Bloggers Unite™ discussion

Brenda Youngerman
I am fairly active on Gather.com and this morning wrote a post in response to challenge that had to do with an embarrassing moment from childhood. When I had finished writing I realized that first I hadn't even thought about that event for over thirty years, and second I am now questioning myself if that one moment sparked a behavior that now keeps me from attending functions with large crowds.

So as I sit and ponder a disturbing event from my youth I put it out to the writing community - do you think that your past makes you a better writer?

I often times say that I am an observer of life because I never felt like I belonged anywhere. That is still the case today. I don't really 'fit' anywhere so it is easier to watch. By watching I get to make up stories - great way to write fiction. That carries over from my past into my present.

How about you?

Definitely. The difficult things in my past life shaped who I am today. I am thankful that I kept journals. While writing my first novel, I consulted them and took a dream I recorded practically verbatim from a dream I recorded back in 1991.

I had so many experiences that we have forgotten about - until I write. Then controversial/interesting/hurtful/hysterical things come back to me. Hopefully I can weave them into my story.

Off topic - there are so many social networks. Tell me why you like Gather?

It is interesting that you brought up journals...my first novel also has my own journal postings in it.


Why gather: well....I find that I have made 'cyber friendships' there and I can get honest feedback on many things. There is also a wide variety of groups - I tend to stick with the 'writing', 'author' groups.

I have not found any other social networks to be that friendly --- which one(s) do you like?