Quote of the Day:
I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t. Audre Lorde
Photograph of a photograph at the MN State Fair fine arts building.
The card reads: The World is about to Turn
Mark C. Christianson, Minneapolis (photographer)
The photograph illustrates the controversial issue of marriage and what it means to different people.
Today marks the two year anniversary of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, click his name to find more insecure writers and to read his blog. I am a charter member of IWSG. I missed the very first posting because it was my birthday, and I wasn’t feeling insecure that day, nor did I spend much time online. Otherwise, I don’t think that I’ve missed a month. Thanks, Alex, for starting this wonderful network of writers!
My insecurity for September 2013 comes from a desire, a calling even, to write about a controversial issue. I believe in justice, and this particular issue is more than a political issue or a religious issue, it is a justice issue. People are being hurt by unfair laws, policies and beliefs. It causes them to live in fear, to be silent and hidden, rather than live their authentic lives.
There are people standing on the opposite side of this issue. People who might reject me and the women I interview for an article I’m writing because they are so afraid of it, of the people who embody it. I’ll write it anyway. They have a story to share. They are now able to live their authentic lives and announce to the world who they are and whom they love.
Sometimes being a writer is hard. You are made for a higher calling, one that gives voice to the voiceless, sheds light on darkness, and empowers the hurting. I hope you’re feeling brave enough to answer that call.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Please visit the co-hosts for this month’s IWSG.
Journaling Prompt: Have you ever written about, or taken a stand on, a controversial subject? Have you ever been afraid to publish what you’ve written? When have you felt really brave as a writer/artist?
I incorporate utilitarianism into my books. I have my MC doing things he normally would not do for the greater good. Normally a law abiding citizen, he has to break laws if he is to stop a threat that will hurt a lot of people.
Typically, I get around my worries about these things by burying my points under quite a lot of comedy. Occasionally this goes spectacularly wrong, as when an article I wrote which was meant to be largely satirising many SF writers’ attitudes was taken as representing mine.
Ah, yes, Stephen and Stu, fiction and comedy are great vehicles for shedding light on any subject. In fact, I believe that comedy is one of the first ways that we begin to talk about topics that can make us uncomfortable. And, yes, we run the risk of being misunderstood.
It can be so hard to stand up for what we believe in if it is a controversial issue. Good for you, Mary.
Thanks, Karen.
Sometimes we have to speak for those who can’t. Write it, Mary. It will probably end up being the most powerful thing you’ve ever written.
Interesting question, Mary. I used to work as a minister in the Church of England, and can’t decide whether to publish my next book for adults, I usually write for children, under another name!
Thanks, Alex. I feel empowered by your support.
Carole Anne, I think that when we feel that hesitation that means that we know it will be important. It’s the nudge to do something brave.
Share your words. Share your story.
My characters speak up about various social injustices. The pen is always mightier than the sword.
But, Mary, did you know Assange is wanted by the police in Sweden because he’s charged with rape?
I think what you do, Mary, is very honourable. Bravo for stepping forward and speaking out for those woman. Bravo!
You are quite an inspiration. Please don’t ever stop.This is my round the blogs stop as being a new member of the ISWG.
Oh, Kittie, ew, no. I didn’t know that. Maybe it’s not so good to quote him.
Joylene, thanks for that vote of confidence and encouragement.
Marilyn, Thanks! I’m going to visit your blog next.
You are an inspiration to us all. Good luck.
Gosh Mary, your post resonated with me…
You’ve really got me thinking…
I applaud you for bringing their voices to the surface.
I LOVE this post! It goes along with what I wrote today (Thursday) on my blog about writing what we’re afraid to write about. Writing about topics that scare you.
Wonderful!