QUOTE (Tristan Jaimes @ March 4 2008, 12:15 PM)

Yes, it happens a lot.
Recently I went through a phase where the stories I was reading had quite a lot of emotional downers for the protagonists, or where there was a lot of abuse (I think Vlista's stories were amongst the latter group) and I cried and ached a hell of a lot knowing that although I was reading fiction, these kind of things do happen to people - I've seen it happen a few times and it's tragic not being in a position to help.
I got into a conversation with an email buddy and it turned out we both get affected the same way, and we both want to do something to help.
It got me to realising there's a 'gap' in support services when young people reach 18 - in most countries at least. Often, that's a critical point where the person really needs support and it ought to be available until they're 21 at least, and taper off rather than suddenly disappear. So, I'm mulling over an idea to set-up a trust to provide shared housing, intensive care and support for young adults that picks up where social services leave off in the hope it might save a few people from falling into a downward spiral that I've witnessed in real life.
That would actually be a good idea. I hope that works out for you. Until then, we'll write and bring those issues to the fore of peoples minds.
QUOTE (Tiff @ March 4 2008, 01:41 PM)

I chose the made me cry and hurt for reading....and hurting for something I heard.
I read two very well written books for my literature course last semester, and it got me very emotional. It was possible it was due to the fact I was going through a difficult time at home, or I was questioning my own life, but it seemed to hit home. Or sometimes something was so beautifully written or developed, you couldn't help crying at its beauty. I've cried out of sadness when reading, becuse the character was so beautiful and so real...like that character represented how everyone felt in real life, and knowing that made me sad. It took me awhile to stop thinking about those books. It got me very down.
Just like Tristan said, reading works, Vlista is a good example, and knowing that it does exist in real life makes me hurt and sometimes cry. It's the ugly reality that hits and really gets to me.
Or like you said Rose, something just strikes you and sometimes you don't even have a clue why, but it does. Like on some subconscious level. That's the power of writing and reading. It's amazing.
As for something I've heard, tragic news for example, it makes me hurt to know that stuff....that all these unfair things happen around the world or even at home. But I don't cry because with reading, it's expressed differently and I can grasp the situation on a more emotional level and thus I cry. Hope that makes sense.

It does, don't worry. I know what you mean, but I'm more likely to cry than just to hurt when it comes to hearing.
I can only hope that I can bring a lot of issues to the fore with the story. Thank you for your time answering.