[Artchic528]

I've always loved writing, and expressing myself through words. It's not only cathartic, but allows me to tap into my creativity, which I'm very in touch with.

I'm always thinking up stories in my head, or even narrating moments in my life for no particular reason. When I was younger, I would even write out stories, up to 50 or so pages long, on notebook paper, with chapters and everything. I would even doodle out book covers for potential stories in my head.

However, as I would do this in place of my schoolwork, this became more and more frowned upon and I felt more and more....not so much embarrassed, but secretive about my story writing. I have posted a short story on here at one point, which some of you may remember. It's basically a narrative about an old graveyard and an elderly women who comes into it to visit a gravestone, and leaves flowers at it, after which, a lone bluebird can be singing.

Maybe, though this may be a bit optimistic on my part, I can make a longer story with the same amount of mystery, intrigue and hope in it. The story I mentioned isn't full of near enough content to expand it into such a story.

Anyways, do you love to just write and let loose your creativity onto paper, or perhaps a screen? If so, what do you write about? Do you have stories to share?

[*Laurie*]

I used to write poetry. I've had two poems published in reputable journals. I often think that one of these days I will write poetry again.

[Row Jimmy]

Mental illness, me
Off the rails at random times
Unpredictable

Mind racing away
Subsequently seeking peace
For at least a day

My lithium pills
Gobbled up just like Pop Rocks
But not as tasty

[Artchic528]

Originally Posted by Row Jimmy

Mental illness, me
Off the rails at random times
Unpredictable

Mind racing away
Subsequently seeking peace
For at least a day

My lithium pills
Gobbled up just like Pop Rocks
But not as tasty

Nice. Keep it up.

[fishin fool]

I love to write, I have written poetry, short stories, a children's book and I am working
on my life story. I am terrible at punctuation but I seem to have a knack for setting the
mood and telling a good story.
The children's book was inspired by my daughter and I would love nothing more than
for it to be published but I never seem to try, maybe it's lack of knowledge, or maybe
its my MI that stops me from trying, not really sure.
I do know it would make me very very happy to have it published and present the first
copy to my daughter, still hoping it will happen one day.
I did have some fishing stories that I wrote in a local fishing newsletter, its not much but
it still felt great to see my stories in print and get some feed back on them.
Anyway maybe if I feel brave I'll post something that I wrote.
I have posted some poems in another thread but I don't always get past my anxiety
to do so. I'll work up the nerve at some point.

[Inthetrees]

Nice to meet fellow writers. I used to write a lot. Fantasy stories were fun. Would blog about paranormal, about stories of my pets, dog training articles, and a number of others. Lately only write down details of trauma to document, nothing fun. The last four years have been extremely traumatic I've not even been able to calm my mind just to read a book. I miss writing though, its therapeutic when in the right mindset.

There are some nice creative writing sites on the internet; although, some of them you have to really beware of the chat/communication of the community. Still, they all offer the opportunity to publish and be read. "writerscafe.org" is a nice one. Many of these sites make 'calls to writers' meaning they will advise members of writng opportunities. This is how I have been published.

I still prefer to be anonymous. One day though I will manage to find a writer's club.

Yes, writing is very therapeutic.

As with a lot of creativity, do you find your ability to create affected greatly by your mood changes? It seems for me that when I am stable I lack any motivation or inspiration. I only seem to create when I have an elevated mood.

Hearing about other's writing, like yourself, I find greatly encouraging. It pleases me to hear you are doing this!

[Artchic528]

I like to just purge my mind onto the pages of my journal sometimes. It's very much like using the Pensieve from the Harry Potter universe.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

As with a lot of creativity, do you find your ability to create affected greatly by your mood changes? It seems for me that when I am stable I lack any motivation or inspiration. I only seem to create when I have an elevated mood.

When I was younger and doing a lot of creative writing, I was prolific during periods of hypomania/mania. I was able to tap into my creativity best when I was elated or angry/enraged.

As I've gotten older and my moods are more stable I am not nearly as creative. I certainly miss the creativity, but I don't miss the erratic mood swings.

[Artchic528]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

There are some nice creative writing sites on the internet; although, some of them you have to really beware of the chat/communication of the community. Still, they all offer the opportunity to publish and be read. "writerscafe.org" is a nice one. Many of these sites make 'calls to writers' meaning they will advise members of writng opportunities. This is how I have been published.

I still prefer to be anonymous. One day though I will manage to find a writer's club.

Yes, writing is very therapeutic.

As with a lot of creativity, do you find your ability to create affected greatly by your mood changes? It seems for me that when I am stable I lack any motivation or inspiration. I only seem to create when I have an elevated mood.

Hearing about other's writing, like yourself, I find greatly encouraging. It pleases me to hear you are doing this!

I find that it is when I'm feeling my best that the creativity flows more readily and I am able to write more. If I'm feeling overly depressed or particularly apathetic, I feel less inclined to pick that pen up or crack open my word processor for a writing spell. It's just like, "meh, what's the point?" for me during these times.