On Losing My Social-Literary Virginity

2/4/2013

(Technically it's more like my "personal" virginity, but as a headline the phrase might mislead some web crawlers. You know, those utilizing an incognito window.)

There's a general idea that everything a writer scribbles down stems from a personal experience. For a long time, I fought the notion, and suggested the imagination could lead further than personal experience. I mean, I've never encountered a vampire.

I feel pretty stupid now, knowing personal experiences don't like being inferior to imagination and often seek revenge. How is it this? They like to slip back into my writing.

Don't worry, this isn't going to be some melodramatic blog - I don't think -but it's meant to show how certain aspects of a story reflect something somewhat personal . . . in retrospect. I wonder if any "personal experience slips" translate or are they simply a nuisance?

"The reality remained that the greatest moment of someone's life could've quite easily been the biggest regret of someone else's."

All Things Beautiful

In the story, hero Devon experiences his first kiss in the cellar of a home for children. The next morning, he awoke feeling like he entered the next chapter of his life.

The happiness he felt paled any other moment that challenged it. Of course, that was until his dream girl dismissed the entire situation. The happiest moment in his life was the worst for someone else.

My View

In reality, I think this must stem from my own early childhood. Since a young age, I've have to make sure everyone around me is also having a good time. I despise the feeling of being happy when the next person isn't. We're all in this together, so let's make sure we're all having a good time, right?

"You are the shit you take"

Façade

At this point in the story, our hero awakens to the sound of his brother tapping on his bedroom door. Slipping out from underneath "two twins", he heads out into the hallway to see what his brother need, and soon enough, he's coerced into leaving the beautiful girls behind for the back deck.

There are many instances in the early sections of the story referencing all the times he's had to compromise because he's a "good guy".

My View

Let's face it, we're not all happy all the time.

(Actually, there is this one guy who goes to the same gym as me, and he's probably the cheeriest guy on the face of the planet. Seriously, he's a real down-to-Earth dude with a strong sense of spirituality who can find happiness & laughter in about every situation. He's kind of a jerk when you think about it, sucking up all the happiness for himself.)

Get it? I can be a bit cynical. But let's forget about that guy, since I'm definitely not envious of his ability to retain zen at all times.

So I do believe the things you compromise, tolerate, and do out of your way measure your character. In other words, "you are the shit you take."

You Might Also Enjoy:

Read an excerpt of "All Things Beautiful" from No-Injury Policy.

From time to time, I like to review higher education & critique certain details of the process.

I don't often give such a personal view, but here's mine on pirating literature.

Of course, if this blog interested you, maybe you should check out the No-Injury Policy page.

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