I can only write when I am in a good state of mind. Although I know some writers claim they write to improve their mental health. I am also a musician, and I know that making music can change, and does improve my mental state of mind. We are all individuals and unique. I don't think there is one answer for everyone.
I'm the same way, Mark! I write when I'm feeling good. I don't write well when I'm feeling down. I was actually just talking on the phone to one of my writer friends about this the other day. She was mentioning about how she knows artists who are the opposite. They create when they are feeling low. I follow a writer on Instagram who hasn't posted in a while. He just posted recently and he said the reason he's been absent is that he's been feeling good and he hasn't been writing because he usually only writes when he's depressed.
This is a fascinating topic to consider. I find that since I write nonfiction, I'm constantly monitoring the world around me for would-be writing fodder. In a way, that can make me more mindful or present as I take in those inputs. Yet if I then proceed to form them into stories or ideas or even sentences for my writing in my mind, which I often do, then I'm taking myself out of the moment. Feeling the need to catalog every single thing that could be used in your writing could certainly drive you a bit crazy and I imagine it could impinge on your mental health if not balanced or managed properly.
You've described it perfectly, Lyle! At first, you're looking out for the "would-be writing fodder," which might make you more mindful. But then, once you start writing in your mind, you're taking yourself "out of the moment." It can be balanced, I agree. One thought I had: if a writer has a powerful mind that is hindering their mental health, then they might just have to develop an equally strong mindfulness practice to counter-balance.
I can only write when I am in a good state of mind. Although I know some writers claim they write to improve their mental health. I am also a musician, and I know that making music can change, and does improve my mental state of mind. We are all individuals and unique. I don't think there is one answer for everyone.
I'm the same way, Mark! I write when I'm feeling good. I don't write well when I'm feeling down. I was actually just talking on the phone to one of my writer friends about this the other day. She was mentioning about how she knows artists who are the opposite. They create when they are feeling low. I follow a writer on Instagram who hasn't posted in a while. He just posted recently and he said the reason he's been absent is that he's been feeling good and he hasn't been writing because he usually only writes when he's depressed.
Yeah. It is weird how everyone has their own process.
This is a fascinating topic to consider. I find that since I write nonfiction, I'm constantly monitoring the world around me for would-be writing fodder. In a way, that can make me more mindful or present as I take in those inputs. Yet if I then proceed to form them into stories or ideas or even sentences for my writing in my mind, which I often do, then I'm taking myself out of the moment. Feeling the need to catalog every single thing that could be used in your writing could certainly drive you a bit crazy and I imagine it could impinge on your mental health if not balanced or managed properly.
You've described it perfectly, Lyle! At first, you're looking out for the "would-be writing fodder," which might make you more mindful. But then, once you start writing in your mind, you're taking yourself "out of the moment." It can be balanced, I agree. One thought I had: if a writer has a powerful mind that is hindering their mental health, then they might just have to develop an equally strong mindfulness practice to counter-balance.
Agreed, although they should be careful that they're not just trading one obsession for another.