A Question

A theory has been on my brain since Holly asked about our Five Smartest Mistakes. It seems to me that most of us creative* types have horrible past experiences that haunt us.

The abuse, suicide attempts, being a foster kid, etc, have enhanced my creativity, especially in writing. Without those experiences, I do not think that I could get into the heads of most of my characters. I would not have tried even writing for fun without them.

I started writing poetry and prose as a way to figure out what was going on in and around me. Interestingly, my poetry tends to be dark, desperate, and despondent. But, my stories are filled with underdog heroes.

My crafting (sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, etc.) are release when I am caught between two bad choices. Times when I am broke, but don't want to give up family time, bring out the sewing machine, knitting needles, and crochet hooks en force.

What enhances your creativity? Is it the hard times or the good?