“Lighten Up!”

 As Americans, we love our labels. On the web we label everything: spam, viruses, blogs, techies and the list goes on. Well…researchers and psychologists do something very similar. My favorite example is psychopathology. As a writer, you know this label. Many good mystery writers have at least one of these scary creatures as their antagonist. In Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter is a stunning example of these very scary people.

 The Psychopathy of Writing

 As writers you need to know that the field of psychology has now changed this label. The labels of psychopath, sociopath and even serial killer have changed to antisocial personality disorder. This disorder also falls under the umbrella of personality disorders in general. Other disorders under this umbrella include borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.

 In the case of antisocial personality disorder, this label seems to downplay the seriousness of this disorder. But, take heart, since the words psychopath and sociopath are deeply woven into our American vernacular. The labels will not disappear anytime soon. Researchers have also changed the term psychopathology to the word “psychopathy”. The correct pronunciation is with the accent on the “o” with a sound similar to the “aw” as in “awful”. Psychopathy. Call it what you will…who are these guys anyway?

 While a description is beyond the scope of this article, I would like to focus on two features often present in personality disorders: hallucinations and delusions. Both of these are defined as psychotic features. A psychosis is a severe mental disorder in which the person loses contact with reality. Parents, by having children, by default, suffer multiple psychotic episodes while raising their offspring. So…who else is at high risk for psychosis, hallucinations and delusions? Yup. You guessed it…writers.

While we consider the above behaviors as abnormal, there is an important distinction. Researchers cannot definitively say exactly what is normal behavior and what is abnormal behavior. Rather, they consider both of these labels as on a continuum. Imagine a line with abnormal behavior at one end and normal behavior at the other end. People, throughout their lives, travel from one end to the other end. Optimal functioning is located somewhere in the middle.

Now the kicker. Writers must force themselves to function more towards the abnormal end of the continuum. Floating at this end forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you takes risks with your writings. If you are sitting comfortably in a world where you write for your own pleasure you will never, ever become a successful writer, whether you seek publication or payment for your words. You are also denying the world from enjoying your wonderful writings and that is a shame.

Thus, the psychopathy of writing. Expect many losses of contact with reality as you battle people who tell you your writing should be just a hobby. Withstand the pressure from others who think you’re crazy because you know you can make a living as a writer. People will view your dream as a psychotic break with reality and YOU will even begin to question your own sanity. Don’t go there! Putting your words out there, for all the world to see, is heart wrenching. Yet, you cannot be successful without this unsettling feeling. Trust yourself and your words. Understand that psychotic breaks are temporary and soon pass. Don’t let them deter you from your dreams. You’ll regret it forever.

Now, go do something psychotic. Submit a query letter to one of the markets listed in one of our newsletters or to one of the markets on your wish list. Don’t back down and don’t back out. That psychotic break with reality is your ticket to success. Don’t think about it…just do it!

Joyce Jace

Copyright 2005

 Look for more psychosis in Joyce’ book, “Face Your Fears…and Just Write”, for sale at WrittenWell.com’s web site on our page marked “The Reading Room”. It is available as a download, CD or hardcover spiral bound book. If you’d like to learn more about psychopathy you can also purchase her book, “Valid Villains and Victims” also available on the “Reading Room” page. Joyce describes numerous personality disorders and mental health disorders written for writers. This information can help flesh out and add depth to the characters in your novel. It will also be available for sale at WrittenWell.com.

                                                          Stay Tuned!