top of page

The Curse of Creativity?

Are you a writer?

Are you told that you are too sensitive?

This is not an uncommon characteristic in those of us who are creative. Even one who might be accused of excessive machismo, Ernest Hemingway, was a deeply sensitive person. Upon first reading, his stories can be construed as epic adventures, read them a second time and you will find they are introspective examinations of the human condition.


The simple truth is, whether we are creating great works of art, or simply great works of our own art, to tell a tale, we have to not just become one with the characters, we must become the characters.

When I write, the characters are not merely extensions of me — while I am writing, I am that character. It is why, when writing a book in which the main character commits suicide, I had to step away for days, if not weeks at a time. The emotional connection I was creating was such, that it overwhelmed me.


I needed space to get back to being Joe.

It is why I chose a pen name for some of my writings. When Scono Sciuto is the author, not only is Scono weaving the work, Scono is becoming the characters in that story. Joe is no longer occupying the mind of the person at the keyboard.

As writers, it isn’t a choice to be sensitive. Sensitivity is what allows us to tap into the sometimes dark and distant recesses of mind and imagination.

Yes, sensitivity can be viewed as a curse, but more importantly, it is the true gift to the creative mind.

Simply stated, without sensitivity, there is no heart, there is no soul, and there is no connection to, and within, the art which is our stories.

It is why, when we write — we bleed.





Comments


bottom of page