July 8, 2015

Wednesday Writing Wisdom (15) Virginia Woolf





“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”



Virginia Woolf
            (1882 - 1941)

  Curious facts about:

  While writing her first novel, The Voyage Out, Woolf asked friends and relatives for advice whenever she got stuck or had doubts. After that, no one was allowed to see her manuscripts until they were finished.

 Woolf delighted in the physical act of writing words on paper. From the age of 11, she was continually experimenting with different kinds of pens in hope of finding one that would provide the perfect sensation.

  One of the things Woolf disliked most in life was being peered at or having someone take her photograph.Woolf was never fashion savvy. She perpetually worried about being properly dressed for the occasion.

   Woolf usually became depressed upon finishing writing a book.

   Virginia married Leonard Woolf on August 10th, 1912. He was not wealthy but together they founded the Hogarth Press, which would be Virginia's publisher.

   Virginia Woolf suffered from depression and mood swings, and it was also believed she was bipolar, and at the age of 59, in 1941, she committed suicide. Virginia walked into the River Ouse with a pocket full of rocks and drowned.

6 comments:

  1. Such a sad end for her. It's somewhat telling that she became depressed upon finishing a book. I think most writers feel a sense of elation and excitement when they finish a novel. At least I do.

    I can relate to her passion for finding the perfect pen. Although I only write notes long hand, I'm very particular about the pens I use. They have to have the right "feel."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So many of the great, talented minds ended tragically. Sad indeed.
      I, too, write long hand, even if it means a double effort. And I have a large collection of pens and notebooks and paper on my "work desk". Thank you for visiting, Mae!

      Delete
  2. Such a beautiful quote from a talented mind. I can relate to the depression after finishing a book, especially as I'm near the end. I weep as a I finish the story. So very sad about Virginia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for dropping by, Mary!
      I understand you. I feel the same. It's as if I part forever from close friends.

      Delete
  3. A good one, Carmen! She had remarkable talent. It makes me sad that she couldn't take it anymore and ended her life before its natural time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was a real landmark in novel writing with her stream of consciousness technique. So often artists are people troubled by all type of real or imaginary worries.

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.