I hated writing when I was a kid. I would much rather be throwing a knuckleball to a batter sitting on a fastball than writing 1000 words on the history of Ancient Greece or expounding on the human tradition.
And yet here I sit, a professional freelance writer and novelist, so obviously something fueled my writing at the beginning until the day finally arrived when I actually loved the craft.
And that something was an addictive personality fueled by negative life experiences.
I have written often about my battles with alcoholism and my escape from near-death seven years ago, so there is no reason to revisit that expose. It is important, though, in understanding why I finally turned to writing and why I have attacked this profession with the gusto of a philharmonic orchestra leader on qualudes.
Simply stated, I needed an outlet for all of the angst that was bottled up inside of me, and writing provided that outlet. Early on, the computer was my own personal battlefield where daily I would participate in a struggle of past vs present. I was a modern day Greek tragedy with a Pollyanna ending, and writing provided the healthy drug that allowed me to function in this new, strange, foreign land.
And it can do the same for you! Using pain, hatred, fear and frustration to fuel your writing is a perfectly logical and cleansing approach and one that can be quite cathartic. As an added bonus, using personal experiences and feelings are a great way of connecting with readers because trust me, most readers have shared similar experiences and emotions.
Here are some ways you can turn the negatives of life into productive writing.
DON’T KILL THEM; WRITE ABOUT IT
I am reminded of the bestselling author Sue Grafton. She has often told the story of how she gained inspiration for her popular alphabet series. It all began when she was embroiled in a nasty divorce, and she would daydream about ways she could kill her husband. Rather than actually following through on those fantasies, she took them and used them as inspiration for a series of murder mysteries….and fame followed.
Have you had similar feelings in your lifetime? They tell me that serving time in prison is no fun, so rather than committing a destructive act that will have you sharing a cell with Bubba the Killer, use your destructive emotions and let them be the gasoline on your writing fire.
INDIGNATION IS RIGHTEOUS
Look around and you’ll see many examples of writers who have used their indignation to create excellent writing. The world of political writers is filled with indignation. Maybe you are feeling angry over the abuse being done to the environment; maybe child prostitution raises your blood pressure, or maybe animal cruelty; whatever it is, use it!
Writing to heal
A must for serious writers
MY WOUND IS YOUR WOUND
“We fear violence less than our own feelings. Personal, private, solitary pain is more terrifying than what anyone else can inflict.”
Jim Morrison
Have you been painfully dumped by a boyfriend? Have you been bullied? Have you been abused? Do you know the pain of ridicule? Is it a festering wound that knows no comfort? Write about it and I guarantee others will relate to it and appreciate your candor….and as a bonus you just might find some relief.
REVENGE IS SWEET
Have you ever been told that you will never amount to anything? Maybe someone told you that you will never be a good writer?
I have a friend in Alcoholics Anonymous who has now been sober for twenty-five years. She was told early on that she would never stay sober because of her attitude. She set out to prove that person wrong and twenty-five years later she is still sober out of revenge.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t write. Prove them wrong!
WRITE AS A WAY OF HANDLING FEAR OR TRAUMA
Another of my friends grew up with epilepsy. He writes today about the fear he lived through, never knowing as a child when the next seizure would strike him, and by writing about that he not only helps others with epilepsy but helps himself as well.
One of my earliest attempts at writing happened after my father died when I was twenty. I was having a recurring nightmare where I was falling down a deep, dark tunnel and I would wake up in the mornings covered with sweat and shaking. I wrote a short story about a child overcoming a fear of the dark, and it helped me in dealing with the loss of my father.
STAMP OUT SOCIAL INJUSTICE
Writers can make a difference. I firmly believe that and it is the impetus for my “Moment With Bill Reflection” articles.
I write about sex trafficking and homelessness and greed and abuse, not because I enjoy the dark side of life, but because I take seriously my responsibility as a human being. I also write about these topics because I am sick and tired of complacency and apathy in society today. If my written words can raise awareness and in some way bring about change then it is all worth it to me, and perhaps you will find it worthwhile as well.
ARE YOU UPSET ABOUT SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED? WRITE ABOUT IT!
In my hometown of Olympia, Washington, a homeless man was recently beaten by a group of four teens. They found him sleeping under a tree and proceeded to punch and kick him almost to death. They were caught shortly after the beating and one of them said it just seemed like a fun way to pass some time.
What the hell is wrong with humanity today? How can senseless violence like that occur? Those are the questions that were rattling around in my brain as I sat down and started writing a short story based on that incident.
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Have you used negative experiences to fuel your writing in the past?
Use It All to Your Advantage As a Writer
Whatever it takes my friends. Toss accelerant on your personal fires and let them blaze out of control in your writing. Fan the flames with hatred, fear or indignation and write your bestseller. Plumb the depths of your emotions and let them work for you in a contest-winning short story.
Writing is a connection between writer and reader, two human beings comprised of similar emotions and lifetime events. To ignore that fact is to lay waste to a gift that has been given to you. Use your emotions as motivation. Use your emotions as a writing theme. You just might be surprised how many out there can totally relate to your writing because of similar emotions.
Why do you write? I write because I’m hooked on it, baby. Writing is my drug of choice these days; it flows through my veins and gives me a high unlike any I have ever experienced, and each time I take my drug I share it online with all you other literature drug addicts.
And how cool is that?
2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Comments
AUTHORrocorcutt, I am a firm believer in using what we have as fuel for our writing. If it is negative then so be it. Some of the greatest writers in history were people in great psychological and emotional pain. I'm all for that release.
Thank you and best wishes on your aspirations.
Great article. I wouldn't be an aspiring writer without my resolve to build from the negative life experiences in my past so this article hit it dead on.
- AUTHOR
Hi Wabash....I'm glad you found this interesting. Inspiration can come from so many sources; it would be a shame to limit ourselves.
Thank you for the visit and your thoughts.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Glimmer and good morning! Yes, I found that interesting about Grafton....not a bad series considering it was based on murderous thoughts. LOL
Great insight, Bill! When I was young (a child, a teen, a young adult), I told many stories but never wrote. After marriage and some resulting issues, I put the pen to paper and began writing but never made that connection. Thanks.
Wow - I never knew that about Grafton's books. This makes so much sense, I guess that the things I write about never draw on negative experiences, but now that I write that I am going to have to look back on my hubs and think about that. Another hub to make me think.
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Hey Carol, Happy Tuesday my friend. I appreciate you, you know? Thank you and yes, yes, yes, the book!
And we all have negative stuff don'twe? Cannot get through this life unscathed. There are issues and problems on a daily basis. However I think living in today's landscape is extremely challenging. You said it well for sure..Thanks for all the great writes...the book!
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Stephanie, I love those "Ah Ha moments." I'm glad I could provide one for you and I look forward to seeing the results in your writing. Best wishes and thank you!
I have always resorted to writing when I am deeply upset, though it has always been confined to my personal journals. Your article made me realize that channeling the passion that results from negative experiences into my writing would make me a more interesting and better writer. As always, reading your article has given me another "AH HA" moment!
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Michael my friend, if I have helped you in any way then I am thankful and quite happy. I strive to support people, to inspire people and to motivate people....I want only the best for you, and I greatly appreciate your support and friendship.
blessings always
bill
Good evening Bill.
What a testimonial , ( not first time ) you being a firm believer in yourself as well as in others ." Writers can make a difference " ever present kindly reminder " you can do it too ( now I know ). Out of negative to create positive, fresh idea to me since the background cultural teaching insisted the opposite. Sigh.
Even though I don't - your question " why do yo write " takes me back where this small boy had to say something when there was no one to listen to- so I wrote and my first published poem at eleven encourager me to continue. . .
I won't exolt the circumstances cutting me off , but, thanks to billybuuck, his supportive encouraging articles will help me be where I belong.
Thank you my friend, from the bottom of my heart.
Voted up , awesome and useful.
Have a peaceful evening, good night.
- AUTHOR
MizB, I will never figure out HP other than to say they have a success formula that they believe in and that's fine...it is, after all, their business and they invested heavily into it. That does not mean I have to play by their games. I am proud of my serious stuff and I will continue to write it because that is where my heart is. :) Thanks for your thoughts; you are a true professional and a good person.
Bill, I’m really glad that writing has now become your “drug of choice”. You are using it to benefit many budding writers, and you are a born teacher. Like you, I didn’t set out to be a writer; I just fell into it. I was a storyteller as a child, but as I grew older, I had to spend my time on life’s more serious aspects. When I worked as a reporter, I was proud to be writing serious stuff, and I kind of looked down my nose on fluff writers. I realize now that was a mistake.
I have spent the last 35 years earning a living writing or editing too serious works, and now I am ready to write fluff myself. That is why I do a lot of fluff on HP. I’ve also found that my fluff has more sticking power. HP puts my serious stuff out to pasture way before the fluff. I can’t figure that out either because some of my non-dated serious stuff has more hits and comments than the fluff, yet it goes while the fluff remains.
BTW, I like Sue Grafton. Voted you up++
- AUTHOR
Thanks Deb and obviously I agree. Congratulations on your Hubbie Award. Well-deserved.
There really IS a lot to write about. Pick some topics and the well will never run dry. As always, a great work, my a great man that can influence, empower, raise awareness, and impassion.
- AUTHOR
Lea, you are a doll and a dear friend. Thank you so much. I don't see it as complaining; I see it as inspiration....and others will as well. Keep writing that book my dear.
blessings and thanks always
bill
- AUTHOR
Anna, I love that description...funny, quirky and kicked ass. As a writer I can definitely embrace such praise. Thank you my Scottish friend. Have a great week.
- AUTHOR
Thank you so much agusfanani; I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
- AUTHOR
Exactly, Faith. I don't know how many emails I have received from people who have been touched by my words and helped as well. What a remarkable thing it is to be a writer.
blessings and thanks always
bill
Well, I did print this one out also to add to my Billy Buc folder, and I have read it through and through. I think I've always been shy about being a 'complainer' but I am currently working on 2 books, one of them is titled 'How I Survived Three Heartbreaks in a Five Year Period.' It has been a challenge for me, but this hub has confirmed that I am to do this.
It came at just the right time, and THANK YOU. Voted up, useful, interesting and awesome. You continue to be one of my top mentors.
God bless, Sparklea :)
Well this is a very good piece of writing . It was funny, quirky and kind of kicked ass :)
Life is good and bad. When the bad melts into the page it cleanses a little more of your soul each time.
I really loved this one.
I agree that we should take lessons from our life experiences. Pour them into stories will always become preventive reminders for the writer and readers not to do the same mistakes. Thank for sharing this interesting hub and the lessons in it.
Dear Bill, now that I am over being upset from the other day (unrelated to HP) ... : ) I came back to read your article without being distracted and able to focus better ... and, yes, certainly we can write powerful articles on negative life experiences and turn them around to bring awareness to such negative life experiences, i.e., PTSD, homelessness, cancer, children suffering and the list goes on. Yes, the thought of reaching thousands is powerful. I have been blessed via emails by those who have read something I have written that has actually helped them through a related traumatic event.
Up and more and sharing.
Hugs, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Dora, it's possible to let negatives fuel articles that are positive in nature. Give it some thought and I think you'll see how it could happen.
Thank you my friend and have a great upcoming week.
And here I am thinking that I want t0 be always positive about what I share; but life is both positive and negative, and we can both learn and teach from every situation. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
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Martie, I like how you said it...a healthy addiction. So very true. Best wishes to you my friend and I hope your weekend has been a good one. Thank you!
Bill, you have hit so many nails on their heads. I agree from beginning to end. My passion is not to write, but to get rid of whatever's bothering me, or too much to cope with - mental-bulimia, is what I am suffering. Writing is certainly a healthy addiction.
Voted up and 100% true :)
- AUTHOR
drbj.....LOL....where would we be without humor my friend? I know you know what I'm asking? Too much darkness in our lives; we need the psychological break that humor provides.
Have a great day and thank you as always.
- AUTHOR
Exactly, Alicia, and that is the beauty of writing....we can give a gift to our readers and give a gift to ourselves at the same time.
Enjoy this beautiful Sunday in BC and thank you.
- AUTHOR
Maria, I know you understand all about this. Your recent blog post is a perfect example of this hub. Thank you my dear and have a wonderful Sunday.
love
bill
- AUTHOR
Thank you vkwok....it's always a pleasure having you stop by my friend.
- AUTHOR
Exactly, Michelle, and that is a very positive thing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
- AUTHOR
Michele, you are the second Hubber I know with epilepsy. To use your words, if by writing about epilepsy you help just one person......the power of writing my friend. We have the power to help others through our words and isn't that a remarkable thing?
Thank you!
Not only do you have the talent, Bill, for making very serious topics interesting, but you also know just when to inject the right amount of humor. A possible cell mate named 'Bubba the Killer?'
Yo, I think I know his alter ego, 'Bubba the Lover.' :)
Your suggestions are great, Bill. I find that writing poems inspired by negative or sad experiences is a powerful way to deal with the unhappy events. My original feelings don't disappear completely, but they are much easier to bear.
Bill,
I am with you all the way on this...what a bonus when writing can be therapeutic for the author and beneficial to all who read.
Voted UP and UABI. Hope you are having a peaceful weekend.
Love, Maria
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Graham, that is my hope. Making a difference one person at a time. If I can do that then I have accomplished great things with my writing.
Thank you Sir!
- AUTHOR
Indeed, it is, Peg. Festering turns to poison and that can never have a good result. Thanks for your thoughts.
- AUTHOR
Thank you DDE; I think it is a healthy way to deal with negative experiences.
- AUTHOR
Eddy, I love your approach to the negatives. We have lived them, we learned from them, and we changed them to positives. That is the way it should be done.
Thank you Eddy and I hope your Sunday is blessed.
love,
billy
- AUTHOR
And Faith, I think that is the healthy way to handle problems or issues through writing. Raising awareness is what we writers can do. We can reach thousands with our words and that is always a positive result.
Thank you dear lady and blessings to you always
bill
- AUTHOR
Sheila, I love your approach. Whining only goes so far with people, and too much of it drowns out the central message. Great thoughts my friend.
Great hub and even greater advice.
Well said, writing is a place for us to channel negativity! rather than use it in the wrong way, turn these dire feelings into something positive.
Hi Bill, this is a great hub. I have just a little bit about epilepsy, which has been very painful for me. However, I have gotten a lot of responses. Some have been in the form of emails. People whose children have epilepsy and need surgery, people who have epilepsy, and well some ask questions and some ask for prayers.
This is a wonderful hub. Thank you so much for writing it. Once again, if you help just one person, you have done more then you even meant to do.
Michele
Hi Bill. Another great hub. I see from the comments left by Eric that you are making a difference. Just carry on Bill.
Graham.
Another good one Bill. Better to write about it than fester over it.
Great aspects of writing using ones negative experiences and sharing it with others you have thought of many useful suggestions to all writers.
As always Billy another wonderfully created and to the point read.
Many of my hubs as you know come from Negative times. However as I share these times with others they can become a positive from many who learn how to cope with their own negative times maybe.
Brilliant and voted up as always.
Here's wishing you a great weekend Billy my dear friend.
Eddy.
Yes, writing is a great release no doubt! I do happen to be upset this day, and if I wrote about it, it would cause harm to innocent ones when that helps no one. However, I do know I can cast all my cares to the Lord God in prayer and then comes that sweet peace, His peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding. This is pure truth, as I know personally of such. I do write about serious social issues and otherwise to bring awareness and when it is helpful to others in lieu of harming others to no avail.
God bless you and yours,
Faith Reaper
Like you, I hated writing as a kid. A great college professor gave me the inspiration to become a writer. When it comes to writing hubs and even my novels, there are many times I base the hubs or part of a plot line on things that drive me crazy when I think about them (lies, false views of other people, etc) or on negative personal experiences. It is a great way to let off the pressure and talk about how I feel and so on. But I try never to drive people away by only whining and complaining (as they may see it). I want to also provide a glimpse of how the issue was resolved which may help other people going through the same thing find a resolution to their problem.
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Rosemay, it is indeed. Poets in particular, I think, have a wonderful medium from which they can emote. :) Thanks for your thoughts.
- AUTHOR
Mary, something else to think about.....you can write about something negative without having it attributed to your life. :) I write about a lot of "negative" subjects, fueled by my own experiences without saying that I experienced it. :)
Thank you Mary and I hope your weekend is fantastic.
I could agree with you more Bill.
Writing about the negatives in life is a great healer as we have seen through the stories of many hubbers here including myself in my poetry. It is a great outlet for all those bottled up emotions.
Enjoy your weekend
There are negative things burning a hole inside of me but I don't write about them for fear of upsetting others. Some are known, some are not. Perhaps a story about it would fill the bill....good examples as always Bill.
Letting our negativity out, anger, fear, all emotions that have a way of hanging around. You've given me lots to think about as always.
Voted up, awesome, and interesting. Shared too!
P.S. Have a great weekend!
- AUTHOR
Cris, poetry was meant for emotions...it screams to be shared with the heart and soul of every reader.....and yes, you do this.
The sun has finally appeared here after one of the more miserable weather weeks in memory. Have a great weekend my dear and thank you.
love,
bill
- AUTHOR
Dahlia, that is a lovely thing for you to say...thank you so much my dear.
blessings and a hug winging their way to you
bill
- AUTHOR
Vinaya, thank you so much for sharing that. It's important for writers to hear a writer say that. I appreciate it my friend.
- AUTHOR
Marlene, my only response to your comment is what could it hurt by trying it? :)
blessings to you, Marlene, and thank you!
Bill, you inspire and motivate me. Thank you for another tip on topics that one can choose to write.
Have a great weekend my friend.
Sending you blessings and smiles :-)
What a great gloomy Friday read! It's cloudy and gray down here Bill and I'm reading this while boiling my soup. :)
I'm pretty sure I've done most of what you've said here in my writings simply because they usually come from my humble heart and those that I know of. However, most of my negative or say sad experiences in life are thrown out of my poetry, which I love crafting in the hope that readers would be touched or be able to relate (somehow) and probably learn a lesson or two. You know, life experiences and the likes. Ahh, writing...this is my breathing room!
And thus, my personal mantra in writing: "I aspire to inspire. I am brave. I write." --
Thank you Bill for the motivations and all. I see, you're having a yard sale. Good luck!
Love from the sky~
In my 1o years of professional writing experience, I have found negative experiences often surpass positive experiences. Some of my best poems and stories were written when I was in the verge of suicide.
What a timely hub for me to read. Lately, my mind has been filled with anger over something that happened to me recently. Part of me wants to write about it and the other part of me wants to forget about it. There was even a time when I was feeling like the author Sue Grafton and wanted to make life difficult for the perpetrators. Now, after reading your hub and watching the video, I'm back to thinking I should write about it. It could actually be the thing that heals the hurt.
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LOL...Heidi, you are priceless. I love it....too much positive, eh? I'm going to be laughing all day long about your comment. Thank you my friend and have a great weekend.
Have to admit that my writing has been fueled by negative experiences, too, though maybe not of the type you're referring to here. My negative experiences are usually struggles or problems that I've encountered from being in business. I'm guessing that there are a lot of folks facing the same issues. So sharing solutions for the negative IS positive.
Confession: The crazy positive writing kinda makes me want to, as you would say, "projectile-vomit." But, also like you, I can't wait to get writing every... single... day!
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Melissa, you just burst my bubble...I thought you had had a perfect life. LOL Well, now you have things to write about when you finally get started. :) Thanks, Melissa, and have a great weekend.
Well, its a good thing I haven't lived a completely charmed life... If my life was perfect, I'd have nothing to write about! Of course, I'm joking. This is an excellent reminder of all the sources of "inspiration" that are available to us all.
- AUTHOR
DJ, without a doubt, there are some experiences that we are not ready to write about. It took me years to reach the point where I was willing to write about my addiction and the pain I caused others.
As for my helping other Hubbers...I believe in karma, and I get every bit as much as I give. :) Thank you my dear friend and have a wonderful weekend.
bill
Another Great Hub, as always, my friend.
Some past events have lead to writings. Most, I am not sure I am ready
to tackle. How does one write about the love/hate relationship of a deceased relative. It could be most cleansing path one could every take.
Or, it could start replaying the emotions at a time where I am not at a place to deal with them, in a healthy way.
I will keep these suggestions with me and maybe I can one day open that can of worms.
Great Hub, Bill. I appreciate all that you do to help your fellow hubbers.
DJ.
- AUTHOR
Brandi, it is possible to make money here but it takes awhile....as in a year or longer. I know people who make a thousand a month on HP....not me of course. :) Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. I, for one, am very glad you are here.
bill
I find writing to be very therapeutic. I originally came here to see if I could make a living from it. After suffering through illness after illness, and my son's diagnosis, I'm broke. I need a way to make money. But, I learned on this journey that this probably won't be the way I make the bills....but I've met some friends on here that have made every moment absolutely worth it! Thank you Billy!
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Ricky, exactly. I have used mine, not for sympathy, but as a message of hope, love and compassion, and any writer can do the same if they feel comfortable doing so.
Thanks my friend and have a great weekend.
- AUTHOR
Suzette, it is hard for many people to do, and some writers simply cannot do it and that's fine. I just found that I could write about my negatives and make them a message of hope...for others and for me. :)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and have a great weekend.
Bill, voted up, useful, and interesting. This is a great idea Bill. Writing about negative experiences generates writing from the heart. We all share similar success and failure. I agree, this is a great way to connect with your readers and audience on a personal level. If you can give great advice and information, it's that much better.
Bill: Really, you make such good points in this article. I tend to shy away from using negative topics for writing and really I shouldn't. I hate to sound like a complainer and the teacher in me always comes out positive rather than negative. I'm an encourager etc. But, you have done well with your writing about addictive areas of your life. I don't have an addictive personality, but I have had negative instances happen in my life. It is hard and embarrassing for me to write about them. But, thanks for a really good article on this topic.
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Well Crystal, don't leave me in suspense. Drop me an email and tell me all about this idea before it knocks a hole in the back of your brain. :)
Thank you for your kind words. You are appreciated.
- AUTHOR
LOL...Ann, I love that phrase...more power to your elbow. :) Thank you again!
That would be something for the CV wouldn't it? Quite like the idea of being a publicist! You deserve all the support you obviously get from all these people who ALL think you're brilliant. Even more power to your elbow! Ann
One of my favorites of yours...I know I say that all the time. You've brought something to the forefront here that's been knocking about in the back of my mind for a while. The only question that remains is exactly how to do what I think I need to do. I love the idea of using writing to deal with personal pain and help others.
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Russ, for this writer it was cathartic and necessary. Judging from the number of comments I'm not alone. LOL
Thanks buddy and I hope all is well with you this Friday.
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Sha, this seems to be a universal theme for all writers. Many seem to use their emotions as fuel; the ones who don't.....should. :) Have a great Friday my dear.
bill
Sage advice my friend. I prefer not to think of those little beasties in my life, but you are so correct. Let them out and slay them on the keyboard. Russ Moran
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Monis, that is so kind....seriously, thank you for those wonderful words.
- AUTHOR
Lizzy, it appears to have already done that. LOL Lots of comments for this early in the morning. Sheez, who would have guessed that others used writing for their emotions? :) Thanks Lizzy...feel better.
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Jackie, I love it....and we are all better off because of your experience which led you here. Thanks for sharing that story....perfect!
- AUTHOR
cygnetbrown, that is a great example of what this is all about. Use that pain to write and in the process, part of the pain disappears. How great is that?
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Joe, you need to head out that door and enjoy the day, but thanks for taking the time to leave some profound thoughts. In truth, buddy, I think my addiction makes me a better writer. It has allowed me to learn empathy for others. Suffering is something I understand today, but in a healthy way. I am a much better writer today than I was twenty years ago, and the only thing that really changed during that time was my addiction.
Anyway, have a great walk and a always, thank you.
Aloha
bill
- AUTHOR
Jaye, you just said it all so eloquently...and what a gift indeed! I absolutely adore being a writer. I am given the opportunity to create daily. I can connect with people...I can move them to tears, to anger and to joy, through my words. How cool is that?
Have a fantastic weekend in Mississippi, Jaye!
- AUTHOR
There you go, Liz! Perfect examples of what this hub is about. A writer who does not use those experiences is a fool in my opinion. We need to find a connection with our readers and those emotions are a gold mine in doing so.
Thank you my Las Vegas friend. Have a great weekend.
- AUTHOR
Eric, Happy Birthday my friend. No wonder I like you....we October babies have to stick together in a bond for life.
Have a great day; release the anger and replace it with love for that little buggar. :)
- AUTHOR
Ann, you are so good for my ego. LOL I want to hire you as my publicist. Please!!!!!!
Emotions are the universal language of writers and readers. We need to use our negative experiences to help us relate to our readers and have them relate to us. The great writers all understood this point.
Thank you, Ann. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and give some thought to that publicist job. :)
bill
Bill, you are my inspiration - you really found your niche. You are a great teacher.
Now, if this topic doesn't release writer's block, I don't know what will!
I had to chuckle at your allusion to an orchestra leader on Quaaludes. I wonder how many of your young readers are scratching their heads over that one? You'd really stump the panel had you alluded to an orchestra leader flying on 714s!
Emotions offer great fuel for writing. Especially if you're pissed and just want to hit something. I know I find that to be true with me. I grab pen and pad and furiously get out my frustrations. Many of my earlier poems are the result of being angry or hurt. By the time I finished, I felt much better.
Being upset about nursing home abuse involving my mother is what brought me here and I had never written before. I wanted to tell people about all I had discovered and someone suggested here and then after awhile Nell Rose and James A Watkins encouraged me to put it to poetry. Ha! That was the start of something new!
^ across & shared
Some of my best writing has come out of painful experiences. My writing career redeveloped out of a journaling exercise I started when I was going to a psychologist for depression. Kept me from having to take meds for it! How powerful writing can be!
Good morning, Bill!
I was supposed to be out the door already for my morning constitution, but this one affectionately grabbed me by the throat and wrestled me to the ground until I just had to cry out, "UNCLE!" Uncle Billy, that is!
Man alive, Bill, you're a damn good writer! "Toss accelerant on your personal fires and let them blaze out of control in your writing." Wow! I can really relate to this theme!
Another thing that hit me hard and strong is this awareness that our addictive personality is forever deeply entrenched. What CAN change and DOES change if we so choose is the choice of addictions. The constructive "drugs" flow into our souls to fill the void where the stuff we crapped out of our system once took up residence.
Congratulations on yet another excellent piece of writing. Congratulations (and thank you!) on a deeper and universal plane for a far better choice of addiction these days. Aloha, Bill! Great way to start off my Friday!
~Joe
Good morning, Bill - Since much of my life could fuel a long-running soap opera, I have a great deal of material to mine from it. Composite characters and disguised events and settings make it simple to protect the innocent...or the guilty. That's the beauty of fiction--the license a writer has to use the usable yet invent as necessary and interweave the two components.
While I've never kept a journal regularly, I have many times used writing to purge anger, depression, sadness and other negative emotions. The exercise of writing about something painful can be cathartic as well as help the writer see issues and potential solutions more clearly. What a gift we have as writers!
Voted Up+++ and shared
Jaye
P.S. " Happy Birthday" to Eric!
I do this a lot. I used to work with a girl who had the worst, most annoying, rude habits that I had ever encountered. Those habits were incorporated into one of my books and let me say this, when I was writing, that chapter was finished in about 3 seconds as I pounded on the keyboard!! :) Writing is definitely a fantastic release to get those feeligns out. Alternatively, when I wrote Final Journey- it was basically all on life experience since it was about the death of my pup. Great hub Bill!
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