First of all I would like to thank everyone who read my recent efforts about the life of Cynthia Lewis (An Incremental Journey, Cynthia and the Reluctant Girlfriend, Cynthia and the Dumpster Diver). It has been particularly gratifying to see how many readers took my advice and read the first two stories in the series and voted on them. I just wish there had been more comments, constructive or otherwise. I felt I had crafted a reasonably good short story that arrived at a satisfactory conclusion: intermediate in this case as I think I might write more stories about Cynthia and her friends and loves. However, without feedback, I am doomed to replicate the mistakes and weaknesses of the previous stories. I noticed that someone has been reading and voting on the very first novel I posted here, which is also the first thing I ever wrote. It would have been nice to have a bit of a verbal response to go with the votes. It has been a bit more than a year since I posted that story.
About the depression: I guess it’s like turning your child loose to the world. You hope you did the correct things; however, it is now out of your control. In this case it is like the child leaves and you never hear from him or her. Was what you did worth it? Are you just deluding yourself bringing another child into the world? Is what your child accomplishing worthy of her existence? I wish I knew. I think the only way I am going to get over this funk is to try to create another child. I have several ideas for at least two Cynthia stories, and I also have an idea for a novel in the O’Donnell family saga. The latter will be a much more serious work and will take many months/years to create.
Enough of that, now I have to write reports for my real job. That is depressing.
Portia
Comments
Depression...
Hi, Portia,
Thank you for your writing. I probably haven't commented on your stories, sorry; speaking of which, I wonder where everyone else is today.
Try not to be too depressed. I think one can lessen depression a little by positive and realistic thinking, at least that's what my therapist has been trying to sell me for the last 3 yrs; luckily he's free.
I think there is a tendency to become depressed this time of year because of the shortening days and the lengthening nights. All the migratory game is gone, the predators are hungry and more likely to hunt hominids. If one is depressed, e might hang around the cave more, sleep more, tend to gain weight if possible and be less likely to be roaming around where the predators can get er. So maybe its been added to us by evolution.
It sounds like you are talking about empty nest syndrome, something that really does depress some. Post partum depression for a writer, and I'm just guessing of course, might be like you've figured out the story you are going to write, taken notes, maybe done some research then write the first page. I have no idea if writers get depressed at this stage or not. Continuing the metaphor, writing, rewriting, sending it to an editor, rewriting more, finishing and finally posting, or posting the final chapter is like raising your child and finally having er leave home.
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee
Ready for work, 1992.
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee
Thank you
It's nice to know someone is out there. :) Portia
Portia
Please forgive me, dear.
When I saw your recent Cynthia stories I decided to start at the beginning but thought that comments this late in the game would be...well, late.
I am rarely any good at constructive criticism. When I make them, my comments tend toward constructive affirmations. Not much fodder for literary improvement there. I will try to do better though.
SuZie
SuZie
Thank you for writing
Thank you for commenting. I don't think it's ever too late. I think a contemporary author would appreciate knowing that a reader enjoyed a past work, even if the work was several years old. Constructive criticism could be an affirmation, I think. A critique does not have to be negative. :) I feel better today. Portia
Portia
Stell Reading again
i currently have all of your stories tabed. i've been reading them all at the momment and the Reluctant Girlfriend i am reading again because loved it so mutch. i have not have the time 2 make comments on your stoys due 2 for the pass 2 week i been running around so mutch so that i used your stories 2 get me going before i go 2 work. i well make shure you know now that i do love your stories a lot.
Thank you a lot for posting them on i hope that u write more. i have a Bother who is getting into the Tg storie and his currently reading the Reluctant Girlfriend now also. I know all 2 well about depression and stoies help me gets throu it like the light of the full moon guiding the lost child through the darkness. Please keep write.
Sweet Dreams
With Love
Akiko Mye Kato