lawrence
Troubadour
It's taken me a very long time to figure out that the flip-side of those personality traits that have, since childhood, contributed to my deep interest in myth and fantasy, are downright damaging. The creativity, sensitivity, introspection and passion that has helped me paint, write and act have their evil twins. I have finally understood that these unhelpful traits have been just as productive in my life. 'Cept switch that productive for destructive.
I propose that the Writer's Soul is as much a burden as it is a blessing. Our swords are double-edged and what makes us tick is a time bomb. The rich inner life that fantasy writers often have can be a source of much joy. I bet that many of us here know that experience of getting all fired up over something that most of our family members, friends and work colleagues hardly notice. Y'know, that glazed look in their eyes when you enthuse about some amazing natural phenomenon, when you offload your latest idea, or when you rant about some injustice you encounter on the news. Passion colours everything, so says one of my favourite bands, Poets of the Fall.
But wow, the flip-side can be brutal. Especially in wreaking havoc with our relationships, romantic and other. Yes, you probably have the power to delight your partner in ways that the steady, dependable types never could. But you will also most likely be tormented by wondering 'what if this person I am pouring myself out for isn't my true love...what if in some other place...what if I am missing something amazing elsewhere.' Imagination is wonderful. But it can also be a wild horse that will quite happily drag you in all directions, until you are a shredded sliver barely clinging on.
Hey, I don't want to appear bitter (!) and I know that people are much more complex than the labels we use along with the 'personality type' expectations. But I certainly have left plenty of mess behind me, trying to navigate life with this fire in my belly and the magical whispers of my imagination in my ears. Many friends who are less creative seem far less excited about life. And far more wise and contented.
Anyone else recognise any of this, and prepared to admit that those very qualities they possess that can bring such fulfilment have led them into immense hurt?
I propose that the Writer's Soul is as much a burden as it is a blessing. Our swords are double-edged and what makes us tick is a time bomb. The rich inner life that fantasy writers often have can be a source of much joy. I bet that many of us here know that experience of getting all fired up over something that most of our family members, friends and work colleagues hardly notice. Y'know, that glazed look in their eyes when you enthuse about some amazing natural phenomenon, when you offload your latest idea, or when you rant about some injustice you encounter on the news. Passion colours everything, so says one of my favourite bands, Poets of the Fall.
But wow, the flip-side can be brutal. Especially in wreaking havoc with our relationships, romantic and other. Yes, you probably have the power to delight your partner in ways that the steady, dependable types never could. But you will also most likely be tormented by wondering 'what if this person I am pouring myself out for isn't my true love...what if in some other place...what if I am missing something amazing elsewhere.' Imagination is wonderful. But it can also be a wild horse that will quite happily drag you in all directions, until you are a shredded sliver barely clinging on.
Hey, I don't want to appear bitter (!) and I know that people are much more complex than the labels we use along with the 'personality type' expectations. But I certainly have left plenty of mess behind me, trying to navigate life with this fire in my belly and the magical whispers of my imagination in my ears. Many friends who are less creative seem far less excited about life. And far more wise and contented.
Anyone else recognise any of this, and prepared to admit that those very qualities they possess that can bring such fulfilment have led them into immense hurt?