I have been writing a section where the main character experiences periods of depression. It was the hardest part for me so far since I had to withdraw into myself to write it. I had to remember times that I wanted to forget and was fearful that thinking and writing about it could send me back there.

The sensations relived are ones that encourage a state of lethargy and inaction; states that are not conducive to productive writing. As such the writing was painfully slow. Even now just remembering the writing process leaves me in a trance like state. It almost makes me rethink the whole idea of using real life experiences as inspiration. Some people would say that the process is 'cathartic' but I am not so sure. Surely pure fantasy would be much easier?