hahaha - perhaps you're right. I just had in mind all the cases of rape, etc that happen because someone doesn't "look" like a rapist, or a threat - so we ignore red flags and warning signals out of a fear of appearing rude or irrational. Maybe shouldn't watch Nordic Noir before writing blog posts lol

Plus, I got to laugh during that opening over: "We live in a society that prioritizes politeness, civility, predictability, and generally keeping a lid on things." Canada sounds lovely. Most of that has gone by the way side in America these days and I miss it.

I'll change it, Jean. And this sounds horrifically hard. I'm so glad you dug deep and wrote your memoir!

That sounds really hard, Jean. ((hugs))
I think it's important to share the reality of living with these issues - help fight the stigma. And really, if you're looking for a David and Goliath type story, fighting mental health and past trauma hits home for a lot of people unfortunately. Take care of yourself.

I certainly didn't intend to refer my daughter as vacuous! I hate spell check sometimes! She was vivacious! Jean

I recently completed my memoir manuscript, currently titled "Faith, Hope and Brass Bawls." I can attest to the fact that your blog is consistent with real life...mine... after my 19-year-old college student daughter was involved in a terrible car crash that left her with traumatic brain injury, legally blind, many permanent physical injuries as well as total amnesia of her life prior to the crash, and short term memory deficit.

My vivacious, beautiful, talented daughter awoke from a 38-day coma, and I learned that she was a 19 year old toddler who knew no one or nothing, so toilet training was on the near future agenda. Having no professional answers, I created the scenario that at any moment she would again be the daughter I had for almost 2 decades. I didn't know her, she didn't know her family or anything else, The family imploded in the wake of the trauma, leaving every negative emotion in its wake.

And so, your words reached me, and I thank you for them. Regards, Jean

So true - because some PEOPLE ignore their inner conflicts - characters, too, and either don't want to know why they're doing things, or know and drink, etc., to forget or block.

All grist for the mills. And yes, it does slow things down some, but I'm not interested in the action shoot-em-ups anyway, and it suits me. As long as it doesn't get plodding, which varies by the reader's subjective expectations.

Thanks for all your help in posting 😀 And I'm glad it was helpful, even if just from a high level perspective.

I'm sorry you've had bad experiences. I've had a few myself and they make seeking help extra hard. When you're already struggling with mental health and trauma issues, adding rejection, betrayal and other BIG emotional hurts, it just adds more rocks to the sack on your back (so to speak). I like the way you choose to juxtapose the reactions -- that's helpful for readers to understand if your character is an unreliable narrator or not.