Writing and Tears

[jeannineatkins]

Is there a way to sit down to write memories, funny stories, or adventures about made-up children in made-up lands without risking crying at the computer, having touched on tender places? I was just asked about this from a thoughtful, sensitive person embarking on a summer of writing and who would rather not do this by a box of tissues.

Clearly some

Comments

[cfaughnan]

All so true, Jeannine. Thank you for posting!

[jeannineatkins]

Thanks, Cindy!

[tracyworld]

I also believe tears come for a reason and can facilitate healing. It's worth some tears to create an emotionally true story. We need more such stories.

Also? This cracked me up: My mom was the sort who advised, “Don’t dwell on things. Leave the past behind,” and I became someone who dwells kind of for a living, ...

[jeannineatkins]

Tracy, you put that so well and succinctly. I think it's a sense of emotional truth I most crave. Lovely to see you around these parts!

[jeniwrites]

I had been struggling with a piece of writing for a while--or rather, struggling with doubt--when I woke up this morning from a nightmare and realized that the emotions that scared me in the nightmare are, in part, the emotions that fuel the story I'm working on. And the funny thing was: the nightmare was actually a motivator, because it reminded me that I'm writing something that is emotionally true and that has a place, somewhere--even if it's only a place in my heart. I have never had that happen before, but I think it somehow fits in with what you're talking about here.

[jeannineatkins]

Jeni, that nightmare and realization sound amazing, and a good affirmation of your writing, to hopefully move beyond the struggle, or at least the doubt. You put it all so clearly, and I hope it remains that clear in your mind.