Why Are So Much Writer's DARK & DEPRESSED?

Question

I write myself. And I find everything I tend to write about, is pretty dark and has a negative outlook on life, humanity and human nature. And a lot of other writers do the same thing. A LOT! Or the one's I've read anyway. I always feel this need to show case the worst side of humanity in my writing. Its almost oddly-comforting to vent. Some would call me cynical about life and have. I'd probably have to agree. But what is it about writing and darkness that go hand and hand together?

HEY LORYNTOO, YOU WERE PRETY DEAD ON THERE. . . CREEPY!

Answer 1

There are proven links between a depressed or mentally ill mind; a more realistic perception of life that seems 'cynical' or overly dark to many; and increased intelligence and creativity. Not that they all go hand in hand in hand, or all authors are dark, or you have to be a tortured soul to be a good writer; no. Just that there can be a common thread and that may be what you are picking up. Also, if the other person was right on with her analysis, you are at a time and place in your life when you are more likely to feel dark and depressed and gravitate towards authors who express the same feelings.

Answer 2

I think it's a sort of cult of Gloom and Doom. One problem with writers is that they tend to take themselves so seriously (especially the Literary ones) that they don't notice these things are trends like anything else. But Walt Whitman was a pretty upbeat guy and he did some good stuff. Also to me it's kind of a cheapo--you may think you're taking some great risk or living out on the edge by being obsessed with angst and alienation, but really if you yell and scream and act miserable then everyone knows automatically that you are a Serious Tortured Soul and so you have achieved a shortcut to Literary Respectability. It reminds me of the meeting between sunny Goethe and tempestuous Beethoven--and afterward Goethe making a comment to the effect that, "He may be right that the world is a miserable place, but he doesn't make things any better by his reaction to it." Which I thought when I read it the first time (years ago) was facile, but now I see his point. (Of course, another factor in both of their reactions could've been that Johann was 20 years older than Ludwig.)

Answer 3

Short grammer lesson: Why are so MANY writers dark and depressed?
This is typical of the fatalism and general dispondency of modern society! Life seems to have lost its lustre and innocence! Perhaps the immediacy of modern communication has lead to this psychologicaly unstable situation: We don't consider our words, actions and especially thought carefully anymore, but react instinctively without prior thought! Everyone expect quick answers - and doesn't allow for careful thinking before answering anymore. Therefore a lot of negativity creeps in, and positivity goes for a loop!

Answer 4

You must read different authors than I do. I also wouldn't call my books dark and depressing, but then I write science fiction.

From the statements you've made above, I can assume (1) you live in a city, (2) you are less than 25 years old, (3) you aren't married and (4) you are most likely male.

Let me know how right I am.