Writing about topics like trauma, family secrets, and personal transformation can be like navigating a minefield. It’s a delicate balance between telling a compelling story and treating these subjects with the respect and sensitivity they deserve. Each word, sentence, and paragraph felt like a walk on a tightrope. I knew that to convey my thoughts and ideas through the characters of Under The Flamboyant Tree, I needed to tread carefully and with grace and courage. In this article, I will explore the art of writing fearlessly and boldly when it comes to sensitive subjects while offering tips and guidance for those who are ready to take on the challenge.
Brave and Bold: A Guide to Writing with Grace
In my upcoming novel, Under The Flamboyant Tree, I’ve been wrestling with these very challenges. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding, but when it came time to depict this type of trauma, I knew I needed to approach it with the level of respect it merits. I’m not going to lie. My early drafts were heavy-handed. I poured everything without a filter in there, and I did this to see and understand the characters intimately. I felt that if I wrote it all out, exactly how it happened, then later I could convey their reactions to events authentically.
This approach also helped me to see the depths of the characters’ scars, which helped me get to know them more. And let me tell you about flaws—All of my characters are helplessly flawed, not just the antagonist. However, while they are all imperfect, one of my guiding principles is to avoid glorifying abuse at all costs. Instead, I aim to illuminate the human experience behind these difficult topics. Like in Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring, I opt for subtle hints and quick flashbacks to give readers a glimpse into the characters’ past traumas without overwhelming them with heavy emotions. So, in subsequent drafts for Under The Flamboyant Tree, I stripped scenes down and chose the right words to convey my character’s message powerfully and thoughtfully. It was not easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
1st and 2nd Edition Copies of “Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring and The Six Months that Changed Everything” by Johanny Ortega
Embark on an emotional adventure with ‘Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring’, a captivating middle-grade novel tailored for young readers aged 9-12. Join Isla on her inspiring journey of self-discovery and understanding. Get your copy today!
And let me tell you: That’s where the magic comes in—in rewriting. With each revision, I took a step back, reassessed, and toned down the intensity to ensure the reader felt respected and understood. However, the reader is not the only person I thought about during these revisions.
Perhaps even more challenging was that some scenes hit uncomfortably close to home. As a writer, I’ve found myself revisiting my own traumas, and it’s a journey that requires both vulnerability and self-compassion. By showing myself grace, I’m better equipped to extend that same grace to my readers, acknowledging that we’re all navigating our own journeys through life.
I must add that when writing with grace, it is important to remember that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. By allowing myself to be vulnerable in my own writing, I am connecting with an earlier version of me that was hurt. I am also connecting with readers who have experienced similar things. Lastly, I am connecting with someone who has not experienced that themselves but may know or come across someone who has. So, by writing with grace and authenticity, I am reaching into the world to build empathy and share solace with readers.
Navigating the Minefield: Tips for Courageous Writers
Another key tip for navigating the minefield of writing is to embrace imperfection. Writing is a constantly evolving process, and making mistakes along the way is okay. Perfection is not the goal – authenticity is. Listen to my last podcast episode, in which I talked about the main character of Under The Flamboyant Tree —Isabella, and share anecdotes about writing Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring. The latter had double-digit rewrites. The first draft has been removed from the published draft so far; it’s insane!
Lastly, remember to stay true to yourself. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be easy to lose sight of your own voice and vision. But true courage in writing comes from staying true to who you are and what you believe in. So, be bold, be brave, and most importantly, be yourself. Navigating the minefield of writing is a journey of self-discovery and growth, so embrace the challenge with grace and courage.
Writing with grace and courage is no easy feat, but with the right mindset and approach, it is a challenge worth taking on. As I continue to hone my craft and navigate these sensitive themes, know that every word I write is infused with care and consideration. Every word I draft and revise puts me closer to the finished draft, which I can’t wait for you all to read.
“Under The Flamboyant Tree” by Johanny Ortega
In “Under The Flamboyant Tree,” Isabella Prescott confronts haunting secrets and personal failures after her daughter’s tragic death. Returning to her Dominican roots, she seeks solace under the ancestral Flamboyant tree, guided by spiritual visions and the echoes of her past. This poignant tale weaves loss, discovery, and resilience, inviting readers to a journey of…
Leave a Reply