I encourage L to enjoy themselves! There are so many narratives about how suffering is essential for good art. However, a lot of the neuroscience research is showing that breaks, rest, and idleness are all part of the creative process. Going for a walk can help your brain work better (see Annie Murphy Paul’s work, that I am not doing justice).
I am inspired by writers like bell hooks (may she rest in power) and Elizabeth Gilbert, who have written books about how joy and creativity makes for better work.
I would echo Mason’s comments to say, both can coexist. And your work itself can be joyful! It doesn’t have to be all suffering to be good.
In this very overwhelming world we find ourselves in, if you have an opportunity for some happiness- take it! :)
As someone who writes for joy, and never for self-flagellation, I can assure the writer that it does not render one’s writing sufferable, but, at last, bearable! I cannot even dip a toe into Hemingway’s work because, great as it might be, I can feel the emptiness inside of it. What can a person possibly write about life if they never took the pleasure to live it!?
This is perhaps why I find Victor Hugo much more to my taste. The power of love and redemption and the sheer will of existence are on full display in his work, and they have rendered his words rich with meaning! A much more appetizing (and satisfying) read!
Being an obsessive writer is not the only way. Perhaps a mail break--and all the better, a great love!--will provide just the inspiration to make the work readable. Even, enjoyable!
wow! this letter could have been written by me! THANK YOU for your response. bel hooks may she rest in power, often asked the same thing - how to lose ourselves in healthy love/supportive relationship AND get all the required solitude to write. adding children/parenthood into the mix makes it all the trickier! have signed up to threadbare, thank you for your musings!
“…but another absolutely essential part is actually living your life so that you have something to write about!” Love this! What you write is who you are.
I encourage L to enjoy themselves! There are so many narratives about how suffering is essential for good art. However, a lot of the neuroscience research is showing that breaks, rest, and idleness are all part of the creative process. Going for a walk can help your brain work better (see Annie Murphy Paul’s work, that I am not doing justice).
I am inspired by writers like bell hooks (may she rest in power) and Elizabeth Gilbert, who have written books about how joy and creativity makes for better work.
I would echo Mason’s comments to say, both can coexist. And your work itself can be joyful! It doesn’t have to be all suffering to be good.
In this very overwhelming world we find ourselves in, if you have an opportunity for some happiness- take it! :)
The joys of love are so powerful and profound and magical I hope the writer surrenders to the ride and doesn’t think for a while.
As someone who writes for joy, and never for self-flagellation, I can assure the writer that it does not render one’s writing sufferable, but, at last, bearable! I cannot even dip a toe into Hemingway’s work because, great as it might be, I can feel the emptiness inside of it. What can a person possibly write about life if they never took the pleasure to live it!?
This is perhaps why I find Victor Hugo much more to my taste. The power of love and redemption and the sheer will of existence are on full display in his work, and they have rendered his words rich with meaning! A much more appetizing (and satisfying) read!
Being an obsessive writer is not the only way. Perhaps a mail break--and all the better, a great love!--will provide just the inspiration to make the work readable. Even, enjoyable!
A beautifully written query and equally beautifully written answer. I feel your anxiety, L, but you've stumbled upon something wonderful, enjoy it!
wow! this letter could have been written by me! THANK YOU for your response. bel hooks may she rest in power, often asked the same thing - how to lose ourselves in healthy love/supportive relationship AND get all the required solitude to write. adding children/parenthood into the mix makes it all the trickier! have signed up to threadbare, thank you for your musings!
“…but another absolutely essential part is actually living your life so that you have something to write about!” Love this! What you write is who you are.