Since as long as I can remember, I’ve had an overactive imagination. My husband would call it obsessive worrying. The TV show Parenthood so eloquently called it “catastrophizing.” But you, as a writer, will understand. Tell me right now you’ve never heard a bump in the night and started imagining what it could be. A burglar? The creepy neighbor next door who, you’re pretty sure, hates you because you turned off your lights last Halloween instead of handing out candy and in turn, you both got egged? Or maybe a wild bunch of Javelina (I live a wooded area) who have been eyeing your beloved Spot for the last month and are finally here to drag him off to Animal Farm for good. (Where was he that afternoon last month, anyway?)
Say you’ve never done that with a straight face. I dare you.
I use my powers for good too. I remember a time about seven years ago when I heard a colleague of mine was getting a divorce after years together and I felt so sad for him that I began to imagine a story where they were forced to spend time together, face their troubled marriage, and fall in love with each other all over again. Or the time when my friend finally got out of an abusive relationship and while I watched her heal, I thought of all the scenarios where she would meet the most amazing man who would appreciate her and show her what real love meant. (I’m happy to say that story came true.)
It’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t writing stories. Even if it wasn’t with my laptop. Even if it wasn’t with a pen. Even if it wasn’t with that ridiculous old typewriter I stole from my aunt. Always, in my mind, I loved to tell a story.
For any true writer, it’s a romance that never ends and, somehow, never really begins. It seems to have been there all along–that way we look at the world, the way we process it, the way we look toward the future. It isn’t always the easiest gift to bare. We are known for our drinking problems and being slightly…how does my husband put it?…crazy.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way. The passion I feel when my characters come to life, and when a plot hole magically fills itself in, and when all the puzzle pieces lock into place, is what makes me feel alive. Storytelling has been there for me in the good times and the bad. I can picture myself now, old and gray, penning out the stories of my life to leave behind me when I go. At times, I hit barriers with my writing but I know at some point, things will always turn back around.
Can you imagine a love any more true than that?
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
Rebecca
February 13, 2012 at 9:58 am
Wonderful post, Jamie! Extreme overactive imagination here. I read the book “It” when I was twelve years old. From that age on, I’ve never walked within grabbing distance of a sewer. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that if I do – a clown arm is going to shoot out and grab my ankle. My son laughs at me, but little does he understand the wisdom I’m trying to impart. People laugh at my quirks, but I’d rather have them and be comfortable in my mind than be someone who can’t imagine the possibilities
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Oh my gosh, for me it’s the dog/human licking the hand from Urban Legends. I don’t like any body part hanging off the bed!
Heather Reid
February 13, 2012 at 10:25 am
Yes! Active imaginations unite! I wish mine didn’t run on such a creepy path though. Bumps in the night, mad scenarios on airplanes while we’re flying, I even see evil fairies stalking me on our regular hikes in the woods. And although my husband isn’t a writer, he’s just as bad! Thanks, for a great post.
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 10:59 pm
I definitely do the plane one too! I don’t know how anyone flies with a calm mind. I’d have to drink too much to accomplish that.
Vaughn
February 13, 2012 at 11:22 am
I’m forever making up how conversations I can see but not hear. You’d be suprised how often they end up with nefarious intent on the part of one participant, or culminate in violence or foul play in the scene that plays out in my twisted imagination. You’re right, there is magic (fostering passion and love) in seeing the pieces come together in our work. Good observations.
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 11:01 pm
You know, I didn’t realize so many people’s minds wandered to the dark side until this post! Glad I’m not alone in that. Lol!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Courtney Koschel
February 13, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Love this! I too am blessed with an insane imagination. I can scare myself out of a room in less than three seconds. It’s pretty comical (well, at least my husband thinks so). Thanks for a fabulous post
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Thanks, Courtney! How do our husbands put up with us? Lol!
Tonia Marie Houston
February 13, 2012 at 8:56 pm
This was a great read. Like many of you, I make up stories about neighbors, even the Starbucks barista. I don’t think I’m content unless I have a running dialogue in my head. I hate complete darkness, and my toes can’t peek out from the blankets. Glad I’m in great company.
Happy Valentines Day, fellow crazies.
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Haha! Proud to be a crazy.
I always found it interesting that I could ask my husband what he was thinking and he’d say, “Nothing.” I’m like, how is that possible?
Jennifer E. McFadden
February 13, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Great insights, Jamie. I too have stories in my head, especially when I tell them to my boys! My brain goes into over-drive and I can literally make up a story about any topic they think of. And I too get all worked up over the slightest noise, (often coming from our fancy mice, lol). Yep, I’m glad to be a bit crazy.
Jamie Raintree
February 13, 2012 at 11:04 pm
I haven’t yet mastered the art of sharing my stories off the top of my head. My daughter should be getting to that age soon, though, so I guess I’d better start practicing.
Thank you for your comment and sharing the post! You’re fantastic.
Jani
February 14, 2012 at 9:16 am
This is a wonderful post, Jamie! One of the things I’m most proud of is my overactive imagination. My life would be too boring without it. Reading through everybody’s posts, I know I’m in excellent company.
Jamie Raintree
February 15, 2012 at 4:37 pm
I agree–we should all be proud. I think we’re a part of a very small and very lucky group of people who get to look at the world differently.