gently tip-toeing into Writewords and tentatively stringing together a few words here, I feel unsure of any clear direction. This is the beginning of the second stage of an organic experiment - a re-discovery of an interest in writing, which has arisen from being at home,for three years now, with a chronic illness. This post is not intended to discuss the illness, but to mention it as a factor, since several aspects of my current writing have emerged from this experience. Firstly, because of being housebound (and pretty much sofabound) and one needs distraction or a project. orem active, creative pursuits are beyond my level of physical capacity right now. Oddly, I find it hard to read books, as I used to, yet can read short extracts of writings posted on line. Which will help stimulate the process.The illness is also relevant in that it was the starting point of the first phase. I recently joined a support forum for people with the same medicaltreatment as myself. The idea of posts there is simply to respond and exchange support and information; it is not considered important whether your posts are written well; as long as they could be deciphered. People were especially helpful with this, as we all knew that the medication we are taking affects your concentration levels a lot, But I began to get replies saying that my posts had been well-written, articulate, etc. Surprising at first, but I soon happily accepted feedback and encouragement. Decided it was nice to feel that I could do something, make some kind of contribution, even though incapacitated. So I have written some short pieces, on this medical condition and people's experiences of it. And some contacts through this have suggested I explore writing a bit more. So here I am; not sure where I want to go with it, at times affected by medications, so concentration levels are erratic.... the illness has also affected choices in that I became inspired to write about certain themes, such as raising awareness of this disease; enabling understanding for carers, family and friends; challenging stigma, and discussing mental health issues connected with treatment. Some of what I write on that theme is humour, some more reflective.
So I think I want to continue writing on those themes specifically, i.e the illness. And generally write in ways that are pushing the boundaries a bit with our lifestyle and social choices. But I want to explore other areas of interest, too, maybe fiction and poetry...... I used to write a lot as a child; illness has been an opportunity to redicover that. Finally, the treatment is working, but will take a couple of years before I am likely to be fully recovered; some I have some time on my hands, which is good as thinking, writing, and editing are slow and erratic processes when medically induced side effects descend! So I hope people can bear with with me if there are times when my words become disconnected or a piece seems obscure; since I already know this happens or me: I can take that as feedback! so that's me, adLIB; woman on sofa, scribbling away about random subjects.

Hi adLIB. Welcome to writewords.

I too came back to writing when illness forced me to cut down on my previous interests and work. Have you come across Gillie Bolton, who writes and teaches about the therapeutic benefits of creative writing?

http://www.gilliebolton.com/books/therapeutic-potential-of-creative-writing-book/about-the-book.html



Cathy

Hi adLIB, and a warm welcome to Writewords!

Hi, & welcome to WriteWords

If you need any help navigating the Site just give us a shout.


- NaomiM

Hi adLIB,
Welcome! Writing doesn't need to happen quickly to be worthwhile. Good luck with your recovery. Hope to read some of your work as you have piqued my interest.
Gaius

Hi Adlib and welcome to WW. Hope to see you around.

Emma

thank you all; and Cathy, thank you for the link. There is a particular book on therapeutic benefits of creative writing which I think I will order! how are you, Cathy?

I wonder if you know any of the work of Clarissa Pinkola Estes; I especially reccomend her work "The Creative Fire." I have the audio dvd; she talks about our relationship with our own creative spirit, and social injunstions, etc.
xx adLIB