Don’t let your pain stay inside of you, turn these into fun creative stories where you are in control of the ending…
Sometimes we can get caught in the pain of our personal stories and find it difficult to let go. I should know, my getting a new life wake up call story occasionally comes to bite me on the bum when I am least expecting it.
That’s where journaling and fun creative writing have really supported me. Telling stories, no matter how bizarre has helped me sooooo much!
When I first embarked on my solo voyage – leaving an unpleasant relationship and starting anew a long way from home – I journaled frantically. I always do, especially when awake at silly o’clock.
Back then I was going to write a book called The Double Life of Dickie Quick. However enthusiastic I was I could only manage to write small portions of it, until I got to a point when I thought, sod it, I am NOT going to write this book.
What I did write was quite bizarre and funny. I needed to let my imagination fly free and so I did. I tended to write each chapter as a series of silly stories and yes my pen seemed to have a life of its own.
Recently though as I have been writing and editing my chapter for The Healing Book Project and my thoughts have once again turned to writing my memoir and then this story. I’m feeling devilish and want some fun.
It would be interesting to see how it unfolds all of these years later.
One of the things I like to teach in Writing to heal is creative life writing. There’s a whole section in the book. You can use this to turn painful stories into something creative and fun. It’s something that I often do.
When faced with something that is ‘antagonising’ me, while out walking I will write a story in my head. When I get home, I quickly pen it in my journal and find that my mood has lifted beautifully.
These stories rarely have a happy ending for my victims. But they are great fun for me…
They can die from ‘accidental’ poisoning, garrotting or something equally bizarre and unreal.
The double life of Dickie Quick
Margo couldn’t remember why she opened the computer lid, but the picture of her husband’s penis made her realise that something was afoot. 30 minutes flashed by as she discovered more about him than she had ever known in their five years together.
Two years ago he had declared himself impotent, due he said to his enlarged prostate. Devastated that the man she was about to marry wouldn’t be capable of sex anymore. She insisted again that they get some sex counselling. She had tried for years to get Dickie to make love to her, instead of his urgent and quick stabbing, but to no avail.
Now she knew why he didn’t need sex therapy; he was getting illicit thrills from a multitude of random women he’d met on Facebook and other unsavoury places.
Blood rushed to places she hadn’t realised existed. Simultaneously her heart hurt and deceit boomed in her ears; she was lost to instinct and the need to survive. She checked that he was still sleeping, a usual Saturday night occurrence, and headed back to the kitchen table.
Within 2 hours she had collected everything she needed. Closing the computer lid her mind was alive with possibilities. It was still early, and a quick text to Monty, her agent, said simply ‘I have it Monty, the outline for my next novel.’ Monty had been waiting for five inpatient months for Margo to get off her arse and stop using her boring home life as an excuse. Hearing the rushed and whispered outline, his instructions were simple – write the damn synopsis and get it to him before doing anything else.
By 3.30 am it was done. Her husband still slept soundly. She eyed the knives, too quick and not enough pain she deduced.
Touching his leg gently she roused her errant husband. ‘Dickie darling’ she purred ‘come and look at the inspiration for my next book.’
When I discovered what Dickie Quick had been up to, the very same week our creative writing class was having an open mike session. We had been tasked to bring along a short (300 words) story to read aloud. I found that both the writing and reading aloud helped immensely.
Turn your pain into a personal story
The way that I find that this works for me is that I go into a trance. I can do this almost anywhere. Walking provides the best way because I am moving forwards and I can move the story with each step. As I walk, I create a play in my head, imagining scenes, holding conversations and conjuring up a wicked punch line.
You could try it with a mobile phone and record if you don’t think you will remember. Do be careful as you may get arrested for talking about murder.
When the story in your head is complete, be sure to write it down as soon as you can.
Please do share. I’d love to know how you found the experience.
Are you ready to adventure with yourself? Are you ready to write your healing story? Join me in The Journaling Club, where each month, you will get to explore different aspects of yourself. You’ll get to know yourself better and know what you want.