Laura

The Unseen Behind The Scenes

Question for you all. When do you feel you write the best material?

Ok, ok. So.

A second post in one day? It’s been a while since I’ve done one of those! Hmm…what’s fired me up? Honestly…the daily prompt is a repeat (like that’s ever not the case?!) and I wanted to finally get this out here.

I happened upon a daily prompt that I didn’t answer last year, and I changed it. There’s bigger fish to fry and I’ve got questions I need answers to! 😆

Burn! 🔥

This was going to be a rant, but in the spirit of harnessing wrath, rage, anger, and all the things that surround it (I’m a dragon baby, after all, do you not expect a fire to be lit under some asses once in a while? If you’d rather me go quietly into the night, then I’ve got some bad news for you). I’ve decided to make my pissed off point work for me a bit, instead of stewing like a devil in the fiery pits of hell, I’d rather be a bit more productive.

Or just blow fire into the ether 🔥 and hope it fries some of my annoyances

Plus, anger usually fizzles out somewhat quickly. Not always, mind you. Depends on what it is. But quick enough that I don’t want to blow anything out of proportion, but I do have an entire bag of illegal fireworks my sister gave me when she moved a while back that I am tempted to use.

Not sure if AI will allow me to use my avatar to light a stick of dynamite, 🧨 so here ya go!

Sooooo, for the sake of not blowing things up 😀 my question, for you, my lovely friends is:

When do you feel you write the best material?

Is it when you’re sad? I can get behind that. Stressy-depressy writing can be OK I suppose as long as it’s not a constant whine 24/7.

How about angry, like me? Pissed off? Need to make a point? Have to expend some of that deep rage into a poem like Extra Venom? (Indeed, it was written during a moment of heightened aggravation) And I was quite pleased by the results.

Don’t you ever wish you could throw a fireball at someone? Kinda like Mario! 🔥

Happy? Feeling good? All about that love and light? Nothing wrong with that, at all. Feeling the dopamine soar through your veins and have to spread that joy? Love to see it.

Need to purge? Dwelling on the past? Maybe writing is therapy for you in the literal sense that you just need to get it out and let that shit go.

Compulsory? Is writing like a bad habit for you? Do you breathe writing like I drink coffee? Perhaps it’s a goal more than anything to write something.

Nostalgic? Maybe you love all those old feelings writing gives you? You’re re-living good memories through your writing.

Confusion? Sometimes you need clarity on something and writing helps you to make decisions, perhaps?

Hope? Weariness? Loneliness? Curiosity? Something else?

Do you not even think about your mood at all surrounding the events in which you write?

What motivates you to start (or keep) writing then?

So much of the writing I do is emotion-driven.

The drafts are piling up and she’s over it 😡

I would love to hear your response and your thoughts, feelings, etc surrounding why and when and what you feel during your writing process.

And, even if you feel nothing at all – I’d love to hear that, too.

And to end this on a good note, because I always think that’s important, I’ll just say yiiippppeee it’s Taco Tuesday!

OK, lady. Drink your margarita 🍋‍🟩 🧂 don’t burn those tacos, though! 🌮

Appreciate you all!

I originally wrote this on one perfectly pissed off morning after work, then shelved it around the time I went on vacation. Dug it back up to re-read and still want to know how your mind’s (emotions?) tick as it pertains to writing. ✍️

Year of the draft purge? 📝 🤓

all words and images, unless otherwise stated

P.S. – I like the cover photo too dang much that I’m ignoring what’s going on with her fingers. Ignorance is bliss, after all. 😜

P.P.S. – Also just a reminder that when this post airs, I will most likely be asleep due to work tonight. It’s my last overnight shift this week and then freeeeeedom! 🔥 🧨

82 comments

  1. I’ve been thinking about this ever since you teased it this morning. I realize for me it’s any strong emotion. Poetry is an inherent catharsis device for me. When I am faced with intense joy, frustration, sorrow, nostalgia, connection, or estrangement, the words just flow. I don’t know if I’m the best judge, for which of my writing comes off the best. If I could do a poll I would :-). The rumor is often that it’s the negative emotions that require the greatest catharsis, and I think because so often those of the things we can’t say out loud, we need our Muse to help us find an outlet, but when I feel tremendous happiness, or joy I think of some of the great poets who have channeled that as well and try to follow their example. I hope that makes sense.

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    • It absolutely does 😊 thank you so much for taking the time to write this well thought out reply too, and it really does encompass, I think, the spectrum of emotions which I feel helps us to let out those things, even the ones we can’t say. I think also when you work in a field where you have to stifle a lot (service industry, nursing, teaching, management) some of that can come out in writing and as you so well put, as a catharsis. Joy in writing is sometimes felt too when words just flow because you’re feeling good, so that resonates as true too. Happy to have your perspective! 🙏

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  2. I write everyday no matter the feelings. I’m not sure when my best work comes out. Certainly not when I’m angry. I suppose the best comes out when I’m feeling good about the words that I create at that time. I always hate to create words that will eventually find their way into the trash so when the words are pleasing I feel the best is there.

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    • Thank you John! I really do appreciate your answer to this. I think I’m not necessarily happy that I write the best when angry but somehow the fuel seems to be what’s needed for the fire of coming out with a good piece. I hear you on not wanting to create words that find their way into the trash! It’s a wonderful goal to be able to write everyday, I’m hoping I will get there at some point 😊 🙏

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      • It is a blessing. I tried to write while working but just turned out tired crap. Decided to wait. By the way, Grammarly just reported that they have checked over 25,000,000 words of mine. My blog and books have only taken 3,000,000 so like it or not a bunch went into the trash. 😀

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      • That’s how I feel too! That when I’m working and stressed by work, writing is crappy. Give me a few days off and it gets better. Thanks for sharing that with me. Omg 25,000,000 words, that’s amazing! You have to be selective though for what you put in the books, of course, I’d imagine. Thank you so much again John, sorry for the delay in responding too, I didn’t catch your comment before I went to sleep after working overnight. Curse of the working class! 😀

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  3. I can’t offer a real comment here since I am no a writer, rather a photographer but I totally understand how frustrating life can be today. This isn’t 1976. Your cartoon self is more likable when she is happy. ❤️

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    • Well, crap! You write some good as hell stuff too, and I know emotion goes into at least some of it. Dang, no secrets spilled today! 😆 Can I tempt you with some coffee ☕️ ☕️ maybe? Lolol. Thanks Ernie 🙏

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  5. I write whenever and whatever Laura.
    I find “writers block ” so frustrating.
    Anything that pops into my head.
    I just go where the muse takes me.
    I have so msny poems that no one has read.
    But the bottom line is, if I write one a day then I am happy!
    Hope work is not too chaotic tonight 🤗❣️🤗

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    • I have a ton of drafts too! 😀 I’m happy to hear (read?) your response Maggie ❤️ as your writing always makes me feel things, and I think that’s so important to the aspect of writing, to evoke emotions in the reader. You most certainly are gifted 🙏 I agree, it’s a blessing to be able to write one a day 🤗 and I appreciate your response. Work isn’t too bad, thankfully. On countdown time, ⏰ only 5 hours left! 🙌

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      • Aww that is so lovely of you to say Laura 🙏🤗
        I agree 😉if my words resonate then I have done my job properly.
        You are gifted too my friend and your collabs with Kevin are amazing!
        Hopefully you are sleeping soundly now 🙏🥰
        Happy Wednesday xox

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  6. I can certainly understand that poetry and stories need to be emotion driven and you and Kevin are doing great artistic work. I write about dogs, book reviews and facts so for me emotions are less important. Well, I love dogs, so I guess the dog ones are partially driven by the love of dogs.

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    • Thanks for saying so, Thomas! 😀 Especially about mine and Kevin’s work 🙏 You write many factual things, and they are always super interesting to me. I think that’s the key, you find ways to make it interesting and keep the reader engaged, whereas some people just write and that can come off as a snoozefest. I appreciate your response because I love to read your work and your reviews always make me want to read whatever it is you’re reading! Maybe it’s that shared love of the horror genre haha 😆

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  8. I think it depends, ranty stuff comes in a moment and as you say is fleeting. Whena story builds there is this seed that grows and needs to be nutured and harvested. Other passions come and go as they please. Night is oftena good time though

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    • Thanks so much, Simon. So true. Rants come through and then 5 mins later it’s like, “what was I mad about?” Lol! 😆 I hear you on the story building up and harvesting that, like watering a plant. 🪴 Ooooh yes, I’ve had some great writing come to me at night when all is quiet. ✨ 🌙 Very good points 🙏

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  9. hi Laura! nice question.
    The release of the expressions have 2 ways (at least from my experience): 1, when you let go all the dark side ( anxiety, anger, resentment,etc) be outside (beast mode) with a machiavellic tune.
    Then, when im finally expanded, then comes the private time to write on cool mode. Observant, precise, detached . ( this second time is a programmed day, to be focused and shocking way)
    I keep my boundaries about space, time and focus. (put a sign , dont disturb).

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    • Haha! Thank you for answering, I love this beast mode activated, that’s such a great feeling when it comes around 😀 i do think “cool mode” is such a great way to describe writing, detached in a way that you aren’t thinking so deeply and things just flow through, that’s definitely a way to write well. I love my boundaries like you, multi-tasking doesn’t work, you have to have that solitude in order ✍️ thank you for sharing your valuable perspective with me! 🙏 😀

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  11. I write all the time and it lands in my sleep and the first time I wake up or go to sleep.

    Never have had writers block because inspiration is based on humor and frustration with the unknown in between.

    Great question and peace

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    • Thank you! 🙏 I remember you telling me before you have a very active mind and that you never have writers block, that’s a blessing! I feel like when things just flow I’m at my best, but work often seems to impede that. 😩 Yes, I get lots of material from sleep and dreams as well. It’s such a blessing when that happens. Peace to you, always! 🕊️

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      • Going on hikes, beaches, water and being in nature helps.

        Also dysfunction growing up and crazy times keeps a theme going.

        It’s a soup of life being stirred up.

        Work life inspired as well especially the politics and the negative.

        Good to hear from you. Peace and respect to you 💯

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      • Soup of life being stirred up is so real. Thank you for sharing that. Oh yeah, I could write tens and thousands of ranty posts about work but I try to forget it when I’m off 🤣 it’s nice to purge that energy though.

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  14. All of the above, but when I’m mad, I go through a lot of drafts because the first one is always full of anger, and I want to slap someone through my writing. Happy Tuesday, my friend. ☕️☕️

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    • Thank you for sharing, Edward, and I have to say that made me laugh so freaking hard! 😂 “Slap someone through my writing” omg! Truer words never spoken. I hear that, and feel it, too. So many drafts! That’s why I have to cool down later and re-read and decide if I want to post it or not lolol. Thank you, 🙏 almost done with work here, caffeine is slowly wearing off 😆 ☕️ ☕️

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      • I was really bad with emails. It used to take me almost an entire day to draft an email when I was mad, and most of the time, I ended up deleting the draft and calling the person the next day. Well, you’re probably off now, so happy resting, my friend.

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      • It was a decent rest! Now time to re-caffeinate 😆 and hit the gym if I can. 🤣 maybe too ambitious after working all night!

        Emails are crazy. I’m extremely direct, I’ve been told that by many people, but I never want to hurt anyone. But I feel that. I would have some coworkers sometimes read over my emails and say “omg don’t send that!” Lol. What you said is right – sometimes calling and talking it out can really help. So much in writing, especially when heated, can get misconstrued

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  16. So entertaining!

    My motivations and how I write/want to write, change constantly. A lot of the time, I’m musing on something that has come up elsewhere, other posts or what I’m reading, or listening to. I’ve noticed that when I see myself changing in some way, I write… display recognition. I write to acknowledge insight or dreams, both, or kindness, appreciation, growth around stuck areas. I think I just spill over. 🙂

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    • That’s so true, I’m so glad you saw this and had time to answer 🙏 you do really write on an array of topics and I love the dreams of course as well as the kindness and appreciation you show so often especially towards others 😊 it’s nice to be able to read different things and connect on spiritual topics too. The insights can go so deep, I love it. Also yes sometimes something someone else has written or something I’ve seen can spark something. Love that, too! ❤️

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      • Ok, I read that back now being off work and realize how tired I am “sometimes something someone has written can spark something” 🤣 going to bed, pronto!

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      • Takes one to know one! Right now my desire is to still write about everything I write about, but in a more spare way.

        This hasn’t worked out yet. 🙂

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  17. As for me, and my heart, the words continually spills, I have hundreds of thoughts I’ve partially written in my writing app. Inspired by life, love, a feeling, things I see or hear, that trigger the pen to become words inked. Sometimes driving, showering, a church, listening to music, a word I see, or heard on tv. I’ve even woken up in the middle of the night, with a thought that turns into a post. My heart has been through many things, and now it pours like a deep river. Everything I post, 90% are inspired the day of, or chosen from one of my heart’s many thoughts. I guess you can say, my heart doesn’t need a particular reason, to be unapologetically moved! A wonderful question, blessings to you!

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    • Thank you, Warren 🙏 I so do appreciate your response, as your writing is some of the most beautifully poetic I’ve seen. And it does seem to flow very naturally for you, never forced. What writing app do you use if you don’t mind me asking? Very true driving and showering for me as well, anything can spark it up it seems. I hope your heart always pours forth so wonderfully in your writing and you remain so deeply inspired 🙏 and true yes, when we’ve been through some real things, it’s hard not to speak (write?) that out into the open. Thank you again for sharing and many blessings your way 😊

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  19. All of the above! Lately I have been yearning to write more and the emotions I am contending with are anger, grief, frustration, sadness! However I am desperate to be a light, so somehow I still try and be encouraging when I feel confused by the weight of it all. Great work soul sista! You got us thinking! 🤔

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    • You can still be a light, by healing and writing through your darkness. Frustration, grief, sadness, and anger are all humanistic traits, and people resonate with them as well, because it is real life. I always try to leave a positive message if I can, but I still think the darker side of us can be embraced and writing is a great way to work through that. Thank you for being so candid and I hope any sadness or grief you are feeling is lifted soon. 😊 Many healing vibes your way! ✨

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  20. I tend to write dialy no matter the mood. When the emotions are intense, the immediate response or comforter is poetry. But if I have time to process the emotion, I will write a short story, expressing the energy via a character. It is more rewarding for me that way. I tend to have many unfinished projects in my drafts folder. Not because the story ran out of energy, but because I wanted to be authentic to the process. There are stories that have taken my 4 or 5 years to complete. Those are the ones I think have aged along with me.
    Your avatar reflects your mood on any given day, which is always fun when I’m browsing.
    The energy you and Kevin bring to the NTT sets the tone to how I respond to a prompt many times.
    Loved this post, Laura.

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    • Ohhh thank you so much for sharing, Nigel! Sorry I didn’t catch your comment before I fell asleep after working overnight, and then my latest post was scheduled. I hear you on having things written for years. I’ve looked back on some of those too and see how I’ve grown as a writer, especially with poems. Those do tend to take on more of an emotional feeling. I do like to write stories too, they can be so meaningful. I’m glad you like the emotions in the character I use, I do try to make her relatable in ways and she has a spectrum of emotions 😀 so that is so appreciated 🙏 and your kind words about Kevin and my own energy is so super wonderful. Thank you. We love to banter! 😀 Laughter is good for the soul (and dark humor!)

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  21. I go through waves. I’m either writing a new piece of shit every 5 minutes or nothing at all for God knows how long lol
    When I am feeling good, I rarely want to write. I think my best work is usually the spiteful and dark stuff. My more upbeat stuff just doesn’t seem to resonate as well.
    I am also not good with structure when it comes to writing. If I have to force myself, no can do. Just not my speed, I guess.

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    • Oh stop it! Don’t call your works pieces of shit. Are our photo proms pieces of shit? No, right? Stop that. Don’t make me give you a hard time 🤪 dark writing is wonderful and appreciated. Feeling good, you may be focused on other things but I’ve seen some wonderful and heartfelt “personal” stuff from you ❤️ that I don’t think you wrote in a bad mood (hopefully not!) thank you Kevin 😘 always appreciate you 🥰 😍

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  23. If I’m going to ‘write’ as opposed to just saying what I’ve been doing in the garden, I get into a sort of ‘zone’ and usually use music to do it. Sometimes, a word or a phrase has been put in my mind during the day and I’ll note it so I can work on it later. I do my best stuff late at night.

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  24. Sometimes it’s logic based, sometimes it’s emotion based… sometimes it’s a simple request from a follower. LOL! I guess… some things are harder to write than others 🤷‍♀️

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      • Yes ma’am! Been going through it… the project doesn’t keep enough of my mentals. LOL! But… it will all be alright. Slowly but surely getting somewhere. I am so bummed I got sick and was down for about a week. Bleh… gotta bust the hump now. How have you been!?

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  27. Catchy fun escapades with writing as I’d expect, Laura.
    I write when I try not to write and most mornings a wee bit and the. Luckily all of the above have there way with me.
    My best writing? Who knows for sure but it feels the best when my heart writes it! 💓💓💓

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  28. I believe we have to be moved by something, so yes, most of us are emotionally driven to write. Even if it is identifying a unique flower, spotting an interesting creature, or someone touched our heart. Life is full of trigger points, and this is what we share. Good post, Sweet Laura.

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  29. 😁🐲 Here we have a text to reflect on and at the same time everything we need to relax outside of the underworld (work lol), yes, that microcosm of infernal beings that work to take away our peace. Our emotions really do influence our writing, and I also archive drafts. Sometimes I think they are relevant, so I decide to post them, and other times I discard them because I am in another emotion. But it is important to write in all these emotional phases, take a break and decide whether or not to post. Laura, you touched on a relevant topic that makes us reflect on how we conduct our writing. 🤗👏🏻I loved the images as always and the text with a light touch of humor. 🔥🐲 I wish you a great start to the week!🤗🙏🏻🌕✨😚

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    • Thank you! 😊🙏I am very glad you found it humorous 🔥 🐉 and it left you pondering a bit, as we sometimes do when we have all these drafts lol ✍️ ✨ I know I write a lot and then as you said when the emotion is no longer there I might store it away 🤷‍♀️ but it’s nice to know I’m not alone lol 😆 and yes, work really is the Underworld and I’m back there tonight 😩 😱 lol 😂 I hope you have a great start of the week too with lots of good rest and dreams 🌕 🌹 🤗 🌌

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      • I wish you a good start to the week and work…oh, it won’t be long before you go to the underworld. A good week for all of us and may we have more time 😸 to spend here on WordPress 😁😅. 🙂🙏🏻 Always grateful!

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  30. L ❤ VE this post and so inspiring!!! Mine are like wanting to create the perfect meal with atmosphere and then invite my favorite people, or ideas I’m mulling over like red wine … then there is the “meat”, which can be anything. Sometimes, more than usual a stew of sorts. Nostalgia, retrospection, philosophy are all the savory spices mad-dashed together and sprinkled in a succulent sauce of maybe regrets, lost loves, or sweet wishes. Picking the venue and visualizing the AI images to life are kinda like the dessert at the most spectacular “event”. Always been a behind the scenes type ghost, but you, Laura ❤ are a star and you shine!!!

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  31. Oooh AI loves extra fingers doesn’t it 🤣.

    That’s one thoughtful question Laura. I can tell you I don’t write all that I feel, they just stew in my head. Good, not good 🤷‍♀️😅

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  32. I started writing as a kid because I loved reading, and whenever I discovered a new style of art that I liked, I always wanted to imitate it. When I listened to people play guitar – I wanted to learn to play it. When I saw gorgeous paintings – I wanted to learn to paint. When I read books that took me on fun adventures – I wanted to write a novel. I read poetry that stirred my emotions – I wanted to write poetry too. So, I’d say that curiousity has always been a huge motivating factor for me, trying to see just what I was all capable of. As a kid, getting to follow my curiousity was a source of joy, and I closely associated doing artsy stuff with happiness.

    When do I write best now as an adult? I’d say it’s when I’m in a good mood, and feel that bubbly excitement over getting to be creative. I love being a playful and whimsical wordsmith. I can also write some decent stuff when I’m calm and mellow and relying on the skills I’ve developed, but I believe I get truly creative when I’m not weighed down by other emotions and can fully feel the joy of engaging in the activity of writing.

    I occasionally write to release emotions when I’m confused, sad, or angry but then it tends to be personal, direct/straight forward, and devoid of creative phrasing. I certainly do tap into the memory of these sorts of emotions when I’m writing creatively, but I don’t feel any desire to be creative when I’m in the midst of them.

    My ability to write creatively gets completely turned off when I’m in a low mood, depressed, or dealing with anxiety. Not really surprising since my main depressive symptom is apathy. I know that some people use writing as a coping method to get through these things, but it’s the total opposite for me.

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