38. Writing about family and difficult memories

Parents Who Write

Do you have personal moments of your life that you want to write about, but you're not sure how to approach difficult memories? Or you fear backlash from the people you'd have to write about in order to tell that story?

In today's episode, I'm going to share how I navigate those issues, after I read for you one such story that I wrote.
Topics discussed in this episode:

• Reading of Erin’s personal essay, Erin Go Brách: How My Irish Heritage Found Me
• Why Erin wrote this personal essay about her father and heritage
• Three ways to prepare writing about difficult memories
• Waiting until the right time
• Gaining internal permission to write these stories
• Knowing when you’re ready to face and share your wounds
• Returning to our big why for telling this story
• Writing to help yourself
• Writing to help others and overcoming fear of judgment
• Addressing fear of backlash
• Identifying your intention behind telling this story
• Notice what language you’re using
• Exploring the other person’s point of view
• Play worst case scenario and make a plan
• If you fear physical harm
• Changing details to conceal your identity
• Approaching writing about these moments with caution
• Have a TLC plan in place post-writing

About Erin:
Erin P.T. Canning has worked for more than 15 years as a magazine and book editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.
She always planned to write a book. Then she had kids. While she focused on them, she stopped writing—for six years. Something deep inside was missing. Depression, anxiety, and anger forced her to search for herself, both for her sake and her family’s.
Despite fearing her skills had atrophied, Erin started writing again. One journal entry led to one blog post that led to her creating her podcast, Parents Who Write. Erin’s current role as a podcaster and writing coach enables her to help others pursue their writing dreams.
Finally, she finished writing her own shitty first draft and will release her first novel in 2023. She earned her MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University, and she lives with her husband and their two boys in Maryland.
Connect with Erin:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanning
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/erinptcanning
• Facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite
• Book a free 30-minute consultation call: https://calendly.com/parentswhowrite/30min-meeting

Resources discussed during the show:

• Read my personal essay here: https://lifebeyondparenting.com/Erin-go-Brach

Ready to stop circling around your manuscript?
As an experienced professional editor, I can help you finish your book with confidence and direction. Learn more by visiting ParentsWhoWrite.com/editing, and book a free 30-minute call with me to discuss what’s right for you.