Today I’m visiting with Susan Rowland at her blog, Journal with Sue. I was honored when Susan invited me to answer some interview questions about writing through pain. In writing memoir, some of us find our writing dredges up painful memories and thus, we must write through our resurrected pain.
* * *
1) How do you as a writer deal with hurt or trauma?
Susan, this is a good question. I thought when I started writing that the childhood hurts and trauma would not still be fresh enough to be bothersome. Was I ever wrong!
With each word, sentence or paragraph, I felt myself cringing at some of the memories dredged up with my writing. I began slowly because of the recalled pain and soon realized I needed to find a way to cope with these resurgent memories.
One fortunate occurrence for me was the forgiveness I felt for my mother shortly before her death. There were multiple reasons for this forgiveness, none of which were verbal between us. Yet to share them here would give away an essential part of my memoir.
Read the rest at Journal with Sue . . .
This is such a useful topic for discussion.
Gabriela, so glad you found something helpful here.
I have also had to learn to forgive much, but with my father. It takes a great amount of strength and selflessness to do it. You always have my respect and appreciation Sherrey. Keep writing. We all love to read your words.
Ionia, thanks for your understanding and encouroagement. Both mean a lot!
These are some very helpful hints and prompts. I struggle with a lot of the same issues with writing my own truth without stomping on anyone else’s feelings. As I take my first tentative steps into my own writing, I appreciate having your wisdom to guide me. I’m also re-reading Bird by Bird, which is EXTREMELY helpful!
Lisa, sorry to be so behind in responding to your comment. 🙁 I’m glad you found this post helpful. I am enjoying our growing friendship across the Internet. Bird by Bird is a favorite of mine — it resides to my left on my desk. Glad you’re re-reading it.
Hi Sherrey, I was so happy to have you as a guest on my blog. Your words and wisdom are so appreciated. Just got a used copy of King’s On Writing. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Susan, it was a pleasure sharing your blog space. Good for you for picking up a copy of King’s On Writing. I think you’ll find it helpful. I particularly enjoyed his humor scattered throughout the book, something I wasn’t expecting from Stephen King!
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