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David Ransil's avatar

You just explained a ton of what I've been trying to figure out about you. I've been a professional screenwriter for my career, and your skill with words, your ability to illuminate things that usually rest just below the level of conscious awareness is beyond anyone I've ever worked with. I'm a more "literate" screenwriter, write semi-poetically when it's appropriate for the project, but at more than twice your age can't say my "purple prose" lives up to yours. So I wondered what drives you to dive below the surface most people don't dare penetrate. And now I know. It's pain. And while it's different for each Writer who explores truths others won't, that's the one commonality we all share. My heart bleeds to know this about you, but... welcome to the club, Sherry. You have a rare gift, and that gift will be your salvation, if you let it. Most people suffer in silence because they lack the depth of expression you possess. But for those like you, whose words give shape and form to what would otherwise go nameless, it can be cathartic. Your own private exorcism. I caught glimpses of that in "I Want To Be Beautiful" and "Just Do What You Want" and "I Want A Boyfriend." All things you already are or richly deserve, by the way, but will have difficulty finding anyone who fully comprehends about you. Rare insight is a double-edged sword; those who have it can't imagine life without it. Yet, you find yourself occupying a space few can share. It's a calling, but not without its loneliness. Jane Austen's Georgian/Regency-period dialogue was the Rembrandt of her literary genre, but she mostly wrote about people overcoming the false impediments of unequal Class and Wealth that dictated life in her day. She had nothing on you; you also chafe at artificial restraints, but you're too young and vibrant to become the recluse she was. Let words be your release. Your path to freedom. Should you choose to write stories that metaphorically explore what for you remains unresolved, it will open doors you didn't even know were closed. This is what Writers do; confront their own fears and failings, one page at a time. And I didn't need to read more than a few of your words to recognize a true Writer, reaching for something she herself had yet to fully apprehend.

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Elijah Hernandez's avatar

I read “bird by bird” recently and loved the what Anne Lamont wrote about the writing and how nourishing it is for you. It’s a nice habit to have and it’s refreshing to be reminded of it when I read it, as well as this. It’s a good thing to be writing. And i cant remember know how or when i subscribed here but i’m glad you found something in writing, and that you reminded me of how nice it is, instead of those empty urges/vices you listed. Sorry for your loss, may you find and cultivate that love and faith you speak about.

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