The Boxing Writer
I box to be a better writer.
For most, writing is very emotional. Sometimes I have so much feeling, that it prohibits good writing.
When we were young, we were taught to punch a pillow when we got angry. I thought that sounded stupid. Now I wish I'd tried it.
Kicking and punching the heavy bag brings out emotions I didn't know I had. After burning 600 calories in 30 minutes, you feel depleted on every level, everything is stripped away.
When I'm down to the bare bones, it's time to write. I still have the emotions fresh on my mind, but because I have dealt with them, my craftsmanship can come through. I use my experiences to carefully construct meaningful dialogue with a powerful takeaway.
Boxing allows me to get out of myself, which puts my focus where it should be.
On you, the reader.
Teachable aside: if you want to laugh your you-know-what off and need humorous material for your column, drop by the gym and you'll see a spaz trying not to bite someone's ear off.
I never said it was pretty.
Audra Krell 