Can you write while feeling anxious? Sometimes I can, but it takes a lot of work.
A couple of years ago, I moved to Florida. This was an extremely stressful time because it involved me leaving my daughter in Chicago with her father. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or get out of the house because I was so stressed, but little did I know I was drowning myself more in depression because I wasn’t doing what I loved: writing.
Here’s what I learned on how to write during stressful times.
It’s not about how you feel
One of the worst times to write is when you “feel like” writing. You don’t go to work because you “feel” like going to work nor do you wash your dirty underwear when you “feel” like it. Otherwise you would be wearing the same used underwear and that’s nasty as hell. If writing is more than a hobby, like it’s your duty to produce a piece of literature for the world then you need to get up and do it now.
Why waste time worrying
To be honest, time is not of the essence. Especially in this day of age where everything has sped up thanks to technology. If you’re stressed now, you’re not going to feel like writing. You’re going to “feel” like worrying about whatever is on your mind. Sorry, but worrying about something isn’t going to bring a minute back to your life. Yeah, it’s good to think over your situation, but only for a minute, draw up a conclusion and move on. The situation will figure itself out. For now, write. Hell, write out your situation, possible solutions while listening to a few inspirational videos, and bam move on to the next writing activity that is your story.
Write a piece of fiction similar to your problem
There were times when I journaled, but I still felt a bit stressed. So, I wrote up my problems through fiction. I know it may seem strange, but as writers, don’t you already put fragments of your life in your stories already? Why not try to write a short fiction or poem that features your problem, but with different characters, and how the situation might play out from a different perspective. Here’s an example.
Situation: Money problems
Story: Anna received a letter in the mail. She dreaded the contents inside of an envelope stamped in red ink and capital letters, PAST DUE. She threw the letter on the coffee table, grabbed her car keys and drove to the nearest cash loan outlet. Unfortunately, she was only given a quarter of what she owed. Pondering the madness of sitting in darkness, Anna rushed back home, grabbed everything valuable and drove to a pawn shop. She sold everything. The kids’ gaming console, her flat screen television, and even her wedding ring. Her ex wouldn’t care. He never cared about anything besides his mistress. Everything material that was dear to her heart was gone, but she had enough to pay the light bill. That night sitting in a well light and warm home, Anna cried. Her oldest child at beside her and listened to her mother explain what happened, while rubbing a bare third finger. Anna eventually fell asleep. The next morning, she woke up to the doorbell. When she answered the visitor, Anna was surprised to see her ex-husband at the entryway with a small velvet covered box in his hand. “If you need anything, especially when it comes to my kids, call me. Do anything but sell a piece of your memory.”
Sit down, set up your space, clear your mind, and leave this world. Writing takes you out of reality into a world where you can play god.
I know these tips may not be much, but as a writer they are helpful hints to me. Problems are temporary, but not your career as a writer or the stories. They are an eternity. Comment below if you have any other tips or would like to share your experience when writing under stress.
