The Art of Writing, as Illustrated by Ken Jaworowski's Boxing Lessons on Enduring a Facial Pummeling
In the world of boxing, one individual learned valuable lessons that would later shape their life beyond the ring. The individual, who once fought as an amateur boxer at the Harrowgate Boxing Club in Philadelphia, left boxing to attend school and compete at the collegiate level. Decades later, the memories and strategies of the sport still resonate deeply.
Boxing, a sport that showcases courage, tenacity, and soul in its practitioners, can display both ugliness and beauty in a person. One of the key lessons learned from boxing is that sometimes you must move toward the punch to survive. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the ancient Greek understanding of both storytelling and fighting – by stepping closer to the opponent, one can potentially avoid a hook or minimize damage from a straight fist.
Saul Bellow, a renowned author, suggested that tough scenes and piercing words can serve as a dark backing for self-reflection, providing catharsis – a renewal or purification that can arise after experiencing deep emotions. Indeed, fiction can bring us closer to our fears and provide catharsis.
Fast forward to today, and this former boxer is now a writer, with a new thriller, "What About the Bodies", published by The New York Times, that reflects these lessons. The book, penned by Molly Macgowan, tells the story of a struggling single mother, a down-and-out musician, and an autistic young man who get involved in crimes in a small town in Rust Belt Pennsylvania.
In this gripping tale, the overriding idea is that all three characters are moving toward the punch, choosing to confront danger despite fear and what may seem irrational to others. They refuse to run away, instead choosing to fight to save themselves or those they love.
Ken Jaworowski, associated with the book, has played a significant role in its creation. The individual, despite leaving boxing years ago, continues to draw on the sport's wisdom and strategies in their writing. Boxing leaves behind a lasting impact on one's psyche, with memories and lessons that are slow to fade.
In the end, the thriller "What About the Bodies" is a testament to the power of moving toward the punch, whether in the ring or in life – a powerful reminder of the courage and tenacity that can be found in the most unexpected places.
