midnightverse

@SimplyBill Your words really got me thinking, and I’d love to write a fuller response—maybe even by mail, if you’re okay with that. Feels like the kind of exchange that deserves more than a comment box.

Dear friend.
            
            As in my story that I started to post here on Watt. I related how a name means quite a lot. I couldn't believe it took almost the whole second chapter to allow a name to be discovered. The name Bill, I treasure. As for you I haven't a name yet, so I sound like a Chinese person saying, "dear friend". But in all sincerity if it works for you, that is what I'll happily use.
            
            I was sitting in the disruptive noise of the casino today. I started writing little phrases, like a game in my mind. As I thought away, I realized something in my writing that makes me wonder. I wrote down:
            "Don't throw away your crutch before you enter the swamp."
            
            It seems like I depend on magic and non-realistic shaped events, to keep up the excitement in my stories.
            
            There is so much I need to learn, so much that I need to struggle with until I gain the skill to make normal life seem exciting. Until then maybe I need to use unrealistic excitement to fuel my stories.
            
            I enjoy reading stories using the same support from events that are unbelievable. I enjoy strong characters, but in life I don't have such strengths. I feel I'm attracted to what I'm not, because I feel myself as common and that has become boring. Though, I'm glad I'm not vicious, violent or reactive.
            
            Then in the casino a person was bouncing so hard on a chair, that the chair flew out and he or she ended up sprawled on the ground. (I concluded maybe it is good not to be too crazy).  I definitely don't have problems to such a degree as to try to break a chair. But in writing I may take advantage of the outrageous and the insane. 
            
            But there are other things that can attract the attention of our readers. And that is a challenge for me. To write without crutches, to touch the heart of the reader. I know you have found this even before I have. We do travel the same road, even if our travels are half a world away.

@SimplyBill Hey Bill,
            Reading your message felt like sitting on a quiet porch with a good cup of tea, just letting the silence speak. Your world sounds calm, a little dry and distant maybe, but also full of thought and reflection.
            
            I get what you mean about psychology and the mysteries of the past—it's wild how much sense things start to make once we have words for them. It’s like giving shape to ghosts.
            
            And about writing? Same. There's a version of me that’s always had too many thoughts and not enough grammar rules to hold them. But I think what matters more is heart. And yours? It's definitely in your words.
            
            I’d love to keep talking—your stories feel like little time capsules. I’ll write you soon at the email you gave. Just promise me you’ll actually check it sometimes? 

@Coupsmaleon yup did it recently...thank you! :))