The letter which changed my life as an amateur writer

(This letter was written by Jordan Thornton, whose encouraging words lifted my dejected spirits and saved me after having developed a suicidal thought)

Thursday, 13 December, 2007, 1:52 AM
Jordan Thornton <dissident420@hotmail.com> wrote:

Sandeep,

I read your article "The Writer's Strugle" on IndyMedia, and tried to post a comment, but probably due to the new format, the comment didn't go through.I thought the piece was excellent, and probably good therapy for the frustration it sounds like you've been feeling. Don't worry, we've all been there.As an aspiring screenwriter, I got ahead of myself when I first started, and my friends called me on it. I'm not saying that I won't succeed, but when I went on about my lofty dreams, when I had barely written a thing, my firends were the first to point this out.At the time, I took their words to be uncalled-for insult, but now look at it from a different perspective.First of all, they are not writers, so they don't understand what drives me, nor the fact that I live in my own head a large amount of the time, and
thus, didn't understand how damaging their words were. Also, many of them made comments without the knowledge that others had as well. They didn't understand that I was being inundated with Doubt. However, I learned from that, and now, before tossing criticism and insult aside off-hand, I analyse it to see if there is some truth to what they say, and try to learn from it and use it.This does not account for all criticism. To be completely honest, I think some people are motvated by Envy. They don't understand the possibilities, nor the passion which drives us, so they ridicule instead, because they seem threatened by what we have that they don't.In the months leading up to the illegal war of aggression for profit against Iraq, I pushed my scripts aside, and devoted nearly all my attention on political writing, producing articles for websites and magazines throughout the world. This was a great experience, but set me back as far as my sceenplays are concerned.When the war started, I felt defeated, and simply did not write for months. After this, I found it really hard to get restarted. A website I visited helped get me fired up, and it might help you, and give you the support you need. It's www.absolutewrite.com and features articles, resources, and best of all for me, experienced writers who can answer questions, give advice, or just offer some friendly words of encouragement.When I needed it most, one of the people commenting on the site reminded me that it's alright to write a crappy first draft. It was the slap in the face I needed, and got me back on my feet.If you can find one, I would also recommend joining a writers group, or starting one if you know some other aspiring authors. Immersing yourself in a writing community helps to get the creative juices flowing, and will do
great things to counteract those criticising or ridiculing voices.Also, don't focus too much on future success. Write because you love the craft, but with the knowledge that everything you write gets you one step closer to becoming the person you wish to be. If you write with passion, because of a love of words and expressing yourself, success will eventually find you.Remember the words of John Lennon "The Love You Take Is Equal To The Love You Make". In other words, your success is completely dependent on the amount of work you are willing to put in.You will go as far as you allow and drive yourself to.Aside from that, write, read lots, and keep your head up.And if you ever get stuck, or just need somone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact me.I wish you all the best of luck!Jordan ThorntonCanada, EH?PS - (Political plug) If you haven't yet read it, I urge you to read "Strengthing America's Defenses" at www.newamericancentury.org - This will put the enire "War On Terror" into perspective for you, and show you just how threatened we all are as human beings. (And if you want a real scare, check out "The National Security Strategy Of the US of A" at www.whitehouse.gov - The ag

A Writer's Struggle (My first write up)

(http://www.indymedia.org/nl/2003/12/110210.shtml)

By: SANDEEP DATTA (INDIA) 17 Dec 2003 08:52 GMT

(A brief revelation of the insults of an individual who dares to take writing as a career. How every other person behaves discouragingly and demotivate the nice initiative of a future hero.)


A Writer’s Struggle Dec.16 , 1.15 a.m.

Rarely do we hear of great writers having lived a happy life. Instead they face more bad times than you or me do in our lives. Like any other ordinary guy they dream and give their wish a try. Like most of us they do have very frustrating times when writing even a single sentence looks an uphill task. They feel frustrated like any one of us.


They are not just laughed at but sometimes even face the hooting too. In such odd times they search for people who do not remind them of their failures. At times the discomfort is too much to bear. But do they stop trying any more? No way. Rather they take it as a challenge to prove themselves before all.

Life does not offer flowers or appreciations of peers to them. It is the insult that they usually receive. Generally they are left to boost up their pride on their own. No friend, no family member helps.

At times they confront disappointment, bad-luck and sometimes even rejection of their talent like no one else does. Everyone hurts and discourages. But do they submit to these obstructions? Perhaps not.

May be they know that to rise higher than others they got to deal with these things wisely and bravely.

Living in vulnerable conditions or among most frustrating people does not stop them from working hard. They try with a self-belief of proving thier true potential on the highest platform. They refuse to submit no matter how much tough they are tested by time or luck.

To them everything is not available instead they have to manage in its absense too. They develop themselves in such an adjustable personality, which can work without many important things.

Any needful object or facilities are not allowed to become an impediment. For they know that they have to produce results in any condition.

People make fun of them when they mistakenly reveal their plans. Their potential is doubted as if it has been exaggeratedly mentioned.

Many names are given to them by hooters to humiliate. Probably not just to insult but to finisth every single motivation nurturing inside their mind. Any claim of quality is treated as a joke.

No one raises hand of friendship but even loved ones behave like a foe. The life is made like a hell by others. The questioning gestures of others look like abuses remarked on one’s face. Ignoring any bleak possibility of one’s fortune people behave like enemies.

Perhaps this shattering experience of life makes one a resilient soul. The hidden writer gives a push of creative flash and the power builds up from within. The heart begins trusting the emerging mind-flashes and confidence comes in.

The consistency maintained over the years starts paying off. The destination seems within one’s reach. Despite loosing in early battles the determined mind gets certain to win.

The pen starts producing great expressions with unbelievable smoothness. First the individual himself or herself get surprised then the rest of the world gets amazed. And when, on some fine day, any big reward is bestowed by the lord’s blessing then this same world applauds.

On that occasion this applause is the admission of the world who ones ‘s doubted this hopeless soul. And all this becomes possible because of that resilience that a writer shows in all phases of his or her struggle-filled life.

Dec.16
2.35 a.m