Write of Passage Weekly

Hey writers,

Welcome back to Write of Passage Weekly. Last week, you learned how conversations can ignite your creativity. This week, explore how powerful, passionate writing can stem from painful experiences.

Passion and the Crucible of Great Writing

The words “passion” and “suffering” both come from the Latin verb “patior,” which means “to endure.” Colloquially, we take passion to be a fervent and desirable enthusiasm, and we take suffering to be a painful thing to avoid. But the two were essentially synonymous in earlier times, describing the characteristics of profound and transformative experiences.

Many classic works of literature were borne from a deep well of personal suffering. Consider the timeless novels and memoirs that have left an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness: Fyodor Dostoevsky’s exploration of existential anguish in Notes from Underground, Virginia Woolf’s poignant portrayal of mental illness in Mrs. Dalloway, or Maya Angelou’s powerful reflections on battling stigma and trauma in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The thing that makes these classics is the fact that the authors didn’t shy away from their suffering; rather, they channeled it into their writing, transforming their struggles into stories that connect to each and every one of us on a fundamental level. They wrote about what they had endured (patior).

The most powerful writing emerges from a place of authenticity. Writers who can access their memories and draw from the depths of their experience tap a reservoir of feeling that infuses their work with inimitable depth. And when a writer connects what they’ve experienced to what they create, writing becomes a conduit for truth. Readers have a keen sense for inauthenticity, and you will only keep their attention if you are sharing what is most true to you. 

Suffering is the crucible in which passion is forged. The trials that you endure are not obstacles to your craft but the essential elements that shape your voice and perspective. Through suffering, you come to know your true passion. And it is this passion that brings life to your words, creating writing that is metamorphic and soul-touching.

When you embrace the symbiotic relationship between passion and suffering, you find creative power in their combined strength: ecstasy and pain. Ignoring either part of your experience would be inauthentic; expressing both parts makes for writing that endures in the minds of your readers.

How I Write Podcast

Addicted to Distraction | Ted Gioia

You may know Ted as a music historian, and the go-to expert on jazz. Or, you may know him as the author of The Honest Broker on Substack. Either way, he’s the most erudite guest this show has ever seen.

Ted gives a masterclass on the state of our culture at large. What’s up with our obsession with minimalism? Why do we value speed over beauty? Do we even realize that we’re distracting ourselves into oblivion? And, of course, what does this mean for us as writers?

This episode zooms out to look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. It’s an upheaval of mediocrity, a call-to-arms for the pursuit of excellence. If you’ve been wanting to reclaim the magic, the beauty, and the awe-struck wonder of the written word, this episode is for you.

Listen Now: YouTube | Spotify | Apple

Thank you for reading Write of Passage Weekly. This week, find your authentic voice by reflecting on your most salient experiences.

Happy writing,

The Write of Passage Team