How can I write and help the world?
Posted by Ray Schaufeld on Sun, 05 Mar 2017
Sometimes I read some of the writings on Abc and also the work of modern published fiction writers and it seems like woe and misery from start to finish. With the exception of some good Nature writing and a bit, I wish there was more, of humour the same themes crop up again and again. Women reliving their abusive encounters, individuals going to the pub or the party all set for a good night out but only finding isolation and pain at the bottom of the alcopop bottle or the glass of whisky or beer. Mental health struggles, yes me too.Misery memoirs of family life when we are young, yes guilty as charged m'lud. Death, dementia - well in the end there's no escape.
Yes I am aware that much writing is fiction and sex always sells and misery is sometimes seen as deeper than comedy (it isn't). However everything we write in its own way reflects the inside of our heads. Scary, isn't it.
There are times when I think of making writing my secondary aim and of focussing primarily on organising more open Mic at my local library.At least I am reducing the isolation of us poor souls in Exmouth and I get to introduce part one and do my turn and my pal Trish handles part two so I can relax more for the tea-break and the remaining acts. If anyone wishes to do a five minute slot let me know, the next Exmouth Creative Writers evening is on Wednesday April 12.
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I understand your point of
I understand your point of view, there are more pieces on pain and sorrow than happy and carefree but I think it’s easier for most to write about pain and strife because the downfalls and tragedies do provoke more words in our heads and more needs to be expressed. When you’re battling the trauma and tragedies in life your thoughts are constantly in flux, demanding a solution, and you need to get them out of the bubbling cauldron in your mind to clear the anguish…And it doesn’t hurt if you receive back encouraging comments from your fellow writers either. It would be nice if the piece had a life changing ephiphany ending sometimes but this is my opinion only- Let’s face it, when our life is suddenly fun and happy – I think we’re too wrapped up in enjoying our days to take time away to write about it, as we should be. We don’t want to miss a thing....but I also agree that those who do write about these happy and funny moments, and do it well, can uplift me and these are the writings I am most attracted to. Personally, I don’t write about the down times preferring to write about love but I do twist it with otherworldly landmines and such and for me that’s fun too. I love serendipity moments. I Wish I lived in Exmouth, I’d love to attend your creative writer’s open mic day it sounds like you are offeing a great opportunity to the writers in your neighborhood.
Yes Penny,you have a point of
Yes Penny,you have a point of view here. I have to admit I am eating my cake and having it here and serving myself an extra slice as I write woe and I write fun and I also do Open Mic.
Keep writing, do your own thing, no-one else will do it for you. I'm sure you will
it's something I've pondered
it's something I've pondered too elsie. the point of wrting is there is no point. I guess that's the answer.