DANCING ON THE RAGGED EDGE OF CRAZY
He was emotionally charged – moved in his soul. He told me about two ladies and this guy, his breaking heart was spilling into his eye sockets. I nodded with compassion and understanding. Been there, done that… Hiding in private what most people wouldn’t understand.
He’s my friend and we share much in common, including, an artistic side, the love of rigorous exercise, and more than a slight dose of harsh sarcasm.
“I get it,” I told him, “but most people would think you’re dancing on the ragged edge of crazy,” I chuckled.
“I know,” he admitted, reining in his emotions. “That’s a great saying,” he said.
image courtesy of photo bucket.com
That’s the thing about fiction – it’s fueled by non-fiction events in people’s real lives that give them experiences to draw from. Broken bones and hearts aren’t easily forgotten.
From a left brain perspective, a person that makes up a story in great detail, to the point that the story and characters bring real emotion, seems a bit on the off side… maybe even dancing on the ragged edge of crazy.
But from a right brain perspective, it doesn’t seem so crazy. If someone is going to write a story that resurrects emotions in other people, it makes sense that the first person it should touch is the one telling the story. If they aren’t moved, good chance no on else will be either.
I believe that being made in the image of God means, in part, that we’re designed, some more than others, to create.
We can’t speak life into existence, but we can create. That includes creating stories that tell about other people’s lives, some real, some pretend, that inspire, encourage, and remind other people, as well as ourselves, to live their lives to bring truth and honor to our Maker, families, and ourselves.
In the long haul, the Biblical principle expounded upon by English author Edward Lytton, “The pen is mightier than the sword”, is true – God’s word has proved it throughout the history of this world.
God only knows where the fine line is between sanity and crazy is in each of us. I’m certain, like most lines, many of us cross over the line more than we know… or want to.
But if dancing on the ragged edge of crazy inside our minds to tell stories that inspire and encourage others? I say dance, my friend.
Saturday, January 21, 2017 @ 6:37 pm
Good insight into the mind of a writer, Floyd. Sometimes characters seem to take on a life of their own.
Saturday, January 21, 2017 @ 7:38 pm
Yes. Sometimes, Pam and Floyd, they take off from your planned scenario of the action so dramatically along another narrative line that the whole story changes from what they have in mind. In that case, I think, the wise thing to do is to follow their lead. If your characters are sufficiently real (that’s your skill…sometimes), then they have tapped into the energy of the ultimate Creator (who knows what the truth of your story is, even when you don’t). In a long burst of ecstatic energy, I finished a difficult novel once and showed the manuscript to my wife. I had not felt in control of the last 18 hours of straight fast writing. She finished, put the pages down, and said, “Why did you DO that?” “I DIDN’T do that.” “But….” “I had NO IDEA that was going to happen.” We looked at one another, stunned. “It must be true then,” is what she said, and she was right.
Saturday, January 21, 2017 @ 8:52 pm
Floyd,
I think your point about how the writing has to first touch the writer before it will touch the reader is so true. And yes, it is a gift to be able to write and to be able to have a friend who shares your passion. Glad you and your friend can talk about writing 🙂 Blessings on you as you write 🙂
Saturday, January 21, 2017 @ 10:48 pm
Wow, this is so true. The thing that came to my mind is a quote I once read about a preacher. I can’t remember it word for word, but it said something about how a sermon must first touch the heart of the minister before it will touch the heart of the listener. And, a person can tell…as they sit listening to a sermon or reading a book, whether or not the person speaking or writing really, truly believes in what they are saying. Years ago, I read, “Write what you know.” It is the best writing advice I have ever been given. Ever. Your friend’s story will come alive, because he is writing it with first-hand passion. He is blessed to be able to bounce his ideas off you…such a proficient writer yourself. God bless you, brother.
Monday, January 23, 2017 @ 7:21 am
Good stories become real. I want to borrow the words of a writer & friend, the late Tim Hansel. In his book “You Gotta Keep Dancing” he closes with telling the reader “There is no box made by God nor us but that the sides can be flattened out and the top blown off to make a dance floor on which to celebrate life.” That’s what I want Floyd. That is also what good stoies get me to do.
Monday, January 23, 2017 @ 11:03 am
I’m not very imaginative about creating stories, so I am very thankful that other people are! I love a good story, true or fiction. Thanks for the way you tell yours, Floyd!
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 @ 3:19 pm
Even fiction can become so real. We get carried away with the trials, sorrows, and joys from a movie, book or play. I remember a lady requesting prayer for a situation on one of the “soaps” on TV. To her these people were real. I love your friend who may be in love with both of these ladies real or not so real.
Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 @ 3:44 pm
Sure loved seeing what you were doing, Bro! As usual, you are a real special writing and thinking and sharing guy. Bless you!! 😉
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 @ 9:37 pm
Writers that write from the passion that they feel say the best things because they feel them so deeply. So many topics, so many emotions to explore…ah, the wonderful world of writing! I always enjoy your words.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 @ 12:17 am
I’ve written stories that have seemed to write themselves. The sad part of it, for me, is that many of those stories so involve my life in it. Many are just fantasies…and that’s where I often catch myself thinking “Lord, I wish that was really me!”
Thursday, January 26, 2017 @ 12:22 pm
God only knows where the fine line is between sanity and crazy is in each of us. I’m certain, like most lines, many of us cross over the line more than we know… or want to. It takes real courage to cross over the line. Most of us walk up to the line , walk that line, look across the line and let fear of what ever keep us from dancing. I am not a dare devil at all, but I am telling you I have cross the line several times in my life, not in writing but in living life. Each time the lessons learned were life changing. As I age I want to play it safe which is probably why I don’t take my writing to another level. Also, to cross over is just plain hard work and a whole other level in another field. You have certainly given me much to think about at this time of my life, thanks brother and thanks to your friend also.
Friday, January 27, 2017 @ 12:21 pm
Truth is stranger than fiction! I can remember being astounded over some of the things I learned when researching my Civil War book. I often have an idea and think, “My readers won’t believe it!” only to do some research and find something far more bizarre! Keep walkin’ the line, friend!
Friday, January 27, 2017 @ 12:30 pm
Yep, I’ll echo the “been there, done that.” I’ve done it with stories, but also with songs. It really is an incredible thing and reinforces that we have such power in determining our reality and how we perceive it (which is why we need the Holy Spirit so badly). So interesting! Thanks Floyd.