This started off as a Lazy Writers Homework, inspired by Virginia Woolf I am developing it furthur though so here is a snippet:-
She sat at the sturdy wooden table, pencil in hand, scribbling away rapidly on the thin inexpensive paper. This was her therapy. She was letting her mind wander, transcribing every minute detail that entered it as quickly as possible before the next random, usually unconnected thought, ignited in her imagination. She had sheaf’s and sheaf’s of parchment covered in this manner: untidy, unorganised, singular ideas plucked from her fervent brain. Sometimes she would have written out her shopping list, an account of the day that had just passed, or she had voyaged into foreign lands and unknown time and space. She would have snippets of conversation, a description of her husband or sometimes just a scramble of words. Inevitably the flashbacks would come gushing into her calm, emptied mind disturbing the serenity, turning it upside down, tainting all the other memories of her childhood.
Nevertheless she would write them down despite the trauma it caused her. Her thoughts always drew her back to the horrific experiences, and the pain. The pain. But it was her theory, so no matter how many times she wrote similar accounts she would still write the thoughts flowing through her mind. She knew somehow it was important to explain what had happened to her, to tell her story and retell it over and over. She was also clinging on to theories of psychoanalysis. She would read Freud again and again hoping that it would unburden the burdens placed upon her. Sweep away the sadness and depression. The memories varied- occasionally she saw the events from a birds eye view. She would watch as her head hit the iron of the bedstead, watch herself in another time and place cry once the ordeal had climaxed to an abrupt end until the next time. Mostly she felt the bewilderment, helplessness and humiliation of her emotions as if he were here right now abusing her all over again. She could accurately report every date, every bruise, and every cover story that had gone before her.
Religiously she would sit and write every evening before her supper or dinner engagements. So tonight was no different, the same emotions were being relived. Her kind, sensible husband would sit and look over what she had scrawled after the hour of intensity was up. A faint frown would appear on his brow if she had written anything explicit. He would enquire tentatively, give her a comforting kiss on the forehead and then produce a steaming mug of coffee. Not really understanding her thought processes at all. Not like Vita did when she poured her heart and soul to her.
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Written by Phil (6713 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | Intriguing snippet, worthy of standing alone but at the same time I have all sorts of questions and want to read more of this.
Hit the spot.
Al the best,
Phil. | Dabbling ...
Written by patterjack (1193 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | ... in murky waters here .
Interesting to get an idea of things from another view than that of the S. W. s
Will watch keenly .
patterjack | thanks for the comments
Written by brook_rivers (484 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | much appreciated!!
I think I am going to have an attempt at writing a play actually and i will use this as my starting point! wish me luck!!!
brook  | something else!
Written by brook_rivers (484 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | Oh and if anyone has any tips/advice i would be very grateful as have never ventured into writing plays as yet!
Brook | good stuff
Written by onezero (12 comments posted) 24th October 2006 | Hi Brook
I think this piece sets things up well for whatever you develop next! I liked the concept of free writing (do you free write?) allowing her a release to the memories that lay within. I particularly liked the husband, who doesn't really understand her. There is much scope for the development of their relationship tensions.
Only questions I have are around how this writing makes her feel? You mention that it makes her feel helpless and humiliated - so what action does that cause? Does the wring cure that or generate these emotions? If it generates them, then what does she do to release these negative forces?
Great read
Phil |
Written by coosh (867 comments posted) 26th October 2006 | It is intriguing, which naturally means it's worth developing. Intensive writing as part of therapy is one of the things they do in some rehab centres. Alkies joke about "I forget the Seventies" and all that, but when they have to sit down and start remembering stuff, trying to drag up bits of memories and develop them on paper, in the stone cold sober light of day, bit by bit they start to see and define the person they were, and how others responded to them. Of course, as a therapy just in itself, it's not enough. Plus it has to be controlled and supervised.
Your character seems to be doing it out of natural instinct, and almost getting lost or losing direction. There's no guidance and support from her husband, because he doesn't understand her. At least, that was how I read it.... and would like to read more. | Ditto
Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 27th October 2006 | As with all the above (bit of a cop out I know) Really enjoyed this, it was intriguing but at the same time interesting enough to stand on its own. It'll be interesting to see where you go from here with this. Lovely writing.
Elli | Compulsive
Written by Fledermaus (3281 comments posted) 31st October 2006 | Trying to solve one disorder with another... Seems that while your character is trying to get rid of her trauma and depression she's developing an obsession.
Nice description. I could realy imagine the scene. |
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