“Alice heard a woman say, 'Before I start writing I feel affectionate, interested, and frustrated. In that order. Afterwards I feel relieved, disgusted, and confused. Sometimes I don't think it's worth it.”
Analysis of Quote by Joy Williams
In this quote by Joy Williams, the speaker describes their experience before and after writing. The range of conflicting emotions, from affectionate to confused, reflects the complexity of the creative process. This analysis will delve into the meanings behind these emotions and how they shape the writer's perspective on their work.
The quote highlights the emotional rollercoaster that many writers experience throughout the writing process. The initial feelings of affection and interest suggest a deep connection to the subject matter and a sense of excitement about the creative endeavor. However, as the process unfolds, frustration sets in, potentially due to the challenges or roadblocks encountered along the way.
After completing the writing, the speaker's emotions shift once again. The feelings of relief may stem from reaching the end of the project and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. However, the subsequent feelings of disgust and confusion shed light on the inner turmoil that can come with creative work. This emotional journey ultimately leads the speaker to question the worth of their efforts.
Overall, this quote captures the complex and often contradictory emotions that writers experience throughout the creative process, underscoring the highs and lows that come with pursuing artistic expression.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing
The quote by Joy Williams captures the complex emotions that accompany the creative process of writing. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, many may resonate with the feelings of affection, frustration, and confusion that arise before, during, and after the act of writing. The quote reminds us that creative endeavors can be both rewarding and challenging, ultimately prompting us to examine the worth and value of our efforts.
Joy Williams on the Writing Process
“Alice heard a woman say, 'Before I start writing I feel affectionate, interested, and frustrated. In that order. Afterwards I feel relieved, disgusted, and confused. Sometimes I don't think it's worth it.” - Joy Williams"
Reflection Questions:
In considering the words of Joy Williams, reflected in the experience of the woman Alice, it prompts us to reflect on our own creative processes and the emotional journey it entails. Here are some questions to consider:
Do you resonate with the range of emotions described before and after the act of writing? How do these emotions manifest in your own creative process?
How do you navigate the moments of doubt or frustration that often accompany the creative process? What strategies do you employ to move past those feelings?
In what ways do you find value in the act of writing or creating, despite the negative emotions it may evoke afterwards? How do you gauge the worth of your creative endeavors?
Are there any rituals or practices you engage in before or after writing to help manage your emotions and maintain a sense of balance in your creative life?
How might you approach these conflicting feelings of affection and frustration, relief and disgust, in a way that allows you to fully embrace the creative process and its outcomes?
Similar quotes
“I’m feeling a low regarding writing. I sometimes think I should finish working on my book of stripper poetry that I started, but other times I feel like it’s not worth it. Sometimes I think I should work on my comic book idea, and then other times I want to work on a website, and still other times I think I should be working on this memoir. That’s a lot of thinking about writing without a whole lot of writing going on.”
“Do you suffer when you write? I don't at all. Suffer like a bastard when don't write, or just before, and feel empty and fucked out afterwards. But never feel as good as while writing.”
“I'm thinking of a queer feeling I sometimes get, a feeling that I've got something to say and the power to say it -- only I don't know what it is, and I can't make use of the power. If there was some different way of writing...Or else something else to write about.”
“I write in order to attain that feeling of tension relieved and function achieved, which a cow enjoys on giving milk.”
“I have neither curiosity, interest, pain nor pleasure, in anything, good or evil, they can say of me. I feel only a slight disgust, and a sort of wonder that they presume to write my name.”