If a tear rolls down your cheek, write about it. If you clench your fist or grind your teeth, enraged at the world, write it down. Next time you smile, smile on paper. Capturing your real emotions is so much easier than trying to invent emotions for the piece you are writing.
That moment, that single moment when you don’t really feel anything, that’s the moment to edit. That is the moment to look back objectively on your work and say, yeah, I want to cut down that rage scene a bit. It might not be realistic that I murdered him, cloned him then murdered him again.
Your work should honestly reflect who you are. If you’re sad, your work can be melancholy. Don’t try to be the writer you’re not. Be the writer you are. It makes life easier, and people will like your work much more if it’s honest.
So, I’ve never murdered a person, but I like to write about murder. Is that honest? Yes! Sorry for the preceding exclamation mark, but sometimes they are necessary. Just because I’m smart and compassionate enough to have never taken a life, doesn’t mean that I haven’t fantasized about leaving a few bodies in my wake. That’s the honesty that I work with, the feelings, not necessarily the actions.
Give it and try, and let me know how it works for you.
Love this: ‘If a tear rolls down your cheek, write about it. If you clench your fist or grind your teeth, enraged at the world, write it down. Next time you smile, smile on paper.’
May I include it in a book I’m working on where real people who write share about writing. It’s to inspire people to write. Your name, age and location would be included and all credit would go to you for your words. You’re also welcome to answer some writing questions and anything that resonates with me will go in the book.
All good if you’re not interested. Just thought I’d check.
JD