Writing from a Place of Pain

Before the pain subsides, I want to harness it. To create something magnificent. My intention? To get this story out and for people to feel that they are not alone. Whatever it is that they have felt, all are true. We acknowledge the feelings, and the events, because they have happened. Sometimes we cannot explain all of them, but live through them we must. Embrace the pain/ grief, crash and burn, and be reborn like a phoenix rising from the ashes. That's not a bad analogy. no?

The author Ong Chin Huat was interviewed for his book Harmony Heights, and was asked: "Were the characters in the book based on someone you know?" He had responded that the characters were about "everybody and nobody at all!" 

That is my book exactly. He said it for me. As it is.

My book will be a mashup of all the people and characters whom I have met in my life. They have shaped who I am, and their stories will dance on the pages of my book. We shall not judge them (or their stories), although we feel that we should. The stories speak for itself and takes a life of its own. From the hot humid days in Malaysia, to the 'moderate' seasons of Midlands UK. Those are the 2 places I know and can write about accurately. The rest will be made up 😜

I am reminded of Eminem. His music in the early days were derived from misery (if I may use that word). He was up and coming as an artiste; he never belonged- a white guy in black music; he was trying to juggle his married/ family life; his daughter had just been born and he was a young father; there were endless financial issues,, drug issues, discipline issues, personal issues. From his songs then, I could almost feel him scream from the depths of his emotion. Similarly Linkin Park (Chester Bennington specifically) throughout their/ his career made music channelling raw, emotional pain. Screaming out from his very soul. His fans, friends and family had loved him but he felt completely alone and isolated. Many found their songs relatable, because they are true. Many would have felt similar feelings. Many I believe were rescued too. 

Eminem is now an award-winning artiste but his songs are not as raw as before, but it's okay. He cannot (or rather, will not) be in the same mental state ever again because his circumstances have changed. He has grown as a person. Linkin Park post Chester's passing have become more grunge and edgy (and less sad), and that is fine too. I am still waiting for Shinee to produce new songs after Jonghyun's departure -- not sure if that will happen -- but that's a story for another day 😭😔

This is my aspiration with my stories. To scream out loud (in polite Asian style), make myself heard and heal some souls out there. Life's challenges will keep coming at us, but it's okay. We will survive the onslaught and live another day!