(#11) How do you manage the unique emotional toll of writing fiction?
Tattoos, dancing, resting, and remembering the mutualism of emotions
Dear readers, welcome to The Joy Rise.
In this issue, I answer a reader’s question about dealing with the emotions of writing fiction in Fevers & Enthusiasms - it’s one that I’m regularly (and currently!) challenged by too.
There’s a mini update in This Writer’s Life, after writing my March notes to self in the middle of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred (I deeply appreciate the beautiful messages some of you sent me, thank you).
Plus, a recap of what’s happening in our Joy Rise Chat for paid subscribers.
There is so much that is always asking for our attention - thanks for sharing your time with my words here and supporting my work.
If you are [creating] without zest, without gusto, without love, without fun, you are only half [creating]. For the first thing [an artist] should be is-- excited. [They] should be a thing of fevers and enthusiasms.
- RAY BRADBURY
A reader named Natalie has written to me from Cootamundra / Wiradjuri Country.
Dear Holly,
Thank you for your books and stories- they are absolute treasures and have been extremely inspirational for me in my own creative journey. I have started writing again after a long time because of you and your brave, wonderful, raw, real words.
My question for you is around something I’ve been recently experiencing in my writing: how do you deal with the emotional journey of putting your characters through sadness and challenges? I feel irrationally attached to my fictional characters but I don’t want to change their story to avoid these feelings?
P.S- I absolutely can not wait to read what you write next! ❤️❤️❤️
Dear Natalie,
Thank you for your moving and very generous letter. I’m humbled to know that my writing has played any part in your courageous return to your own brave, wonderful, raw, real words. I’m cheering you on at your writing desk! May your courage and words flow. Thank you also for your question, which, as I read it, kicked me in the chest with recognition, familiarity and understanding…because I’m asking myself this very thing right now too as I write my third novel.