This question first came to my mind when I read a paragraph in one of the job tests in early December. I have been wondering about it since then. After nearly 2 months of contemplating I am coming establishing the following beliefs without even a shadow of doubt- (GW- good writer)
1. A good writer needs a tough childhood. He/she should have been bullied as a child. GW is very emotional and sensitive as a child. A GW is someone who always feels jealous of someone’s success and translates his emotions in the form of prejudiced writing. His/her inspirations seem to have been drawn out of his frustration at not being able to bully someone else. As a child GW lacks the exuberance of a child. GW always prefers seclusion; no wonder GW has no or few friends. GW needs someone to demonize and blame all his/her woes on that ’someone’. GW should have a tough family life so that an element of suffering is sown at childhood level.
2. When a GW grows up he develops contempt at achievers. His inability to perform translates into his writing. No matter how hard he/she struggles, he is never able to achieve that top position in class or sports. His/her frustration at this failure strengthens his belief that this world is not for an erudite like him, GW waits from HIS day when everything will go his way and he will come out champion. This dream plays a big role in shaping his imaginations. GW is lost in day dreams of achieving big and some day proving his mettle to this dirty & filthy world of morons!
Mean while is family life continues to inflict pains onto him. His emotions are constantly hurt by his family members and friends. He longs for a company with whom he/she can share everything about life. And then he/she falls in love. This love is so intense that our GW intends to spend his/her whole life with this newly found love, or infatuation, without even knowing the person completely. Suddenly everything seems to have transformed in superlative degree; he/she is no longer is jealous of achievers he/she once despised, family problems don’t effect him and suddenly this world seems to be a wonderful place to live in. Now 2 things happen
a) His/her love is successful and the world loses another ‘Great Writer’!
b) He/she is rejected and the world just got a better place to live in for the person who refused.
3. GW’s frustration in life continues. The person whom he/she loved so dearly refused, his/career has nothing to exciting to offer and those achievers have it big in life, which directly affects the jealousy factor. GW’s emotions are hurt and the fuel to fire his/her writings still exists.
Even though by no means i consider myself a good writer, these factors seems to have taken the form for reality for me.I no longer the feel the urge to pen down things even though I have so much in life to write about. If you haven’t still read this, then please do read it!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I Me My 02.18.07 at 2:27 am
“I no longer the feel the urge to pen down things even though I have so much in life to write about.â€? … I guess congratulations are due since your “love is successful and the world loses another ‘Great Writer’”!
A complex post.
I never pondered on my writing abilities or how they came to be; however, I do feel I articulate better and with more lucidity when I’m passionate about something, which usually translates into something affecting me deeply.
Sharique 02.18.07 at 2:49 pm
And that passion is fuelled by?
pi 02.18.07 at 9:43 pm
lol, so which of the options, if not all, have occured?
also, how about the option that its become a habit or that you like writing and can be a sort of pseudo-journalist/author. not all reasons are so deep. =)
Manas Shaikh 02.18.07 at 9:47 pm
I fit 1. My school day memories are not very sweet! (I am happy now, and I do have some friends!) Ah. Only if that meant instant success as a writer!
Sharique 02.18.07 at 11:27 pm
pi,
All for me…ghaat ghaat ka paani piya hai maine. First rejection and then acceptance.
I wrote about a ‘good writer’!! and not someone who just writes.
Manas,
Don’t worry. Try those option mentioned in 2
I Me My 02.19.07 at 8:37 pm
Good question! Passion is usually fuelled by one of two things, extreme happiness or extreme pain. However, in your case it’s only the latter that lends to creativity, whereas with me, I think it’s both of those extremes. To each his/her own…I guess, hehe
Anonymous 12.05.07 at 8:04 am
:neutra15165125l:
Ice Phoenix 12.11.07 at 8:31 pm
First off; I hope you are joking. Second of all the grammar needs a bit of work; I guess angry writers pay no attention to detail. To market misery as the path to becoming a great writer is nearly unethical. None the less no pain no gain, but, it takes dedication and hard work to be a writer. It takes a vivid imagination and strenght of character often built through hardship. Lastly and most importantly you have generalised and stated an opinion as a fact if you believe this makes a great writerI believe it is the contrary. There are two forms of artists; one who paints only in anger and cheer; another who paints all the time. A true artist, be it a writer, painter, actor; is not only capable of painting extremes but capable of painting the subtle tones in between.
Prashant Sakare 01.08.08 at 7:02 pm
I think that your attitude towards writer is prejudiced. You are a good writer but you still need a lot of homework.
wolvesfriend220 10.16.08 at 4:40 am
One and two for me… I haven’t grown up yet. (meaning I’m not 18) I’ve had rejection and I love to be alone. However, as much as I love solitude, no one else seems to understand that. (except my mother) I’ve been jealous, bullied, and I feel like no one, except my family and my only true friend, cares. I suppose that’s true… I use my “depression” as a source for my writing. That’s why I can only write when I’m stressed. (the more stressed out the better the writing) And the people around me lie… Here’s why: I hate speaking. Mostly because no one listens. I bet you if I were a mute, no one could read my emotions. One of my teachers say that most people read emotions, posture. In the school I go to, that is a down right lie. Yes, most of the people I know are from kindergarten, and they still can’t read it. So no one cares about little old me. Not like I care…
Jose A. Pena 01.15.10 at 4:26 am
If what you say is true then I must be the greatest fucking writer of the century. No disrespect but I believe in Langhorns quote – “That nothing that grieves us can be called little by laws of internal proportion a kings loss of a crown, and a little girls loss of a doll are both events of the same size”. That being said all your pain is the same. We can’t say some one has to have it hard in life cause life only gets harder as time goes by. I just like every one else struggle to be an aspiring author. With the constant reminder that the world really doesn’t need you like you need money. Author, artists, or even banker. Your seen by the superpowers of this world as little monkeys. Life is nourishment and I believe every one uses it that way whether we realize it or not. I do however agree with this you need your heart and mind to to anything that includes being a good writer. In your words emotion and imagination. Keep your heads up high my great writers cause if you keep them too low you will bump into obstacles. Besides who wants to live life in strife any way? Oh yeah for those of you who are sensitive to this don’t take it to heart use it as your fuel for the fire of anger or dis contempt that is your motivation.
Jose A. Pena 01.15.10 at 4:28 am
do* after that to sorry for the typo
jasmine 01.22.10 at 8:27 am
this is me.