Writing Therapy?
There is nothing new about writing as a form of therapy. Journal writing has helped millions deal with conflicts, anxiety and stress related issues. In fact, some psychiatrists, often recommend it.
Writing therapy through short story writing is a completely different approach. An approach that works because the process allows you to explore any situation from any viewpoint and as the author you are in control of the script, not just making a journal of it.
In many way, writing has saved my life. When I was eight, I suffered badly due to my learning difficulties. I struggled with my reading and had to attend extra reading classes while my mates enjoyed sports.
I wrote my first short story book as 30-day writing challenge to help me overcome my home sickness while working in the Middle East.
My third short story book I wrote during the first COVID lockdown in Ireland. This was also a 30-day challenge to distract me from all the bad narratives surrounding the pandemic.
Why subscribe?
Stories in general, our life stories all consist of the same key elements: People, Places and Problems, the 3P’s if like acronyms. Understanding the interactions between these is key to a good story in my story writing.
This simplistic model forms the basis of my story writing approach. To date, I have written over 460 short stories using this technique.
Fictional stories are usually relate to real life. This is why using a fictional to manage your issues offers a realistic alternative approach. It is also possible to using this approach to adapt your journal writing. That way to benefit from exploring, viewing and controlling your story.
In my newsletter and regular posts I will share my short story writing techniques and show you, through a series of challenges, how to use writing therapy to manage conflicts, anxiety and stress related issues with fiction.
Why does it work?
As is fictional stories, real life situations involve People, Places and Problems:
There are always people involved in every situation – They can be both good and bad.
Places provide the setting and contribute to the general mood surrounding this given situation.
There is always more than one problem. These manifest themselves as conflicts which can take many different forms throughout the lifecycle of the story.
The story or situation is the central message or question that has to be answered
As a fictional writer I get to walk in the footsteps of the characters that I create. So, why not turn your situation into a fictional story/journal.
Fiction:
… frees you from your world to allow you to see things from everyone’s point of view.
… allows you to explore people as characters in your version of the situation you find yourself in
... enables you to play out each of the roles of the people as characters
… gives you license to play out different endings and outcomes without any risk, but understanding what might be at stake.
… offers a powerful way to manage your way through any difficult or troublesome situation that you might find yourself in.
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Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Conflicts, anxiety and stress related issues are becoming commonplace and together we can overcome these challenges and continue to push forward.
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