Truth in Writing (2)

The other day I finished the first short story I have written in a really long time. It's only a first draft, very simple and choppy, but it is a complete story. I was having such a hard time getting the words out, so I started by writing one short sentence at a time and progressing until I finished it. I find that a really good technique for when your brain simply refuses to work hard. My love for language and composition will come out later in the revision process.

Writing from truth is a great way to produce good writing, but it can also be painful. I'm sitting here reading over my choppy sentences and it hurts what they reveal. There are things I set out to write about, and there are things that show up unexpectedly. I always find the unintentional gems I discover through my writing fascinating. Where did they come from? Why was I unaware of them? They make the story more dimensional, and since I didn't have to come up with them, it is as if the work helps me to write itself.

I enjoy living in my own creation, despite the bittersweetness of it. A good way to keep yourself writing is to keep yourself from getting bored. Write about the world you want to live in. Create a character you want to be. Find him a boyfriend you want to sleep with.

It helps if you're single.

Truth in Writing

Some people produce their best work amidst depression. I think I know why. The only way to produce good writing, or any kind of art for that matter, is by telling the truth; the artist must feels something so strongly and express it truthfully, regardless of the medium.

Writer’s block probably happens most often when you are in a neutral state of mind. I think most of us are in that state. We manage to be content, but now our art suffers. I personally find that I not only write best but easiest when I’m depressed. It does make it hard to not want to drown in sorrow all the time, or to dive into alcoholism and drug abuse. When one is neutral, one loses touch with oneself, so that one has no truth to tell. Strong emotions are unavoidable, so that they force us to face who we are.

I don’t think it’s impossible to write well in the neutral state; it’s just more difficult. I need to be able to conjure up any emotions I have once had and play with them.