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The Cause of Creativity

I was taking an ice cream break and came across PBW's entry on hypergraphia, which is an uncontrollable urge to write. Apparently the term became prominent after a Harvad neurologist fell victim to a pressing need to write. Her research led her to the discovery of how the brain functions during the creative process.

I don't know about you, but I find this whole concept fascinating. So much so, I've actually ordered Flaherty's book, The Midnight Disease.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not self-diagnosing here. I don't believe I suffer from this particular pathology. Sometimes I must write, especially if I want to remain civil and happy, but I can resist the urge. I can force myself to focus on my other responsiblities. I'm not so sure a true suffer of hypergraphia could say as much.

However, there are a few writers out here in cyberland in think could be suffering from this affliction. I've always wondered how they've churned out book after book in the course of a single year. Now I have my suspicions. :-)

Comments

  1. Josie7:56 AM

    Sometimes I want to write so much that it actually feels painful. But I can always resist it, especially if I have other things to do. So I guess I don't have it either. Though I'm beginning to wonder about some of my favorite writers who have a book out every year. Hmm...

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