Has Our Changing World Changed Our Writing?

We've touched on huge worldwide changes, especially over the last two years. We've bemoaned the discouragement we've felt as writers. Instead of rolling with the horrific punches that have been thrown our way, we sometimes roll up in a ball and let those changes kick us to the curb and maybe down into the storm sewer. Giving up the ghost, as the saying goes, seems easier than rising up to fight the obstacles we never expected to face in our lifetime.

Forgive the clichés. They were used intentionally to make a point. They're called clichés because they're old, tired, trite, overused, etc. Sometimes, we feel like that — at least I do. I've lived during WW2, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and these few don't even begin to paint the real picture. Google lists 285 armed conflicts since I was a 7-year-old. That's a lot in just 76 years.

Even though I may be the oldest one here, it's fair to assume we all have been aware of the absence of peace and security in our world. Most of 285 wars did not involve troops from our country, but we were still affected when we knew they were happening. Why mention this? Because we all have been exposed indirectly to the horrors of war and the waste of human lives (most often civilians). When bombs and missiles and gunfire are not in our backyard, we may, however, distance ourselves from their heart-wrenching reality. 

In 2020, COVID-19 slammed the world with its terrible symptoms and high death rate. No respecter of borders or continents, it left no place safe from the reach of its virulent tentacles. Many of us lost family, friends, jobs, and/or freedom to go where we pleased, and so much more. This different kind of war most definitely invaded our backyards and our lives, taking a toll on all of us.

What does this have to do with writing? Nothing . . . and everything. As writers, we may think a little differently from nonwriters. Like many artists and musicians, we may feel a little more deeply or empathize a little more completely or view a situation from a different perspective. Why? Because this ability allows us as writers to create characters that touch our readers on an emotional level. Add to this the natural aging process, an unstable economy, and personal crises. No wonder we suffer from overwhelm. 

The same qualities that enhance our character-development skills can also make us sensitive to stresses beyond the norm, especially if we have strong empathetic tendencies. Not that others don't suffer pangs of distress over what is happening in the world today, for of course they do. It's just that our creative juices may be impacted in some way when the whole world is falling apart.

What's the remedy? For me, it starts with avoiding daily doses of the news. Constant bad news takes a toll on my writing energy and drains my reservoir of story ideas. It also puts the skids on creative drive and undermines follow-through with regular writing times. Perseverance is essential. Working each day — even a little bit — helps. Reaching out to other authors keeps the writing mindset active. Reading a good novel awakens the desire to write one. Interestingly, spring helps, perhaps because the seasonal revival of budding new life brings hope at the end of a cold, bleak winter. What do you think?

Fast forward to today. Much of what has gone on in the last few years is great grist for the writing mill. Fictionalizing current events and characters to create different scenarios without minimizing the seriousness of times or situations can result in a stunning story that rings true and appeals to readers. Do we know something or believe something that could make a difference in a reader's life? Can a character infuse hope in a person or place despite the odds? Is it possible to help build resilience where, apparently, little or none exists? Many people have strengths and reserves they don't recognize. Can our stories help someone find hers (or his)?

How are you coping with all the trauma and drama of the last 2 years? How has your writing been affected? Please share how you and your writing are working to combat writer's block in these trying days.

Editor Linda Lane has returned to her first love—writing—while still doing some editing. Her character-driven novels, although somewhat literary in nature, remind the reader of genre fiction because of their quick pace. They also contain elements of romance, mystery, and thrillers. You can contact her through her website: LSLaneBooks.com