Writers Who Suffered From the Sylvia Plath Effect

[admin tim]

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/03/18/writers-who-suffered-from-the-sylvia-plath-effect/

Now where have we seen this image before? :confused:

http://www.neatorama.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/plathsylviabio.jpg

[Howard Brown]

Sylvia Plath effect?

Whats that? Sticking your head in an oven ? She 86'ed herself that way. Shame really.

Sincerely,

The Man In Black With The Mein Kampf Look.

[Rescue Dog]

I found the article fascinating. Though not of the female gender of course, there are certain parallels that I couldn't help associating with. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with severe clinincal depression, and I've spent those last ten years battling with the illness, in addition to a number of physical ailments.

Without going into the gory details, it is true to say that perhaps those of 'an artistic bent' do tend to be more prone to this type of psychological illness than most people.

Much of my own writing and the characters I create in some of my books tend to spring from what I term 'my inner well' of personalities, which I suppose is a way of saying that they represent some of the darker elements of my own inner self, the 'dmaged' bit I suppose. The depression itself is often like a double edged sword, as I've been known to write some of my best stuff while in the throes of the deepest pit of of the depression. Quite often, I write a piece of work and when I read it back afterwards, find it hard to remember actually writing it in the first place.

I also began my writing career as a poet, which according to the article could have dire consequences in the future, (if I were female), though I hope not of course.

Anyway, being a male of course probably means that this particular 'effect' might just pass me by in terms of the most horrendous impact of it's prognosis, but, like I said, an absolutely fascinating and enlightening read!

Could this be why my agent calls me her 'Creepy Cool' client?

Best regards

Brian:sick:

[Gumshoe]

So, let me get this straight. Talented female authors often seem to suffer from depression and end as suicides. I guess this could explain why Karen Trenouth seems to always be so happy.

[Caroline Morris]

I suppose I have to say something here really, if only to state for the record that I didn't choose Sylvia, she chose me. :nod:

I doubt she will have much 'effect' on me though because, as the writer of the article also admits about herself: 'I have no talent for poetry whatsoever' (not the remotely serious kind anyway, and I'd make a rubbish novelist too). And I'm not remotely depressed about the fact. I have enjoyed the freedom not to have to write creatively since leaving school in 1971. Caption contests and rude rhymes are about my limit.

This sort of thing makes me wonder yet again about the creator of 'Sir Jim', with his darkly melodramatic prose and talentless 'funny little rhymes'. Are we looking for someone who wrote the diary while in a deepening pit of despair or with a deepening grin on his/her silly face?

I often think I should find a more representative avatar for myself, but I've grown rather attached to Sylvia, though not in a "with you all the way to the gas oven" way. :eek:

No artistic bent here I'm afraid.

Love,

Caz
X

[Mike Covell]

Jeez, Caroline, I always thought that was Gynith Paltrow on your Avatar!!

Back to the drawing board Mike:banghead::der::nono:

[Robert Linford]

What about poor Ted?

[Sam Flynn]

I often think I should find a more representative avatar for myself, but I've grown rather attached to Sylvia...and all our swains commend her, too, Caz ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o8vHk038_VY

...Dame Janet Baker, with a young Sir Don Souden on the joanna, if I'm not mistaken.

[Sam Flynn]

What about poor Ted?
Poor Ted lost out in the Playschool screen-test, narrowly beaten by his brothers, Big and Little.

[Robert Linford]

Similar thing with Brian Cant, Gareth - his cousin Immanuel Kant thought the kiddies would enjoy his Critique of Pure Reason but was shown the door. Brian came in a false nose. The rest is history.

[WRITEFX]

It's strange but I became the 'tortured artist' at the point when the person that used to encourage/support me moved away. I found that other people around were either envious or else didn't understand and before long I found myself going a little mad. Before that I used to do all the creative stuff without a care in the world.

[Howard Brown]

I'd like...or rather...I'd love to stick both the head of Debbie D ( Pur own Debbie Dobbins ) and her accursed poodle,Carmine into an oven. Does that make me half-talented?

[WRITEFX]

I'd like...or rather...I'd love to stick both the head of Debbie D ( Pur own Debbie Dobbins ) and her accursed poodle,Carmine into an oven. Does that make me half-talented?

No How, it makes you half-baked!

[Robert Linford]

You were roasted there, How.