Ca*thar*tic Writing Journal

Ca*thar*tic

Ca*thar*tic Welcome to the world of cathartic writing.

The aim of this journal is to provide a safe place for you to write your thoughts in the hope of enabling psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions, causing catharsis (release).

Contents James’ Message James’ Poems The Basics of Creative Writing

Your Journal Space About Fixers

Lets start writing.

Fixers This book was produced with the help of Fixers and the Public Service Broadcasting Trust. Fixers is a movement of young people tackling issues they feel strongly about to make a difference to others. ‘Fixers’ are young people who want to change things for the better. Many have been through difficult times, and have used that experience to campaign on issues that matter to them, like being homeless, domestic abuse, or drink and drug misuse.

If you would like to find out more about Fixers, you can visit our website at www.fixers.org.uk

My name is James Butler, I’m 22 and I’ve had depression for over three years now. For most of that time, I have been working towards recovery.

I am now helping to give people the tools needed in life to deal with their issues.

Creative Writing has helped me to express the thoughts and emotions that I could never find the words to share before. It has helped me to process and deal with some of the problems that I have had.

I hope that this book allows you to start your creative journey. Create vivid lands, characters and events that you can either keep or share with others.

I hope that creative writing helps you to tap into and express thoughts and emotions that you have been holding in.

James Butler

Hope

Hope, how glad I am you entered my life Even though it has been such a short while My life is transformed completely From a mess to being arranged neatly Before I was trapped in a pit of despair Unable to really go anywhere But now you shine like the sun above me And gave me a helping hand up Ever since you have walked by my side Encouraging me every day of my life Helping me to stand back up again Anytime that I fall down I hope that you remain in my life And keep me going on my path And when you aren’t, I know you will be Just as I always know there will be a morn You brought light back in my life And now once again I feel alive One thing I know everyday of my life Is that I will live and die to keep you alive. Š James Butler, Clouds in the Canyon, 2012

Your Poem

I fly throughout the universe Guided by both my head and heart My heart telling me where to go And my head leading the way I see vast galaxies around me Each with its billions of stars Swirling around like a whirlpool Feel the effects of gravity’s strong pull I see the solar systems Specks of light in the universe Each with many planets in them Circling a central massive star But of all the planets I saw You were the one that caught my eye Now I am like a moon to you Keeping you guarded everyday I will be with you forever Through the many ups and downs Supporting you with my gravity As you support me with yours.

The Basics of Creative Writing

• Try

a Way of Writing

There are many different forms of creative writing, from song writing, poetry, blogging, prose, manga to comic books. If you enjoy reading one style of writing, try it for yourself. You never know what you could learn about the world and yourself through just putting pen to paper. One of the best things about writing is that all you need is a pen to create a world as big as your imagination.

•

Write to Benefit Yourself

Creative writing is a great form of therapy for people going through depression that can be used to help anyone in recovery.This is because it is a way to put your thoughts and emotions onto paper, helping you to begin to deal with things. Creative writing is all about releasing all those things that you hold within your mind, a release valve to let out things that you may not have been able to find words for.

• Perfection isn’t Everything All writers make mistakes, especially when they first begin writing.What is important is that you don’t let small mistakes bring you down and stop you from writing more. Writing is like any craft, it requires work and persistence to keep getting better. Some people may make you feel writing is not important, or that it is a waste of time, but don’t let this put you off.

• Get Connected

One way to improve your own writing is to connect with fellow writers by attending writing groups.This will allow you to develop your skills and try new forms of writing.These groups are often held at different locations, such as local community groups or coffee shops. So, get out there and meet new people to share your work with!

• Creative Blocks

There may be times when you will come up against a creativity block that you cannot get past. During these times, there are a few things you can do. You can try new forms of creative writing - maybe even something that you haven’t done before. Everyone can encounter these blocks; they do not mean that you are a bad writer or that you won’t be able to write again.

Give It a Try...

Your Journal Space

Express yourself! Use this space to write, draw, and create. This is your journal, so fill it with your thoughts and, if you want, share them with others.

fixers.org.uk

FixersUK

@FixersUK

PSBT Public Service Broadcasting Trust

Company 2194957. Charity 298643