As writers, we can kill off our characters with a fictional flourish.
We wouldn’t have our heroine receive a mysterious call in the middle of the night, or get a desperate text at 2 AM, or craft a dialogue with something as boring and unoriginal as “I want to kill myself”. Why? Because it’s cliché. We edit, revise, polish, and proofread. We make sure it. Is. Fantastic.
But suicide happens here—outside of books and stories.
A call comes in at 2 AM because nights are notoriously difficult.
A text reads, “I need you” because, sometimes, people actually do need you.
A partner says, “I can’t take it anymore” because there are times he feels that he can’t handle life one more minute.
A friend confesses, “I want to kill myself” because she wants to die.
These things happen. They happen because there are people in pain who want to escape and can see no other way out. And, because, when it comes to real life, clichés are not forbidden.
Show your semicolon.
Because it’s not over.
Pay attention to cries for help. No matter what they say or when they arrive. Don’t assume anything.
Sometimes all you have to do is listen. Sometimes you have to act. Sometimes you have to seek help to help another.
Reach out. Your hand is powerful. It can hold, lift, or comfort.
It can make a statement.
Join the movement to honor, encourage, and support those who have kept going.
The Semicolon Project brings hope through a symbol of continuation.
“A semicolon represents a sentence the author could’ve ended, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”
Wear your semicolon tomorrow: April 16, 2015.
Show your support.
Tell the world your story is not over yet.
#ProjectSemicolon
#SemicolonProject
#TheSemicolonProject
#SemicolonProject416
Lemon Shark 
Powerful movement and a worthy cause. It’s a great way to look at the semicolon.
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Agreed on all counts. ❤
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Lovely post, Sarah – such an important issue and a great campaign. I can’t believe that it was very much within my working life time that it was thought best that self-harmers arriving at A&E were treated unemotionally, not delving into their issues in case the “attention” encouraged similar behaviours in the future. No-one hurts themselves for the fun of it. We need to listen to the distress.
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It is a great campaign.
So… What’s the A&E? Is that like an ER (Emergency Room)? Yes, well, unfortunately, I think that mindset still very much exists. That’s why I added the (kind of preachy) “Don’t assume anything.” in the post. So right that we need to listen to the distress underneath. Thanks, Anne. ❤
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Yes, Accident and Emergency, what we used to call Casualty. Just happens to feature in the first chapter of my novel.
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“Casualty”. That’s an interesting word for it. And by that I mean creepy. Looking forward to your book. Only a few months!
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Thank you so much for sharing this. I hadn’t heard of this group, but I love the mission and I love the way they’re using the semi-colon (it’s my favorite punctuation 🙂 ) I will show mine tomorrow!
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OH, I am so glad! Both for introducing you to this and that you’ll be showing your semicolon tomorrow. 🙂
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Wow, I’d never heard of this movement. I’m really, really glad it exists.
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I really am, too. And I’m happy to spread the word. ❤
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Love this post, Sarah. The strength in your words and the power of your message cannot be ignored. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of reaching out and lending a hand, or an ear, or just being there. 🙂
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Thank you, Norah. It’s an important message that does need to be out there. I am glad to be a small part of this movement.
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Powerful post and way to rock the day with a semi-colon! So true: “Reach out. Your hand is powerful. It can hold, lift, or comfort.”
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Thanks! 😉 Much appreciated, Charli.
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This is lovely, I think there is one more semi colon, for the people who don’t reach out, the ones you have to read sadness from their eyes, and know that somethings wrong and they can’t ask for help… I try to always keep my eyes open for my friends who are like that. I love the tattoo as well, so symbolic 🙂
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That is very true. I skipped right over that in my post but it is so important. Thank you.
You always have to keep your eyes open for those who aren’t asking for help in one way or another. (Lots of people have a semicolon tattoo but mine is drawn on with a permanent marker in honor of the day.) 🙂
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Ah I wouldn’t have thought of it except someone said it about me this morning! Haha well pen or ink it looks wicked I would love a semi colon tattoo! 🙂
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We will keep our virtual eyes on you. In a totally non-creepy way.
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Yeah, I agree with Sacha here, often it’s so hard for people in need to even recognise that, never mind reach out for help.
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I never thought of a semicolon that way. 😉 What a powerful movement.
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I hadn’t either. I heard about this last year but wasn’t active on social media. It really is powerful and I love the way they use the semicolon. ❤
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This is marvelous. Thank you for introducing me to something so important. Cheers, Sarah
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Thanks. 🙂 I’m glad I could spread the word for this cause.
Cheers right back to ya and I’m thrilled you found me so I could, in turn, find your (wonderfully hilarious) blog.
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Great semi colon post Sarah. Yes there are no cliches in life and sometimes life editing gets tough.
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No, there aren’t. As a writer, we sometimes need that reminder. What a fantastic thought, Irene. You’ve flipped it — editing your life can be tough. Thanks.
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