As far as being a writer goes...I reckon I am one. I'd just like to continue to hone my craft and get on a stricter working schedule. But the creativity and focus needed is often times difficult to force. I find I have to talk myself into the right state of mind. Continuous practice will hopefully move me along towards my goals.
Also, the fact that I'm writing more personal stories at the moment makes it difficult in a strange way. I don't always wish to "go there" in my mind...if that makes any sense.
Peter, it absolutely makes sense. Here is a little something I picked up years ago and it might mean something to you, and it might not. Use your pain, your experiences and trials but make them someone else’s. Create completely new characters who might be like you, but they are different (backgrounds, circumstances, etc.). But the challenges and tribulations are the same. Different settings, dangerous situations, sentimentality, lost loves, whatever - but create them. Experiment with it, you’re confining yourself just writing about you or a version of you, write about new character(s) you create. The opportunities are endless. Just try it my friend, in whatever genre you choose. I’m not critiquing in any way I’m giving you a halftime talk in the Lockeroom. I believe in you man. - Jim
I do plan on taking the writing in a different direction. Maybe it's just an ego trip, but I find writing about my life (or a version of my life) to be helpful as I am learning to live with bipolar and medications.
I will try to share some different kinds of stories soon, but I'm finding this Substack project to be great practice as well as therapeutic. Very challenging though.
Crushing, emotionally. Great writing, Peter.
Thanks Jenn :)
You are welcome!
Great writing my friend. Real, heartfelt and emotional. You're a writer Peter, whether you agree or not. Fantastic stuff. - Jim
As always, thanks for the encouragement Jim!
As far as being a writer goes...I reckon I am one. I'd just like to continue to hone my craft and get on a stricter working schedule. But the creativity and focus needed is often times difficult to force. I find I have to talk myself into the right state of mind. Continuous practice will hopefully move me along towards my goals.
Also, the fact that I'm writing more personal stories at the moment makes it difficult in a strange way. I don't always wish to "go there" in my mind...if that makes any sense.
Peter, it absolutely makes sense. Here is a little something I picked up years ago and it might mean something to you, and it might not. Use your pain, your experiences and trials but make them someone else’s. Create completely new characters who might be like you, but they are different (backgrounds, circumstances, etc.). But the challenges and tribulations are the same. Different settings, dangerous situations, sentimentality, lost loves, whatever - but create them. Experiment with it, you’re confining yourself just writing about you or a version of you, write about new character(s) you create. The opportunities are endless. Just try it my friend, in whatever genre you choose. I’m not critiquing in any way I’m giving you a halftime talk in the Lockeroom. I believe in you man. - Jim
Oh absolutely Jim! And thanks!
I do plan on taking the writing in a different direction. Maybe it's just an ego trip, but I find writing about my life (or a version of my life) to be helpful as I am learning to live with bipolar and medications.
I will try to share some different kinds of stories soon, but I'm finding this Substack project to be great practice as well as therapeutic. Very challenging though.
Stay tuned though...this is only the beginning.
You bet. I got your back.