Writing OUT OF DARKNESS broke my heart many times. It also gave me tools for navigating painful circumstances over the last several years.
(I want to think about how difficult books are a resource, and I suppose that means getting personal.)
(I want to think about how difficult books are a resource, and I suppose that means getting personal.)
I "finished" writing OUT OF DARKNESS in 2015, but my characters are still so present to me, their minds & hearts full of determination to create belonging, joy, & connection in the few spaces of relative safety they can find, given their circumstances.
I come back to the lessons of that book repeatedly, especially when I feel that the pain or injustice of a situation is too much. It helps me think concretely about orienting toward what is possible, about making space in the world for others' joy.
I don't welcome harm or abuse or hardship. I don't think building "resilience" is an acceptable reason for inflicting or allowing any of these.
Still, there is something empowering, moving, thrilling about being deep in learning, even learning that you wouldn't have chosen.
Still, there is something empowering, moving, thrilling about being deep in learning, even learning that you wouldn't have chosen.
We don't choose pandemics, sexual abuse, toxic relationships, defamatory viral videos, loses, or illnesses. I don't celebrate the pain these hardships cause. But I like who I am now and am grateful to own the hard-earned growth I've done because of them.
The characters in OUT OF DARKNESS (Wash and Naomi, Beto and Cari) model, for me, the kind of orientation toward transformation that I strive for, the determination to make beauty and community out of darkness and pain.
I don't think my heart will ever heal from writing OUT OF DARKNESS, & I know the story breaks readers' hearts, too. But I think it does so in the best way. It makes us ache with the pain of injustice & squandered potential. It makes us demand a world where all are free to love.
I'm grateful for all the hard books that have broken my heart,
books that have made me want to burn down the world and build it back better,
books that showed people like me healing each other before I knew how to do it for myself.
books that have made me want to burn down the world and build it back better,
books that showed people like me healing each other before I knew how to do it for myself.
These #freadom thoughts come with my wish for every reader to find the books they need, books that speak to them no matter what kind of journey they are on or how far they have to go. Thank you, librarians and teachers, for all you do!
@threadreaderapp unroll please
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