So here we go again.
I know what my next book will be about. The basic flow, the chronology of events, is worked out in my head. I’ve named the characters, visualized the settings, and have begun to put pen to paper. (I like to start with paper and pen, then move over to the computer where I work out the details. The physical act of writing, connects my hand to my subconscious mind in a powerful way, or, so I believe.)
The problem is, I dread returning to my notebook. Not because I don’t enjoy writing, I love it, I’m just avoiding the subject matter. I know what awaits. Why can’t I write about daisies, rainbows and unicorns? Happy blonde headed characters dancing in a circle at a family picnic somewhere in Nantucket? Actually, I suppose I can, but I wouldn’t feel it. …and if I don’t feel it, you won’t either.
Why oh why, do I have to pick such painful topics?
Of course, I know the answer. Surely you do too. You write what you know.
My writing is filled with pain, of the emotional variety. Still, I think it’s uplifting, even humorous at times. I suppose the running theme is, we must learn from misery. If we don’t, what was the point of all that suffering? I can not allow myself to believe that it was for nothing. Light comes out of darkness, strength comes from fear, and good can come from bad. Yes… “Hello, my name is Stacy, and I’m an optimist.” Response. “Hello Stacy.”
This is how I’ve lived my life, looking for lessons in the pain. We all experience emotional pain at some point, we may as well learn to make lemonade.
…and personally… I fucking love lemonade. Lemonade is Victory.
S. Conde
I say: writing is for me so blooming hard! But it is true and a timely reminder thank you that the physical act of writing makes a connection to the UNconscious mind. When the subject matter is about pain, it allows the writer and hopefully the reader to make a connection and to see it in print and thereby to feel they are not alone. Thank you for this post!
“A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” Thomas Mann
This made me laugh… Love the way you write.
I’m so glad. It would be pretty awful if you didn’t.