Writing From the Heart
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” ― Ernest Hemingway
When I began my writing journey, I had very romantic notions. Wow, was I a blithering idiot. The thing I was least prepared for is how emotionally draining it could be.
I guess if you write about nothing but happy things, it might be more pleasant. Unfortunately for me, that’s not my style. That doesn’t mean I don’t love a happy ending. Those are my favorite. But, what is a happy ending without some heartache to make you appreciate it better? That’s where the real fun is and makes me think of Ernest Hemingway’s brilliant words, quoted above.
In my opinion, the only way to write realistically about something is to dig up your own memories. Have I gone through anything as horrific as my characters? Thankfully no, but like most people, I’ve had my share of heartbreak and tragedy. These are the painful memories I use to relate to how my characters are feeling. I’d never realized how useful they would be one day. I’m still not happy I had them, but at least now they are useful, instead of just clogging up my psyche.
So my advice to anyone that’s thinking of writing is, be prepared to go digging for skeletons. It’s the past wounds that you endured that will make your stories sing, or cry depending on the book.
Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of objects floating around her.
One Day ago, Jo’s sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.
Today, Cormac ordered her shot.
If he’s real lucky, she won’t die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.
The first five chapters are available here.
Grand Prize
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