Comments on: Writers and Depression

By: Elias McClellan

Elias McClellan — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:31:02 +0000

Mr. Hines, I’m one of the haters. That aside, I’m also the pest-wanna-be, that haunts this site and thanks you for sharing this lesson. All contributing authors on this site have provided indispensible information here for the aspiring writer.

I’ve mined this site for the bricks and mortar of writing but I’ve also gotten some grown-up tools as well. Mr McCullough’s advice will probably save me a great deal of embarassment. Your advice, (I sincerely mean this respectfully) should I become blessed with your good-problem, helps me see that all situations have downsides like all dogs have fleas.

I type this in gratitute for your generousity. You kindly encouraged me some weeks back, as one state-worker to another. This is just as helpful and I am just as grateful.

By: Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:25:07 +0000

Di,

I’m sorry to hear about the bad agent news. Feel free to e-mail me if you need to vent, okay?

By: Diana Pharaoh Francis

Diana Pharaoh Francis — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:12:58 +0000

Had unencouraging news today from my agent and boy, hit the depression coaster with a vengeance. Dammit.

By: Doug HUlick

Doug HUlick — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:47:52 +0000

It must be something going around for writers. I was in the same boat today as well.

As you say, emotions don’t give two figs for reason. If you feel blue, then feel blue, dammit. If anything, being in a creative field, you ought to be entitled to it, no?

By: Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:57:47 +0000

No, that makes sense. I think in part we get such a delusional idea of what life will be like as a published writer (thanks a lot, Castle!), so when we finally get here and still have down days, it must mean something is horribly wrong. I can understand how it would be helpful to get the reality check up front.

By: Kelly McCullough

Kelly McCullough — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:06:18 +0000

Looking at my note again now I realize it doesn’t really convey what I wanted it to, sigh. This writing stuff is hard and all too often requires rewriting. What I was hoping to get at was that it’s really okay to complain about the down days in places where aspiring writers can hear it. In fact, it’s a real service because it helps folks to better prepare for the published life. What you’re doing here is exactly the kind of thing that Dean and some other folks did for me early on, and that helped me to better cope with the letdowns that have come later in my career.

By: Kelly McCullough

Kelly McCullough — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:37:58 +0000

Sorry you’re having one of those moments, Jim. I very much empathize.

One of things I’m glad I learned before I ever got published was not to expect the fundamental emotional dynamic to change when I started seeing my name on book spines. I think it was Dean Smith who pointed out that all the things that bummed me out as an aspiring writer had their analogs for the published writer. The phrase that I had drummed into my head was “same game, bigger stakes.” It didn’t make the down days any easier, but it gave me warning that selling a book wasn’t going to make everything go rainbows and puppies forevermore.

I like Alma’s imagery above, though I’d say I never went into this for the thought of far shores, but rather for a strong wind at my back and full sails. I’ve always been more of journey oriented traveler than a destination oriented one.

By: Kristan

Kristan — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:30:39 +0000

Hmm, I don’t know what to say — I imagine there isn’t a lot that could help, especially since I’m a stranger — but as an aspiring writer, one who would love to be in your shoes (in terms of publication, etc.) I just wanted to let you know that I think everything you’re feeling is fair. You didn’t give up your write to feel sad about things just because you’ve had success. So I just hope things turn out well and you can start feeling better.

By: Jim C. Hines

Jim C. Hines — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:23:55 +0000

@Steve – as a published author, I’m no longer required to wear pants. But otherwise, yes.

@Rabia – it certainly doesn’t hurt Thank you!

@Jeff – I wonder why that is. Is it the audience? I.e., people who talk more about being depressed attract readers who are more sympathetic to such? I know in my own online reading I react differently depending on *how* people express this stuff, and how often. Hm … this requires more thought once my brain is up and awake.

By: Steve Buchheit

Steve Buchheit — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:18:21 +0000

Wait a sec, you mean once we become published writers we don’t get a pony that farts rainbows? What a gyp.

So basically, on the other side of “published author” you’re just the same person, but with a publishing contract. I’ll bet you still put your pants on one leg at a time.

Good thing there’s the love of the writing part.