Thursday 3 November 2011

The Black Dog Bites Again

Winston Churchill used to call his depression "the Black Dog".  A lot of writers say that they suffer from depression from time to time.  I have suffered from depression for most of my life - especially 'writers' depression.  Have you?

"I talk to God but the sky is empty".  Sylvia Plath.

You think everything is going great and then all of a sudden the 'Black Dog' appears  and bites you.  The isolation of the countryside  (I am a smallholder) and hours and hours in solitary confinement (sat in my study tapping the computer keys) all help to make the black dog manifest.  

Depression and creativity are said to be very closely linked.  I personally think its the lack of control that makes the writer so frustrated and depressed.  We're always waiting for that email, letter, blog comment,  Amazon book rating...?  The one that says:

 "We like your work".  

The one that brings home the bacon and you feel that you have provided.

There's only one way to cure the 'Black Dog blues'.

Write through it!

Thanks for reading.

5 comments:

  1. Dave, in my past experience, I have found that many more people write as a by-product of either clinical depression or to help them alleviate the stress of depressing situations in their lives. Writing through these things probably is the best thing to do, as it enables freedom to express emotions that may not normally be so easily reached.

    I'm afraid I can't say much more on this subject, as I was seen by some as more of a cruel 'cutter and slasher' of words when editing the precious works of others. LOL

    Writng is a career choice, like any other. If you want to succeed at making it pay, the good, bad and ugly must be factored into your plan.

    Every job has aspects to it that we may not enjoy, but we do the job we choose to do.

    Having the ability to follow it through and then keep on producing a marketable end-product is an aspect of the work that many fail to grasp in the publishing world. You are the creative design manager, the research and development manager and in charge of the production line in a factory that churns out words. And that's just the start of the process.

    In the cold, hard light of reality, you need to think of your writing as your business and plan it that way.

    Good luck with your future plans and never forget, you CAN teach an old dog, black or otherwise, new tricks. If you need to keep your word factory financed from writing trivia, one-liners or crossword puzzles, so be it - it's all writing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for that. I definitely think there is a link with creativity and depression. A lot of humour writers and comedians suffer from depression.

    I think indifference and rejection prevents a lot of writers from getting published or writing other books.

    Thanks for your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  3. PERFECT NATURAL HERBS AND VEGANS CURE FOR Herpes 1&2 THAT WORK FAST WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS WITH DR ELINFOH HERBAL MEDICINE, I saw so many testimonies about Dr ELINFOH a great HERBAL DOCTOR that will help you CURE and give you the rightful health to live a joyful life, i didn't believe it at first, but as the pain got worsen and my life was at risk after using lots of ARV drugs from the hospital and no changes so i decided to give a try to Dr Elinfoh I contacted him also and told him i want a cure for Herpes , he gave me advice on what i must do and he deliver it to me in my home address i gave him and i got the medicine which i use according to his instruction, and today i must say I am so grateful to this man Dr Elinfoh for curing me from Herpes and for restoring me back to my normal health and a sound life and i am making this known to every one out there who have been trying all day to be cured from Herpes or any sickness should not waste more time just contact him with his details below, believe me this is the only way to get cured from Hepres , this is the real solution we all have been searching for. Do not waste more time contacting him today for you can also leave a sound and happy life. contact info below. Email: (drelinfohherbalhome@gmail.com) or Whats"App or Call him on: +2348110492072. and you can as well contact him on other issues you are having like*HEPATITIS B*DIABETICS*CANCER*ALS*HERPES*BODY REDUCTION*BREAST ENLARGEMENT*FIBROD*CANCER*PREGNANCY MISCARRIAGE*Relationship issues etc.. ** Neoplasms*Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)*Chronic Respiratory Diseases* Mental and Behavioral Disorders*Alzheimer’s Disease Email: drelinfohherbalhome@gmail.com Via whatsapp +2348110492072

    ReplyDelete
  4. Aesthetic International combines the highest quality health care with affordable prices for their valuable customers. We prioritize your satisfaction, we are always standing by you with our smiling, young, dynamic, experienced staff committed to scientific values by following today’s developments. Whether the client want to get Coolsculpting, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or liposuction, we offer a comfortable and sterilized operating room opportunities with the best standards in the world.
    Coolsculpting

    ReplyDelete
  5. No More Pest Problem with Total Pest Control Exterminators. Call at 604-349-6402 and Get eco-friendly pest extermination services in Surrey & Vancouver, BC
    https://tpcs.ca/

    ReplyDelete

The Plastic Bottle Cloche Plant Factory.

  Plastic bottles cut in half and turned into plant cloches.  They act like mini greenhouses.  Retaining moisture and protecting cuttings fr...