@lightwardinc asked me to write about writing about family. Check the link in their bio if you too have struggled with saying true hard things, not saying them at all, or blowing everything to hell.
Parents, children, teachers, clergy, and friends add to the mix, helping to determine what is allowed to be expressed and what is not. For some families, emotional vulnerability and crying are encouraged; for others, they are banished into shadow. For some families, anger and conflict are tolerated; for others, they are the worst taboo. For some fa
... See moreSteven Wolf • Romancing the Shadow
To stop being a captive of family story, think about what is really precious to you in life. What do you find yourself gravitating toward? What topics catch your imagination? When you look at your life, what do you feel proud of? If you had to, what would you fight for?
Lindsay C. Gibson • Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: Honor Your Emotions, Nurture Your Self, and Live with Confidence
But I know better than to tell Mom that I got my character inspiration from her erratic and violent behavior. That would only invoke more erratic and violent behavior. I want her calm. I want her steady. I want her happy.