Anything Goes : Is pain key to the creative process or an obstacle? by John Cottrell

Hi John, I think that depends on the writer but as for me pain has always been my creative process. It seems that when I am in pain I can shut myself off from the world and then just lose myself and do what I enjoy doing the most.

The pain is what drives these extraordinary talents. Take away their pain and they'd be ordinary. What makes the pain makes the talent. If such as, say, Amy Winehouse, hadn't felt so acutely about the world and those around her she would be with us yet, I'm sure. It's sad that the pain and the talent are so inseparable.

The brightest stars are the ones that burn out the fastest.

Hi John I must admit, for us, pain can be both a hindrance and a source of amazing inspiration. The one thing that seriously stops any kind of creative process are those hideous times when all feelings stop. Being becalmed in a sea of emotional deficiency is by far the worst thing. The irony being that often the darkest part is when you begin to feel again, often a sense of hopelessness and frustration it can be the point where you're in the most danger, even though it's obviously going to pass. At least that's how we've found it to be. Hope this helps your understanding some :)

I agree we all have pain, Maureen. Just trying to answer John's question, which appeared to focus on those who are more in the public eye. But if we all of us didn't have our pain, I don't believe our talents would have the edge they need to have to make a difference. So, for me at least, if pain is removed, talent is diminished.

I feel one should do extensive research before deciding to get into acting and singing. Those careers rarely end well. I tried it for over 20 years...

Hey, I'm smiling. Today I sang in a care home, and not one of those good folks seemed to have a care in the world.

Hope so. Re-booked there in May, so happy faces all round.

Pain doesnt make success or failure. It's what you do with it that determines the outcome. When life is rough are you the type of person that cries about it and gives up? or does it motivate you? do you have the drive to prove everyone wrong and keep that chip on your shoulder? If you want success more than you want to eat, sleep, or go out with friends then you'll have it. But if someone says you're a terrible actor and you just want to give up... well you're in the wrong profession.

Agree. But don't break your heart and ruin your life if you really don't have that special something that will mark you out from the rest.