Truly. I've always believed that writers are "made" by their life. And that they are given the lives they are strong enough to bear, and to communicate through story to others.

Thanks for adding the pearl of your perspective here, Jenny. Our pasts are both minefields and treasure troves, aren’t they?

So, so true. Would my writing be the same if I weren't the child of a bloody divorce? If I hadn't almost died in 2005? What about the crappy boyfriends, the infertility, and the narcissistic parent? My writing would be completely different. Those experiences were ALL important grist for the mill, and I'm grateful for them.

I don't think I'll ever be grateful for losing my mama so young, but I'm incredibly thankful that I had her in the first place. 🙂

Ah, Lori. Revisionist fiction is wonderful. It helps you, and it's such a tribute to the one you're writing about (whether anyone else knows it or not). Hugs, you brave woman.

So true, Fae. It’s part of the human condition, and striving to make things better gives our lives focus. Our woes never feel good while we’re going through them, but the key to unlocking the wisdom we can get from them seems to first demand our gratitude.

Emotionally speaking, you may be right Julie about the write what you know. Certainly our own experience inspires our stories and makes them ring true.

Wonderful insight, Kathryn. Thank you!

That's lovely, Lori! So much important truth in what you write here that it could also read as an op-ed (really restraining myself here). What our government can't seem to solve, our stories can address—and can change hearts, one reader at a time. Good for you for taking on this important work.