The title of this piece is a question I ask myself often. While writing from the scar rather than the wound and in a grounded place, the reality remains that no story exists in isolation. When we tell our stories, even with anonymizing names, we reveal truths about intersecting lives. Determining when and how much to risk this collateral damage - particularly when forgiveness has truly created something new - is every non-fiction writer's dilemma.
This is great advice. I've read a couple of memoir type books that have sometimes struck me as being written from a place of woundedness and it has given me caution in how I frame my own writing and story.
Your words are always so inspiring and encouraging! I spoke at my church’s woman’s conference today on a panel and it felt like I was speaking from a place of healing. Had I spoken a couple months ago, it would have been from a wounded place. Thankful for Gods redemptive power! He comforts us so we can comfort others. He paints our story, so we can in return tell others all about what He did in our lives!
Thank you Will, you offer solid advice and clear direction for writers working hard to inspire change or express creativity, leaving Dharma artifacts for now and future generations.
Fascinating insight that publishing editors sometimes have to tell authors they are over-sharing. That's actually somewhat comforting to consider when I feel internal pressure to share more than I am comfortable putting out there.
It's a delicate balance. I never want to trample or dampen an author's voice, so more than anything, I try to raise the question. I need others to do the same w/ my own writing.
Wow! This is the very reason I love his platform - reading pieces like this. Thought-provoking and I love the distinction you’ve made between writing. Thank you for this! 💙
Sage advice. Wow the courage he mustered to walk away. Writing my memoir, one of my first readers said it was too painful for him to read. So I adjusted. Now I am finessing the mess in my message, adding in some of the beauty of my experiences.
Beautiful piece and I can relate personally to being rejected for writing from the wound though it was never ever explained as thoughtfully and with as much care as you did here. Now being on the other side of things I prefer it. Perspective and God’s timing is allowing write about it versus writing from it.
Eric, great line: "writing about it vs. writing from it." Not stuffing or downplaying the pain, but having the clarity to process it in a way that serves others.
Twenty-seven years ago I suffered through a painful episode of ministry abuse. I never wrote about it and healed over time, but recently saw abuse happening within a ministry staff similar to my experience. Perhaps now, with years of experience and the seasoned grace of God I could have something better to offer than I’d have presented when emotions were still raw. You’ve given me something to think about.
Derek, wise words. Staying silent in the wake of abuse is never the way. Always bring it into the light. Seek justice. This piece is less about that crucial step, and more for those who decide to publish their story to a wide audience... and knowing when they're in a good place to do so.
This is incredible and beautiful and the very thing that brought me to this platform to begin with. It's part therapy session, part sermon and entirely important, unique, and wonderful. Keep up the incredible work!
My novel took 30 years of writing and rewriting to write out of scars. The process brought me to forgiveness. This looks like a good read.
The title of this piece is a question I ask myself often. While writing from the scar rather than the wound and in a grounded place, the reality remains that no story exists in isolation. When we tell our stories, even with anonymizing names, we reveal truths about intersecting lives. Determining when and how much to risk this collateral damage - particularly when forgiveness has truly created something new - is every non-fiction writer's dilemma.
This is great advice. I've read a couple of memoir type books that have sometimes struck me as being written from a place of woundedness and it has given me caution in how I frame my own writing and story.
Your words are always so inspiring and encouraging! I spoke at my church’s woman’s conference today on a panel and it felt like I was speaking from a place of healing. Had I spoken a couple months ago, it would have been from a wounded place. Thankful for Gods redemptive power! He comforts us so we can comfort others. He paints our story, so we can in return tell others all about what He did in our lives!
Wow, Razlyn, so glad you had an opportunity to share. God is good.
Thank you Will, you offer solid advice and clear direction for writers working hard to inspire change or express creativity, leaving Dharma artifacts for now and future generations.
Fascinating insight that publishing editors sometimes have to tell authors they are over-sharing. That's actually somewhat comforting to consider when I feel internal pressure to share more than I am comfortable putting out there.
It's a delicate balance. I never want to trample or dampen an author's voice, so more than anything, I try to raise the question. I need others to do the same w/ my own writing.
Wow! This is the very reason I love his platform - reading pieces like this. Thought-provoking and I love the distinction you’ve made between writing. Thank you for this! 💙
Much appreciated.
Sage advice. Wow the courage he mustered to walk away. Writing my memoir, one of my first readers said it was too painful for him to read. So I adjusted. Now I am finessing the mess in my message, adding in some of the beauty of my experiences.
Becca, thanks for sharing. Hope the writing process is a gift to you, even though I know it's immense work.
Beautiful piece and I can relate personally to being rejected for writing from the wound though it was never ever explained as thoughtfully and with as much care as you did here. Now being on the other side of things I prefer it. Perspective and God’s timing is allowing write about it versus writing from it.
Eric, great line: "writing about it vs. writing from it." Not stuffing or downplaying the pain, but having the clarity to process it in a way that serves others.
There’s a lot of wisdom in this. Great read!
Lianne, glad you enjoyed it.
Good reminder. I try to leave writings from the wound for my personal journal. Thank you!
Yes, journals are a great place to spill it all.
Good insight.
Thank you, Rosanne.
Twenty-seven years ago I suffered through a painful episode of ministry abuse. I never wrote about it and healed over time, but recently saw abuse happening within a ministry staff similar to my experience. Perhaps now, with years of experience and the seasoned grace of God I could have something better to offer than I’d have presented when emotions were still raw. You’ve given me something to think about.
David, I'm grieved to hear of your experience. Hope this helps you process in some way.
I’m getting better at this, and I find that having an editor really helps. It slows down the entire trajectory.
Dana, I'm biased, but I like to think editors help ... sometimes ;)
So much!
This could be a “loaded” question for certain, but if you go down “deeper”- can remaining silent also be a bad option?
Derek, wise words. Staying silent in the wake of abuse is never the way. Always bring it into the light. Seek justice. This piece is less about that crucial step, and more for those who decide to publish their story to a wide audience... and knowing when they're in a good place to do so.
This is incredible and beautiful and the very thing that brought me to this platform to begin with. It's part therapy session, part sermon and entirely important, unique, and wonderful. Keep up the incredible work!
Freda, incredibly kind, thank you.