Ruchi Acharya's Blog, page 5
November 13, 2024
Brain's Default Doomswitch: Why Negativity Takes Over and How to Deal with It
I'm back again to pour out my digital ink on the Wingless Dreamer Blog and offer a new insight, discovery, or gentle reminder about the Negative Nancy Brain. Have you ever wondered what's behind negative thoughts? You're doing everything in your power to feel more positive, but negativity still creeps back in. The question remains: why?
Let me answer that by asking another question: What do you see in the image above? Is the water jug half-filled or half-empty? (Don't grin - I know you're familiar with this experiment, but let me share a lesson with Generations Z and Alpha. Sit tight!)
There's no right or wrong answer. If you see the jug as half-empty, it typically signifies a negative perspective, focusing on the pessimistic aspect and emphasizing what's lacking. However, if you're an optimistic person, you'll cherish what's partially filled and view it as an optimistic outlook, celebrating the half-capacity that remains. After all, something is better than nothing.
These four groups of questions will help you answer the question of why negativity and guide you through the ways to deal with it better.
What makes you think this situation will turn out badly?
Is there an experience influencing your negative expectations?
How does expecting the worst outcome affect your mental well-being?
Do you feel like you're prepared for every possible outcome?
Are there any alternative, more positive outcomes you've considered?
Is there another way to look at this situation?
Are you assuming the worst without evidence?
Is this thought based on facts or fears?
Would you say this thought is helpful or harmful?
Can you reframe this negative thought into a more balanced one?
What's the root of your fear about this situation?
Are you afraid of losing control or making a mistake?
Is there a specific outcome you're trying to avoid?
How would you cope if the worst outcome happened?
Are there any irrational fears driving your expectations?
Encouraging Positive Perspectives:
What would you do if the best possible outcome happened?
Can you think of any positive aspects of this situation?
How might this experience help you grow or learn?
Are there any successes or strengths you can draw upon?
What would you say to a friend in a similar situation?
So, say bye-bye to the process of anticipating the worst possible outcome. Try to understand the psychological interpretation of it.
We often simplify someone's overall attitude towards life as either optimistic or pessimistic. However, there's more to it.
Our brain is wired to constantly scan for threats, thanks to our primordial ancestors who core-integrated this survival mechanism.
Although essential in prehistoric times, this instinct is largely unnecessary in the 21st century. Unlike our ancestors, who loomed large physical danger from wild animals, we no longer have to worry about being chased.
Your brain often thinks, "Better safe than sorry!" It's like having a built-in alarm system that sounds at the slightest hint of danger. However, sometimes these perceived dangers turn out to be golden opportunities knocking on your door.
For instance, imagine your manager asking you to give an impromptu presentation at a world conference attended by CEOs and founders of major companies – a rare gathering of influential leaders. Your heart will start racing, and before you know it, you'll be overcome with nervousness. So why this negativity and how do you deal with it? Your brain caught the delusional whiff of danger. To deal with this critical moment, you must overcome your mind and body's instincts and tap into your resilience to deliver a world-class performance.
Your brain stores past hurts and disappointments like old files in a dusty attic. Sometimes, it rummages through them, replaying negative thoughts in the loop. It's a vicious, unanticipated, and unstoppable cycle. But the good news is - it's controllable. We can always harness the psychological skillset to either hon the skill in diverting our mind or learn how to distract ourself. Eventually, by doing so, in no time we will be able to tackle the ghosts from the past. Time to trade in the ghosts for goals! No more haunting, it's hunting season now!
'Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.' -Bill Keane
As we are discussing this subject, I unknowingly feel a slight irritation. Before I knew my stomach started growling and yes, I was hungry! So, see sometimes, it has nothing to do with your mind but your body. Many biological factors can be responsible for the brain's grumpy mode such as the lack of sleep, a restless environment, a hungry body, etc. Tired brains tend to focus on the negative. Think of it as your brain's "hangry" mode! This subtle 'why' of negativity, though easily ignored, can be dealt with by taking care of your body.
I know it's hard to help, and no one truly understands us. Don't worry, we're in this together. As humans, we strive for perfection. Even small imperfections, like a pen out of its holder or Lego pieces scattered across the floor, can make us uncomfortable. EEEEESSSHHH! Our brains are wired to recognize patterns, which fuels our desire for perfection. But when reality falls short, disappointment and negativity creep in, leading us to say hurtful things to loved ones, only to regret them later.
To manage this, find your own sanctuary or haven where you can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or irritable. Whenever you sense your frustration building or messiness causing discomfort, take time out in your safe space until the feeling passes. Remind yourself that the world doesn't orbit around your expectations. Embrace the diversity of human experiences and accept that things won't always go as planned. Instead of focusing on what's lacking, shift your gaze to the brighter side. After all, the jar is half-filled – and that's something to be grateful for.
Every day, we're exposed to negativity - knowingly or unknowingly - through people, media, or our surroundings. What we often overlook is that our brain absorbs it like a sponge. Negativity isn't limited to extreme evils; even mediocrity and ill-mannered behaviours count. Our thoughts are shaped by the data we feed our minds and bodies.
Consider this: a toddler watching violent cartoons may mimic that behaviour, smashing windows or screens with a toy bat. This illustrates a profound truth: what we see is what we do. Our surroundings shape our actions, and our brain internalizes the messages we expose it to. This is one of the reasons why we battle with negativity but we can deal with it by prioritizing self-care. Make time to incorporate activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul like:
Melodious music or soothing sounds
Massage therapy or meditation
Nature walks or outdoor escapes
These simple habits can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
In the end, I would say that it's okay if you have a negative mindset. The Good News? You can rewire your brain to think more positively! All the best.
by Morgana Faye
something, deep within blood-red chambers, dwells
festering, withering mass of ill will and hysteria
mayhem of death and destruction of reason
It claws at the ivory cage keeping the creature at bay
anxious to lash ribbons of red against walls
wordless shrieks rattle against bony bars
hope It breathes, despair It exhales
drown the soul in a whirlpool of calamity
even so, It remains out of sight, out of mind
confined to a space inhospitable to all but one
that part of us that should never see the light of day
yet never one to let anyone forget
below wispy red strings and translucent streams
ghastly thrills chill warm blood
It creeps between spaces where life and death intersect
give way to a man’s last stand or end
once It takes hold, It will not let go
not until you take your last breath
all the while the shadows flicker and flay
for something, deep within blood-red chambers, dwells
Black screens aren’t something terrifying
And yet…
In this brief moment
I come face-to-face with this blankness
With the same vague reflection, the same shadows
Call of the void, so they say
To lose oneself within the infinity of everything and nothing
An all-encompassing black hole emptiness
Drawing you into a place beyond comprehension
Flesh and bones and skin and blood tether my soul
Yet, I feel some part of me drift away
Knowing this moment will pass and with it
This blank screen will save in its memories a stranger
One that takes on my face
Living different lives
Living different lies
Fear takes whatever shapes the mind forms.
There’s only so much the eyes can see, what the mind knows and understands. Even then, fear manifests the worst you believe something to be. Irrational it may be, it exists from things some part of you recognize as dangerous. After all, the human species didn’t come this far ignoring warning signs. Dangers exist both in plain sight and out of sight, out of mind. No matter what, fear is a core primal instinct that exists to protect us. I know that.
There’s just one problem, however.
Why does that creature look like me?
What do you fear more?
The things that bump in the night?
Or the possibility of their existence?
Does it scare you more to know they’re real?
Would you prefer they’re mere figments of your imagination?
Is it because feeling helpless bothers you that much?
Knowing you can’t win against shadows?
That your screams will die in the air?
That only bits and pieces could be what’s left of you?
But pray, tell me, who are the real monsters?
Where did they come from?
How did they come to be?
Why have we as a society come to recognize their names?
What does it take to break a person beyond help?
Doesn’t it bother you how comfortable we’ve become?
To share the same space as the very things we claim to loathe?
But that’s not why you worry, is it?
Tell me, do you really fear them?
Or do you fear becoming them?
How long will it take to break you?
RUCHI ACHARYA
Ruchi Acharya is a multi-talented author hailing from India who has a passion for writing poems on nature, war, and love. Despite having a strong background in Electrical and Electronics engineering, English Literature, and Business Analytics, Ruchi pursued her creative side and found her love for writing. Currently studying Shakespearean Literature, Ruchi has always had a deep appreciation for the literary arts.
Ruchi is the owner of Wingless Dreamer, an international publishing company that focuses on helping writers and artists find their footing in the industry. Her work with Wingless Dreamer reflects her dedication to the betterment of the writing and art communities.
In her spare time, Ruchi volunteers for social services and enjoys spending time outdoors, finding inspiration for her poetry in the natural world. With her many talents and interests, Ruchi continues to be a rising star in the literary world, with many eagerly anticipating her next work.
MORGANA FAYE
Morgana Faye is a short story writer and poet. From thoughts to words, she weaves into a cohesive body of work. Writing allows Morgana time to slow down, collect her thoughts, and present them on paper. To catch those words before they slip from her grasp, forever lost during translation. Though recent, her blossoming interest in the publishing industry marks a pivotal change. Fall 2019 saw her poem “Closer” published in King’s River Review. However, it was not until 2024 that she would consider publishing a viable career path. Even so, Morgana seeks to showcase her skills to the world.
Brain's Default Doomswitch: Why Negativity Takes Over
I'm back again to pour out my digital ink on the Wingless Dreamer Blog and offer a new insight, discovery, or gentle reminder about the Negative Nancy Brain. Have you ever wondered what's behind pessimistic thoughts? You're doing everything in your power to stay positive, but negativity still creeps back in. The question remains: why?
Let me answer that by asking another question: What do you see in the image above? Is the water jug half-filled or half-empty? (Don't grin - I know you're familiar with this experiment, but let me share a lesson with Generations Z and Alpha. Sit tight!)
There's no right or wrong answer. If you see the jug as half-empty, it typically signifies a negative perspective, focusing on the pessimistic aspect and emphasizing what's lacking. However, if you're an optimistic person, you'll cherish what's partially filled and view it as an optimistic outlook, celebrating the half-capacity that remains. After all, something is better than nothing.
Reflective Questions:
What makes you think this situation will turn out badly?
Is there a past experience influencing your negative expectations?
How does expecting the worst outcome affect your mental well-being?
Do you feel like you're prepared for every possible outcome?
Are there any alternative, more positive outcomes you've considered?
Is there another way to look at this situation?
Are you assuming the worst without evidence?
Is this thought based on facts or fears?
Would you say this thought is helpful or harmful?
Can you reframe this negative thought into a more balanced one?
What's the root of your fear about this situation?
Are you afraid of losing control or making a mistake?
Is there a specific outcome you're trying to avoid?
How would you cope if the worst outcome happened?
Are there any irrational fears driving your expectations?
Encouraging Positive Perspectives:
What would you do if the best possible outcome happened?
Can you think of any positive aspects of this situation?
How might this experience help you grow or learn?
Are there any successes or strengths you can draw upon?
What would you say to a friend in a similar situation?
So, say bye-bye to the process of anticipating the worst possible outcome. Try to understand the psychological interpretation of it.
We often simplify someone's overall attitude towards life as either optimistic or pessimistic. However, there's more to it.
Although essential in prehistoric times, this instinct is largely unnecessary in the 21st century. Unlike our ancestors, who loomed large physical danger from wild animals, we no longer have to worry about being chased.
Your brain often thinks, "Better safe than sorry!" It's like having a built-in alarm system that sounds at the slightest hint of danger. However, sometimes these perceived dangers turn out to be golden opportunities knocking on your door.
For instance, imagine your manager asking you to give an impromptu presentation at a world conference attended by CEOs and founders of major companies – a rare gathering of influential leaders. Your heart will start racing, and before you know it, you'll be overcome with nervousness. Why? This is the critical moment when you must overcome your mind and body's instincts and tap into your resilience to deliver a world-class performance.
Your brain stores past hurts and disappointments like old files in a dusty attic. Sometimes, it rummages through them, replaying negative thoughts in the loop. It's a vicious, unanticipated, and unstoppable cycle. But the good news is - it's controllable. We can always harness the psychological skillset to either hon the skill in diverting our mind or learn how to distract ourself. Eventually, by doing so, in no time we will be able to tackle the ghosts from the past. Time to trade in the ghosts for goals! No more haunting, it's hunting season now!
As we are discussing this subject, I unknowingly feel a slight irritation. Before I knew my stomach started growling and yes, I was hungry! So, see sometimes, it has nothing to do with your mind but your body. There can be many biological factors that are responsible for the brain's grumpy mode such as due to the lack of sleep, a restless environment, a hungry body etc. Tired brains tend to focus on the negative. Think of it as your brain's "hangry" mode!
I know it's hard to help, and no one truly understands us. Don't worry, we're in this together. As humans, we strive for perfection. Even small imperfections, like a pen out of its holder or Lego pieces scattered across the floor, can make us uncomfortable. EEEEESSSHHH! Our brains are wired to recognize patterns, which fuels our desire for perfection. But when reality falls short, disappointment and negativity creep in, leading us to say hurtful things to loved ones, only to regret them later.
To manage this, find your own sanctuary or haven where you can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or irritable. Whenever you sense your frustration building or messiness causing discomfort, take time out in your safe space until the feeling passes. Remind yourself that the world doesn't orbit around your expectations. Embrace the diversity of human experiences and accept that things won't always go as planned. Instead of focusing on what's lacking, shift your gaze to the brighter side. After all, the jar is half-filled – and that's something to be grateful for.
Every day, we're exposed to negativity - knowingly or unknowingly - through people, media, or our surroundings. What we often overlook is that our brain absorbs it like a sponge. Negativity isn't limited to extreme evils; even mediocrity and ill-mannered behaviours count. Our thoughts are shaped by the data we feed our minds and bodies.
Consider this: a toddler watching violent cartoons may mimic that behaviour, smashing windows or screens with a toy bat. This illustrates a profound truth: what we see is what we do. Our surroundings shape our actions, and our brain internalizes the messages we expose it to. From now on, prioritize self-care by incorporating activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Make time for:
Melodious music or soothing sounds
Massage therapy or meditation
Nature walks or outdoor escapes
These simple habits can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
In the end, I would say that it's okay if you have a negative mindset. The Good News? You can rewire your brain to think more positively! All the best.
by Morgana Faye
something, deep within blood-red chambers, dwells
festering, withering mass of ill will and hysteria
mayhem of death and destruction of reason
It claws at the ivory cage keeping the creature at bay
anxious to lash ribbons of red against walls
wordless shrieks rattle against bony bars
hope It breathes, despair It exhales
drown the soul in a whirlpool of calamity
even so, It remains out of sight, out of mind
confined to a space inhospitable to all but one
that part of us that should never see the light of day
yet never one to let anyone forget
below wispy red strings and translucent streams
ghastly thrills chill warm blood
It creeps between spaces where life and death intersect
give way to a man’s last stand or end
once It takes hold, It will not let go
not until you take your last breath
all the while the shadows flicker and flay
for something, deep within blood-red chambers, dwells
Black screens aren’t something terrifying
And yet…
In this brief moment
I come face-to-face with this blankness
With the same vague reflection, the same shadows
Call of the void, so they say
To lose oneself within the infinity of everything and nothing
An all-encompassing black hole emptiness
Drawing you into a place beyond comprehension
Flesh and bones and skin and blood tether my soul
Yet, I feel some part of me drift away
Knowing this moment will pass and with it
This blank screen will save in its memories a stranger
One that takes on my face
Living different lives
Living different lies
There’s only so much the eyes can see, what the mind knows and understands. Even then, fear manifests the worst you believe something to be. Irrational it may be, it exists from things some part of you recognize as dangerous. After all, the human species didn’t come this far ignoring warning signs. Dangers exist both in plain sight and out of sight, out of mind. No matter what, fear is a core primal instinct that exists to protect us. I know that.
There’s just one problem, however.
Why does that creature look like me?
What do you fear more?
The things that bump in the night?
Or the possibility of their existence?
Does it scare you more to know they’re real?
Would you prefer they’re mere figments of your imagination?
Is it because feeling helpless bothers you that much?
Knowing you can’t win against shadows?
That your screams will die in the air?
That only bits and pieces could be what’s left of you?
But pray, tell me, who are the real monsters?
Where did they come from?
How did they come to be?
Why have we as a society come to recognize their names?
What does it take to break a person beyond help?
Doesn’t it bother you how comfortable we’ve become?
To share the same space as the very things we claim to loathe?
But that’s not why you worry, is it?
Tell me, do you really fear them?
Or do you fear becoming them?
How long will it take to break you?
RUCHI ACHARYA
Ruchi Acharya is a multi-talented author hailing from India who has a passion for writing poems on nature, war, and love. Despite having a strong background in Electrical and Electronics engineering, English Literature, and Business Analytics, Ruchi pursued her creative side and found her love for writing. Currently studying Shakespearean Literature, Ruchi has always had a deep appreciation for the literary arts.
Ruchi is the owner of Wingless Dreamer, an international publishing company that focuses on helping writers and artists find their footing in the industry. Her work with Wingless Dreamer reflects her dedication to the betterment of the writing and art communities.
In her spare time, Ruchi volunteers for social services and enjoys spending time outdoors, finding inspiration for her poetry in the natural world. With her many talents and interests, Ruchi continues to be a rising star in the literary world, with many eagerly anticipating her next work.
MORGANA FAYE
Morgana Faye is a short story writer and poet. From thoughts to words, she weaves into a cohesive body of work. Writing allows Morgana time to slow down, collect her thoughts, and present them on paper. To catch those words before they slip from her grasp, forever lost during translation. Though recent, her blossoming interest in the publishing industry marks a pivotal change. Fall 2019 saw her poem “Closer” published in King’s River Review. However, it was not until 2024 that she would consider publishing a viable career path. Even so, Morgana seeks to showcase her skills to the world.
October 30, 2024
Why Journaling Matters: Your Guide through the Self-Discovery Journey
Hey reader, you know that feeling when your thoughts are racing, and it seems like your brain is buzzing with a million little things? In those moments, you probably wish you had a reset button for your mind. Well, I have something that’s almost as good: journaling.
I’m not talking about the old-school "Dear Diary" thing we see in the flicks (although, no judgment). I’m talking about a simple, effective way to make sense of the chaos in your head, understand yourself better, relieve stress, and, as science shows, even boost your mental health. And it doesn’t take much. Just you, a pen, and a notebook, or, let’s be real, your phone works too.
Think of it like this: when writing down your thoughts, you are doing more than just venting. You are embarking on a self-discovery journey by actively engaging both the logical and emotional sides of your brain. On one side, you’re processing facts, what happened, when, and how. On the other hand, you’re unpacking feelings about why something affected you the way it did.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people who journaled about their thoughts and emotions had lower levels of stress, improved moods, and even better physical health.
So, it’s not just some feel-good trend, there’s actual science behind it. Think of it as a way to clear the mental clutter and get some perspective.
If you’re like me and need cold, hard facts to back things up, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk numbers for a second:
● Trauma and Stress Relief: A groundbreaking study by psychologists James Pennebaker and Joshua Smyth found that writing about traumatic experiences helped people process them better and led to long-term improvements in mental health.
● Anxiety and Worry: Another study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology discovered that people who journaled regularly reported less anxiety over time.
● Mood and Well-Being: Cambridge University’s research found that just 15-20 minutes of journaling a day significantly improved emotional well-being after only a few weeks.
So yeah, the stats don’t lie, journaling is like free therapy, but more accessible, with no appointments needed.
Why should you bother? Well, journaling isn’t just a mental health tool, it’s a window into understanding yourself better. Here are a few key ways journaling can make a difference in your life:
How often do we go through life on autopilot? We react, we feel, but we rarely stop to ask why. Why do certain situations stress you out? Why do you always feel anxious? Journaling gets you to pause, notice and analyze the patterns. When you start journaling, you enter into a self-discovery journey, You’ll begin to uncover the "whys" behind your behaviors and emotions. This helps you better identify your strengths and weaknesses and makes growth possible.
You know that feeling when you’re on the verge of snapping but don’t want to take it out on anyone? Journaling is like venting but without the risk of hurting someone’s feelings or sounding dramatic. You get to say everything, the unfiltered version, the things you’d probably never say out loud, and get it out of your system.
There’s something powerful about writing your goals down, isn’t there? It’s like putting them into the universe makes them more real. Whether it’s something big, like a career change, or something small, like starting a new hobby, writing about your goals gives them life.
Here’s where journaling shines, it helps you discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there. You’re constantly evolving, learning, and growing, but how often do you take the time to notice? Journaling slows things down and lets you reflect on your self-discovery journey.
One of the best things about journaling is reading old entries. It’s like stepping into a time machine and seeing how far you’ve come. Seeing your growth on paper makes it real and reminds you that you’ve got the strength to handle whatever comes next.
Journaling also makes space for deeper questions. What’s holding you back? What are you most afraid of? What do you truly want out of life? By putting these big questions on paper, you start digging for answers.
When you write without thinking too much, or without judging your own words, you allow ideas and thoughts to flow freely. You might come up with creative solutions to problems, or even find a passion you didn’t know you had.
“Where do I even begin?” The good news is that there are no rules here. You don’t have to be a writer or follow any structure. Just start. These few tips will guide you towards starting your self-discovery journey through journaling.
● Choose a time: Maybe it’s first thing in the morning, or right before bed. Carve out a little time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
● Don’t filter: This isn’t for anyone else’s eyes but yours. So don’t worry about grammar or making sense. Just write.
● Try prompts: If you’re feeling stuck, use prompts like “What’s on my mind right now?” or “What am I grateful for today?” They’re great for getting the words flowing.
Journaling is a powerful tool for your self-discovery journey, emotional release, and mental clarity. Whether you’re working through tough emotions, setting goals, or just trying to understand yourself a little better, journaling can help. So why not give it a try?
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
SHREYA MISHRA
Meet Shreya Mishra, she is a blend of passion and purpose, seamlessly weaving the worlds of medicine and content creation. Her love for music and dance infuses rhythm into her life, while her compassionate spirit guides her journey toward healing and expression. Every step she takes resonates with curiosity and creativity, inspiring those around her with her warmth and determination.
Why Journaling Matters: A Simple Path to Self-Discovery
Hey reader, you know that feeling when your thoughts are racing, and it seems like your brain is buzzing with a million little things? In those moments, you probably wish you had a reset button for your mind. Well, I have something that’s almost as good: journaling.
I’m not talking about the old-school "Dear Diary" thing we see in the flicks (although, no judgment). I’m talking about a simple, effective way to make sense of the chaos in your head, a way to relieve stress, and, as science shows, even boost your mental health. And it doesn’t take much. Just you, a pen, and a notebook, or, let’s be real, your phone works too.
Think of it like this: when writing down your thoughts, you’re doing more than just venting. You’re actively engaging both the logical and emotional sides of your brain. On one side, you’re processing facts, what happened, when, and how. On the other hand, you’re unpacking feelings about why something affected you the way it did.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people who journaled about their thoughts and emotions had lower levels of stress, improved moods, and even better physical health.
So, it’s not just some feel-good trend, there’s actual science behind it. Think of it as a way to clear the mental clutter and get some perspective.
If you’re like me and need cold, hard facts to back things up, I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk numbers for a second:
● Trauma and Stress Relief: A groundbreaking study by psychologists James Pennebaker and Joshua Smyth found that writing about traumatic experiences helped people process them better and led to long-term improvements in mental health.
● Anxiety and Worry: Another study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology discovered that people who journaled regularly reported less anxiety over time.
● Mood and Well-Being: Cambridge University’s research found that just 15-20 minutes of journaling a day significantly improved emotional well-being after only a few weeks.
So yeah, the stats don’t lie, journaling is like free therapy, but more accessible, with no appointments needed.
Why should you bother? Well, journaling isn’t just a mental health tool, it’s a window into understanding yourself better. Here are a few key ways journaling can make a difference in your life:
How often do we go through life on autopilot? We react, we feel, but we rarely stop to ask why. Why do certain situations stress you out? Why do you always feel anxious? When you start journaling, you begin to notice patterns. You’ll uncover the "whys" behind your behaviors and emotions.
You know that feeling when you’re on the verge of snapping but don’t want to take it out on anyone? Journaling is like venting but without the risk of hurting someone’s feelings or sounding dramatic. You get to say everything, the unfiltered version, the things you’d probably never say out loud, and get it out of your system.
There’s something powerful about writing your goals down, isn’t there? It’s like putting them into the universe makes them more real. Whether it’s something big, like a career change, or something small, like starting a new hobby, writing about your goals gives them life.
Here’s where journaling shines, it helps you discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there. You’re constantly evolving, learning, and growing, but how often do you take the time to notice? Journaling slows things down and lets you reflect on your journey.
One of the best things about journaling is reading old entries. It’s like stepping into a time machine and seeing how far you’ve come. Seeing your growth on paper makes it real and reminds you that you’ve got the strength to handle whatever comes next.
Journaling also makes space for deeper questions. What’s holding you back? What are you most afraid of? What do you truly want out of life? By putting these big questions on paper, you start digging for answers.
When you write without thinking too much, or without judging your own words, you allow ideas and thoughts to flow freely. You might come up with creative solutions to problems, or even find a passion you didn’t know you had.
“Where do I even begin?” The good news is that there are no rules here. You don’t have to be a writer or follow any structure. Just start, here are a few tips:
● Choose a time: Maybe it’s first thing in the morning, or right before bed. Carve out a little time for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
● Don’t filter: This isn’t for anyone else’s eyes but yours. So don’t worry about grammar or making sense. Just write.
● Try prompts: If you’re feeling stuck, use prompts like “What’s on my mind right now?” or “What am I grateful for today?” They’re great for getting the words flowing.
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional release, and mental clarity. Whether you’re working through tough emotions, setting goals, or just trying to understand yourself a little better, journaling can help. So why not give it a try?
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
SHREYA MISHRA
Meet Shreya Mishra, she is a blend of passion and purpose, seamlessly weaving the worlds of medicine and content creation. Her love for music and dance infuses rhythm into her life, while her compassionate spirit guides her journey toward healing and expression. Every step she takes resonates with curiosity and creativity, inspiring those around her with her warmth and determination.
October 24, 2024
Book Review: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
After a sullen and sad week, I decided to pick up a random book on my Kindle, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. It’s not that I knew much about the book, it was just an excuse to stay longer in bed. And that I did.
I started reading it with laziness surrounding me. But with every passing page, I sensed the dullness segue into a peaceful resort.
An hour later, I was not in bed anymore. I was at the Morisaki bookshop.
The book, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, is about a girl in her mid-twenties who has lost her job and her boyfriend. Understandably, she is not feeling the thrill of being at the pinnacle of her youth. For days that turn into weeks, and weeks that turn into months, she sleeps.
A few weeks later, she gets invited to stay at the Morisaki bookshop. It might sound troublesome but I resonated with our protagonist, which might explain why I was staying in bed on a beautiful Sunday, rejecting my friends’ invites to at least 3 different places. Anyway, I started believing that moving to the bookshop was not just for her, but for readers like me as well.
We stayed there; we slept; we read. The book was like a breath of fresh air for me. I did not know that words had the power to exude relaxation. It helped me disconnect from my crowded, noisy, polluted reality and jump into the calm, serene, easy-going, and beautiful lanes of used bookshops in a small village called Jimbocho.
Since it was a breezy read expressing the love for books and a quiet life, it contained various short notes on different books and quotes. One of them caught my attention:
“The act of seeing is no small thing. To see something is to be possessed by it. Sometimes it carries off a part of you, sometimes it’s your whole soul. (Motojirō Kajii’s Landscapes of the Heart)
At some point in the past, someone reading this book had felt moved to take a pen and draw a line under these words. It made me happy to think that because I had been moved by that same passage too, I was now connected to that stranger.
Another time, I happened to find a pressed flower someone had left as a bookmark. As I inhaled the scent of the long-ago-faded flower, I wondered about the person who had put it there. Who in the world was she? When did she live? What was she feeling?
It’s only in secondhand books that you can savor encounters like this, connections that transcend time. And that’s how I learned to love the secondhand bookstore that handled these books, our Morisaki Bookshop.”
It makes one wonder about the magic of books. How we can connect to anyone who comes across a book you’ve read and felt the things that you’ve felt.
The book progresses and I get to meet Momoko. Initially, I felt bad for Uncle Satoru (who is Gojo Satoru’s namesake and this small discovery made me chuckle). But as I kept reading, the depth of the situation hit me.
Why is it so difficult to live and let live? Why does life keep interfering? Is the key to happiness trying to live but not let life happen? How is that even possible? Maybe that’s why people say one should enjoy the journey and not the destination. Because the journey is what happiness is- before life happens. To me, to you, and anyone.
By the time I finished, this book, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, left me with a genuine smile—a quiet reminder that, sometimes, a simple escape is all we need. It was a well-spent Sunday.
Visiting Morisaki Bookshop wasn’t a grand journey for me, but a small, meaningful retreat from life’s noise. It doesn’t offer grand heroics or gut-wrenching tragedy. Instead, it offers something more rare: peace. This is a story that brings you back to yourself, like a warm hug after a hard week.
So if you ever feel lost, remember—everything will be fine. Breathe. You’re doing better than you think.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
ESHA SHUKLA
Esha is a literature student. All she does is jump from one story to another, taking leaps into the many worlds she has created for herself via books, movies and art. Inspired by Wellington Wimpy, you can easily catch her eating a burger somewhere.
Book Review: I visited the Morisaki Bookshop
After a sullen and sad week, I decided to pick up a random book on my Kindle. It’s not that I knew much about the book, it was just an excuse to stay longer in bed. And that I did.
I started reading it with laziness surrounding me. But with every passing page, I sensed the dullness segue into a peaceful resort.
An hour later, I was not in bed anymore. I was at the Morisaki bookshop.
The book is about a girl in her mid-twenties who has lost her job and her boyfriend. Understandably, she is not feeling the thrill of being at the pinnacle of her youth. For days that turn into weeks, and weeks that turn into months, she sleeps.
A few weeks later, she gets invited to stay at the Morisaki bookshop. It might sound troublesome but I resonated with our protagonist, which might explain why I was staying in bed on a beautiful Sunday, rejecting my friends’ invites to at least 3 different places. Anyway, I started believing that moving to the bookshop was not just for her, but for readers like me as well.
We stayed there; we slept; we read. The book was like a breath of fresh air for me. I did not know that words had the power to exude relaxation. It helped me disconnect from my crowded, noisy, polluted reality and jump into the calm, serene, easy-going, and beautiful lanes of used bookshops in a small village called Jimbocho.
Since it was a breezy read expressing the love for books and a quiet life, it contained various short notes on different books and quotes. One of them caught my attention:
“The act of seeing is no small thing. To see something is to be possessed by it. Sometimes it carries off a part of you, sometimes it’s your whole soul. (Motojirō Kajii’s Landscapes of the Heart)
At some point in the past, someone reading this book had felt moved to take a pen and draw a line under these words. It made me happy to think that because I had been moved by that same passage too, I was now connected to that stranger.
Another time, I happened to find a pressed flower someone had left as a bookmark. As I inhaled the scent of the long-ago-faded flower, I wondered about the person who had put it there. Who in the world was she? When did she live? What was she feeling?
It makes one wonder about the magic of books. How we can connect to anyone who comes across a book you’ve read and felt the things that you’ve felt.
The book progresses and I get to meet Momoko. Initially, I felt bad for Uncle Satoru (who is Gojo Satoru’s namesake and this small discovery made me chuckle). But as I kept reading, the depth of the situation hit me.
Why is it so difficult to live and let live? Why does life keep interfering? Is the key to happiness trying to live but not let life happen? How is that even possible? Maybe that’s why people say one should enjoy the journey and not the destination. Because the journey is what happiness is- before life happens. To me, to you, and anyone.
Visiting Morisaki Bookshop wasn’t a grand journey, but a small, meaningful retreat from life’s noise. It doesn’t offer grand heroics or gut-wrenching tragedy. Instead, it offers something more rare: peace. This is a story that brings you back to yourself, like a warm hug after a hard week.
So if you ever feel lost, remember—everything will be fine. Breathe. You’re doing better than you think.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
ESHA SHUKLA
Esha is a literature student. All she does is jump from one story to another, taking leaps into the many worlds she has created for herself via books, movies and art. Inspired by Wellington Wimpy, you can easily catch her eating a burger somewhere.
September 24, 2024
5 Legendary Unfinished Novels That Still Itch Us
Has it happened ever that you were reading a novel and it suddenly came to a halt? It's as if the author of the novel wants you to take it forward handing you the pen halfway and hinting towards you exploring the virgin territories of our minds, and becoming not just readers but co-authors.
It’s almost as if the author intends to reflect the fact that you, too, are incomplete in your journey. What do you think, do you find it frustrating or freeing when a store leaves you hanging? For me, when a story pauses abruptly, it reminds me of life like how it rarely gives clean wrap-ups.
Sometimes the most intriguing stories are the ones that never got to see their final chapter. The characters, their struggles, their joy—they linger in our thoughts, evolving and changing every time we revisit them. Let’s look into five of the most famous unfinished novels that have left readers in awe, stunned by what they didn’t get to read.
The king of Victorian literature, Charles Dickens, was known for creating unforgettable characters and gripping stories. He was in the middle of crafting “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” when life had other plans. He passed away in 1870, leaving “the tale forever incomplete.
The novel tells the story of young Edwin Drood, who mysteriously vanishes, and, of course, there’s suspicion of murder.
We’ll never know for sure, and that’s part of the genius. It’s the ultimate literary cliffhanger.
Over the years, fans have speculated, scholars have debated, and even modern authors have tried their hand at finishing the story. Imagine reading a thriller that builds up all the suspense, only to slam on the brakes just when you’re about to figure it all out.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Last Tycoon
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Last Tycoon” was meant to be Fitzgerald’s exploration of the glitzy yet ruthless world of Hollywood, following the life of a powerful movie producer named Monroe Stahr.
Stahr’s character is full of contradictions, brilliant, driven, and successful, but also deeply flawed and haunted by personal loss.
The novel has all the classic Fitzgerald elements, broken dreams, the dark side of fame, and the delicate human emotions beneath power and wealth.
But tragically, Fitzgerald passed away in 1940 before he could finish it, leaving the story incomplete. He left behind fragments and notes, leaving readers to piece together what might have been a literary masterpiece.
Robert Musil: The Man Without Qualities
Robert Musil’s “The Man Without Qualities” is not a typical light read, this one is for the thinkers. Musil started writing it in the early 20th century, but he passed away in 1942 before he could complete the epic.
The novel follows a man named Ulrich, who lives in Austria just before World War I. He’s searching for meaning in a world that seems increasingly chaotic and empty. Musil uses this character to explore everything from politics to the meaning of life itself. Despite being over 1,700 pages long, the novel doesn’t offer readers any conclusion.
It’s a dense, challenging book, but its incompleteness adds to its mystery. You feel like you’re reading someone’s deepest thoughts—and then suddenly, they stop mid-sentence. For some, it might be frustrating, but for some, it’s a fitting end to a novel that was always more about the journey than the destination.
Jane Austen: Sanditon
Jane Austen, known for her sharp wit and romantic plots, left her last novel Sanditon unfinished when she passed away in 1817. Austen only completed 11 chapters before her illness took her, leaving readers to forever wonder how the story would have unfolded. This book was supposed to be a fresh, lively take on a new town trying to establish itself as a fashionable seaside resort.
When you think of Jane Austen, you think of elegant balls, sharp wit, and romantic entanglements. Sanditon, her final novel, was no exception. But unlike Pride and Prejudice or Emma, this one was never finished.
Who knows what delightful twists and turns Austen had planned? That’s the beauty and frustration of it.
David Foster Wallace: The Pale King
David Foster Wallace’s “The Pale King” was a literary force, however, when he passed away in 2008, he left behind the novel. The novel was posthumously assembled and published, but it’s fragmented, deliberately so. Wallace’s brilliance lies in those fragments, the way he weaves boredom and bureaucracy into something strangely beautiful.
But the fact that it’s incomplete only adds to its allure. It feels like a puzzle with missing pieces, where you can see the outline of something incredible, but you’ll never get the full picture. For Wallace fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the genius that left us too soon.
Did Edwin Drood meet a tragic end, or was there a surprise twist Dickens never got to reveal? Would Monroe Stahr’s rise and fall in The Last Tycoon have mirrored Jay Gatsby’s tragic fate? How would Jane Austen have unfolded the lives of her Sanditon characters with her signature humor and wit? The incomplete nature of these books adds a layer of intrigue that fully finished works rarely achieve.
Moreover, these novels serve as a poignant reminder of the authors themselves, their humanity, their ambitions, and the way they lived and worked. Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, Robert Musil, and David Foster Wallace all left behind legacies that changed the course of literature, even though some of their final projects remained incomplete. Their unfinished novels are a testament to the creative process messy, evolving, and sometimes cut short by the constraints of time.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Meet Shreya Mishra, she is a blend of passion and purpose, seamlessly weaving the worlds of medicine and content creation. Her love for music and dance infuses rhythm into her life, while her compassionate spirit guides her journey toward healing and expression. Every step she takes resonates with curiosity and creativity, inspiring those around her with her warmth and determination. She is also the host of Wingless Dreamer Podcast.
September 6, 2024
The Impact of Authenticity: How Honest Storytelling Builds Emotional Strength
When appearances are valued over actuality, authenticity or honesty seem elusive. It is not a concept or a trait that you can just pin down with simple words it can only be felt or experienced. It is a tangible force that can be felt through the unspoken trust it fosters and the connections it nurtures.
Touching the core of authenticity wields in you a power that enables you to transcend the boundaries that restrict your true expression. Authenticity nudges you to unapologetically embrace yourself be true to who you are and show up as you are. However, in a world saturated with imitation being authentic and trying to capture its full essence can seem almost impossible.
Even realizing the force it wields, it is not easy to be authentic, it is an uphill battle.
For the reason that it requires you to be vulnerable, venturesome, and resolute enough to confront the aspects of yourself that you rather keep veiled from people’s view.
Authenticity leads to interactions that are grounded in realness and respect. It lets you stand in your truth and not seek validation. It reminds you that your worth comes from within and not without. When you are authentic your honesty ignites and invites meaningful conversations leading you to forge lasting relationships.
Being authentic encourages you to self-introspect and allow yourself to learn and evolve. It lets you experience inner peace and live in alignment with your true self leading to strengthening your idea of identity. In liberating your authenticity you help yourself ultimately leading to a unique life that is full of intent and grace.
The Test of Inner Strength
Authenticity is like a test of your inner fortitude and it demands you to face your truest selves with honesty despite societal pressures and persuasion.
The fear of judgment may paralyze you but your authenticity will propel you to strip the layers of imitations, expectations, and indecision and let you see the rawness of who you are.
When you embrace authenticity, you allow yourself to dance on the edge. You might venture into uncertainties, tempt the unknown, explore different terrains, and blaze new trails. This readiness and edginess will push you not only to enhance your creativity but also allow you to defy the odds and discover new aspects of yourself.
Authenticity empowers you to stand firmly against the world that rewards conformity. At times authenticity can get uncomfortable as it pushes you to do away with the facades of perfection, embrace possibilities of contradiction, and question the foundation of your self-perception.
Creativity is the ultimate form of self-expression through which ideas, emotions, and experiences come to vitality. At the heart of it, the most rich and resounding creativity stems from authenticity. By being authentic and creating a space of reality, you not only stand out but also unite with others on a deep level.
Authenticity’s role in creativity is all about showcasing genuine reflections, emotions, and mindsets. It’s about not trying to emulate others’ styles or cater to external anticipations but rather allowing your authentic self to guide the creative process.
Authenticity is not just about producing work that resonates with audiences it’s also a therapeutic process. Where you channel your true self into your storytelling and engage in a form of self-exploration and healing. You confront your emotions and experiences, allowing yourself to mold your masterpiece and bend the story to your will.
Eventually, it makes it easy to sense the world around us and recognize our place within it. Authenticity in creativity eases self-discovery, helping us understand and express aspects of ourselves that might otherwise stay in the shadows. By being authentic the work becomes a reflection of our identity. This is what gives our craft, writing, music, or any other creative endeavor its uniqueness.
In today's world where it’s easy to miss our path in the bluster, authenticity is the greatest aid for a creative person. It’s what makes the work stand out, what connects you with the audience, and ensures that the creative venture is momentous and memorable.
Unleashing your artistic voice will allow you to tap into your genuine thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. The voice lets you forge a safe place of honesty where you don’t fall prey to external persuasions and let your authentic self lead your creative journey.
A genuine artistic voice will resonate with people because it is relatable. Audiences can often sense when something is being narrated from the heart and possess real-life experiences. They are naturally drawn to depictions that come from the narrator’s true self.
By embracing your authentic voice you let authenticity challenge your boundaries, and shape your legacy.
Authenticity in storytelling suggests creating a plot presenting characters, emotions, and events that feel real and relatable. It’s about drawing from your genuine experiences, emotions, and truths, rather than relying on clichés or superficial portrayals.
When your story is authentic, it has the power to allure audiences and connect with them on an intimate level, making them feel engaged and amused. For authentic storytelling, you have to tap into the universal human experience.
You have to reflect on the complexities of life, including its struggles, joys, and contradictions, in a way that’s honest and unfiltered. The realism in your story will allow the audience to glimpse themselves in the story allowing them to create a bond that lasts long after the tale is told.
Embrace Authenticity in Your Storytelling
Authenticity can be your greatest asset in storytelling. It is what will set your work apart, make it meaningful, and ensure it leaves a lasting impact on your audience who experiences it.
So, as you sit down to tell your next story, remember, that the most powerful stories have come from a place of truth. So always let your authentic self be your guide in your creative journey. You will see your storytelling soaring higher and reaching your audience's soul cutting through the noise.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
SHREYA MISHRA
Meet Shreya Mishra, she is a blend of passion and purpose, seamlessly weaving the worlds of medicine and content creation. Her love for music and dance infuses rhythm into her life, while her compassionate spirit guides her journey toward healing and expression. Every step she takes resonates with curiosity and creativity, inspiring those around her with her warmth and determination.
The Impact of Authenticity: How Honest Storytelling Builds Emotional Strength?
When appearances are valued over actuality, authenticity or honesty seem elusive. It is not a concept or a trait that you can just pin down with simple words it can only be felt or experienced. It is a tangible force that can be felt through the unspoken trust it fosters and the connections it nurtures.
Touching the core of authenticity wields in you a power that enables you to transcend the boundaries that restrict your true expression. Authenticity nudges you to unapologetically embrace yourself be true to who you are and show up as you are. However, in a world saturated with imitation being authentic and trying to capture its full essence can seem almost impossible.
For the reason that it requires you to be vulnerable, venturesome, and resolute enough to confront the aspects of yourself that you rather keep veiled from people’s view.
Authenticity leads to interactions that are grounded in realness and respect. It lets you stand in your truth and not seek validation. It reminds you that your worth comes from within and not without. When you are authentic your honesty ignites and invites meaningful conversations leading you to forge lasting relationships.
Being authentic encourages you to self-introspect and allow yourself to learn and evolve. It lets you experience inner peace and live in alignment with your true self leading to strengthening your idea of identity. In liberating your authenticity you help yourself ultimately leading to a unique life that is full of intent and grace.
The Test of Inner Strength
Authenticity is like a test of your inner fortitude and it demands you to face your truest selves with honesty despite societal pressures and persuasion.
When you embrace authenticity, you allow yourself to dance on the edge. You might venture into uncertainties, tempt the unknown, explore different terrains, and blaze new trails. This readiness and edginess will push you not only to enhance your creativity but also allow you to defy the odds and discover new aspects of yourself.
Authenticity empowers you to stand firmly against the world that rewards conformity. At times authenticity can get uncomfortable as it pushes you to do away with the facades of perfection, embrace possibilities of contradiction, and question the foundation of your self-perception.
Creativity is the ultimate form of self-expression through which ideas, emotions, and experiences come to vitality. At the heart of it, the most rich and resounding creativity stems from authenticity. By being authentic and creating a space of reality, you not only stand out but also unite with others on a deep level.
Authenticity’s role in creativity is all about showcasing genuine reflections, emotions, and mindsets. It’s about not trying to emulate others’ styles or cater to external anticipations but rather allowing your authentic self to guide the creative process.
Authenticity is not just about producing work that resonates with audiences it’s also a therapeutic process. Where you channel your true self into your storytelling and engage in a form of self-exploration and healing. You confront your emotions and experiences, allowing yourself to mold your masterpiece and bend the story to your will.
Eventually, it makes it easy to sense the world around us and recognize our place within it. Authenticity in creativity eases self-discovery, helping us understand and express aspects of ourselves that might otherwise stay in the shadows. By being authentic the work becomes a reflection of our identity. This is what gives our craft, writing, music, or any other creative endeavor its uniqueness.
In today's world where it’s easy to miss our path in the bluster, authenticity is the greatest aid for a creative person. It’s what makes the work stand out, what connects you with the audience, and ensures that the creative venture is momentous and memorable.
A genuine artistic voice will resonate with people because it is relatable. Audiences can often sense when something is being narrated from the heart and possess real-life experiences. They are naturally drawn to depictions that come from the narrator’s true self.
By embracing your authentic voice you let authenticity challenge your boundaries, and shape your legacy.
Authenticity in storytelling suggests creating a plot presenting characters, emotions, and events that feel real and relatable. It’s about drawing from your genuine experiences, emotions, and truths, rather than relying on clichés or superficial portrayals.
When your story is authentic, it has the power to allure audiences and connect with them on an intimate level, making them feel engaged and amused. For authentic storytelling, you have to tap into the universal human experience.
You have to reflect on the complexities of life, including its struggles, joys, and contradictions, in a way that’s honest and unfiltered. The realism in your story will allow the audience to glimpse themselves in the story allowing them to create a bond that lasts long after the tale is told.
Authenticity can be your greatest asset in storytelling. It is what will set your work apart, make it meaningful, and ensure it leaves a lasting impact on your audience who experiences it.
So, as you sit down to tell your next story, remember, that the most powerful stories have come from a place of truth. So always let your authentic self be your guide in your creative journey. You will see your storytelling soaring higher and reaching your audience's soul cutting through the noise.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
SHREYA MISHRA
Meet Shreya Mishra, she is a blend of passion and purpose, seamlessly weaving the worlds of medicine and content creation. Her love for music and dance infuses rhythm into her life, while her compassionate spirit guides her journey toward healing and expression. Every step she takes resonates with curiosity and creativity, inspiring those around her with her warmth and determination.
August 29, 2024
5 Game-Changing Secrets for Crafting Character Backstories
You wouldn't deny the fact that stories are the most powerful weapon when it comes to alleviating human sentiments at the top-most level this world has ever imagined. You can cross the threshold and take your imagination beyond the horizon. The sky is the limit. A writer pushes, pulls, and goes through all sorts of emotional turbulence to yield a plethora of intense emotions out of readers. According to the Sanskrit mantra from Chandyogya Upanishads, Aham Brahmasmi (अहं ब्रह्मास्मि) meaning,
All you need to learn is how to use the resources at your expense to create a masterpiece that can move people. Give your readers something to bite on. They say that you read stories to escape reality but I disagree. It's not about escaping reality but understanding reality better from different perspectives. In a story, I always found character backstories to be fascinating because without a backdrop your characters are a mere tool of nameless soul. After the hit-and-trial method, I have finally jotted down the top 5 game-changing secrets for crafting character backstories. Without any further ado, let's get started-
Many writers frequently create character backstories that are disconnected from the current plot, leading to confusion between defining the character’s traits and their background. This mistake might be unintentional, but it can give the impression of amateur writing, suggesting a lack of direction or understanding of the craft. Professionalism requires a seamless integration of backstory and plot, ensuring that every detail serves the story's overall purpose.
Personally, my thoughts now and then always delve into the past.
It's quintessential to connect the backstory to the present. A character's history should have a direct-forward influence on their present actions, beliefs, and inspirations. This connection not only makes the character more relatable, relevant and realistic but also enriches the whole narration by adding layers of depth and complexity.
By integrating the backstory into the present, you ensure that the character's past experiences are not just isolated events but integral parts of their development. For instance, a character who experienced betrayal in the past by a narcissistic partner may struggle with trust issues in the present with people who exhibit the same personality. This creates a sense of continuity and allows the reader to understand the character's behavior on a deeper level. It also helps them resonate with the character's emotions, making the entire reading experience more compelling.
The most significant thing to keep in mind while unveiling a character's backstory is to serve your story's purpose. You are on a mission to enhance the reader's connection with the character. There are a few ways to do so.
You can always justify actions meaning give readers a reason explaining why a character makes a certain decision or behaves in a particular way. This adds to the character's motivations.
Instead of narrating or simply writing down in a big paragraph, show it to them by weaving dialogues, actions or memories. Let the reader do the homework and use their imagination or experiences to discover the backstory through subtle hints.
Create an emotional impact by heightening the emotional stakes and deepening the reader's empathy for the character. Highlight how significant events in the character's history have emotionally affected them. This can include past traumas, successes, or failures that continue to influence their present life. It may sound hoarse but yes, play with the feelings.
Suspense is the key to a pure-dead brilliant story. You can tease the readers by bringing it to the protagonist's memory bit by bit. Create mystery, downfall, and anticipation. Give your readers enough to keep them intrigued and glued to your story. Make them turn the page.
By unveiling a character’s backstory with purpose, you not only enrich the narrative but also create a more engaging and resonant experience for your readers.
In a world where everyone is battling to achieve their goals, your story can stand out by introducing conflicts and character development.
These struggles drive their motivations, enhance emotional engagement, and support their growth. Additionally, they create meaningful conflict, enriching your narrative and making the story more captivating.
I understand how challenging it can be to respond to a verbose writer, especially with everything else on your mind. When I first started as a creative writer, I struggled to keep my paragraphs concise, often ending up with overly long passages that veered off track and got lost in sub-plots. To avoid this, always keep your background story or subplots secondary to the main plot. Think of them as accessories to your novel, not the main focus.
The secret to making a backstory effective is to reveal hidden character insights that haven’t yet been disclosed in the current story. You need to filter events, dates, places, past storylines, and timings that will help connect the dots for readers as the character’s story unfolds. You can create a nuanced portrait in the following ways:
Uncover Hidden Motivations: Jump into the character's past life to reveal underlying reasons for their current behaviour and choices. Give your readers reasoning and space to let them form their valuable opinions that can later serve in the story profoundly.
Explore Relationships: Examine, study and research key relationships from the character's past, such as family dynamics, friendships, foes, or rivalries. These relationships can provide insight into their values, fears, strengths, and desires.
Reveal Conflicts and Resolutions: Consider, the past conflicts and how the character dealt with them. This adds gravity by showing how they handle gruesome challenges and what they've learned from them.
Integrate Symbolism and Themes: Use symbolic elements or recurring themes in the character’s past to tie their backstory to the main plot. This can help underline key aspects of their personality and journey.
Once again, I would strongly like to urge all the writers who are reading this, don't be afraid of taking risks. Don't be afraid to be experimental and playful. Avoid the same old mundane subplots and history of the character and just pour your heart out. Speak your mind and I am sure you will pass with flying colours. Keep writing.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
RUCHI ACHARYA
Ruchi Acharya is a distinguished author based in Mumbai, India, renowned for her captivating book Off the Cliff. With a prolific presence in the literary world, Ruchi has been featured in over 100 journals globally. Her academic pursuits include a summer course in English Literature from the University of Oxford, which further fueled her passion for British classics. As the founder of Wingless Dreamer Publisher, she continues to champion emerging voices in literature. Ruchi’s writing is deeply influenced by her love for poetry, which remains her greatest strength, and she is celebrated for her insightful and evocative storytelling.
Website: https://www.ruchiacharya.com
"All worries are less with wine."
