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.

Comments

[Dolores Ayotte]

Audra,
Both a baseball player and a boxer in the family! Good stuff...I'm sure it gives you plenty to write about especially with a wonderful 18 year old son. Time does fly.

[GinaParris]

I love this! I box too - compete in kickboxing, which I took up with my twin boys to deal with my husband's deployment to the Gulf. Usually baseball takes over our family life with a college player and a Little League player (along with volleyball for our daughter) - but fighting teaches us that we're stronger than we think, and I agree that it clears the head for more creativity.

[Audra Krell]

Hi Gina,

Thank you so much for stopping by. Where does your college son play ball?

Audra 

[vibram toe shoes]

*-*I am almost finished with the book!!!!
It is soooo good and so inspiring. It would be one of my favorite books even if I didn't know the family involved. *-*