I haven’t written much out of emotional catharsis. 1986-7 and 2002 are really the only years of my life I have written a sizable amount of cathartic material.
I’ve written a lot out of mental catharsis. I open the newspaper and get a metaphorical migraine I can only relieve through a poem.
And I’ve written for enjoyment. I get enjoyment from the mental catharsis, but I’m referring mostly here to the science fiction and fantasy I write.
Whether I am writing political poetry, science fiction, or non-genre, sometimes I am trying to be funny, and sometimes I am trying to be serious. Sometimes I am trying to make a point, and sometimes it’s just frivolous enjoyment.
X | Funny | Serious |
Make a point | good writing | not so good |
Frivolous | good writing | not so good |
The above is my own analysis from comments I have received from my work. There are two conclusions I can reach.
1) Work harder on my serious material so that I become better at it.
2) Focus on the comedic material. People like it. And people enjoy laughing.