Episode 83: Writing Sensitively About Painful Topics
So many times, the person we’re writing for is a past version of ourselves. We’ve been through some things and we want to help others who are going through similar situations. But sometimes, the topics we write about involve how others have hurt us, either intentionally or unintentionally. As Christian writers, how do we handle those topics with grace, truth, and forgiveness in a way that will help our reader but not encourage anger and bitterness? In my conversation with author Kori Morgan, we talk about how she learned to navigate that tension in her new book, “Why I Dyed My Hair Purple and Other Unorthodox Stories”. I think you’ll find her gospel-centered approach refreshing and encouraging. Kori Frazier Morgan is an author, disciple, and creative entrepreneur. A graduate of Ohio Northern University and West Virginia University's Master of Fine Arts program in fiction writing, she has been featured in publications such as Shenandoah, SN Review, Blanket Sea, Agape Review, Switchback, Rubbertop Review, Cantos, and Clayjar Review. She is the author of The Goodbye-Love Generation: A Novel in Stories, which centers on the members of a Kent, Ohio rock band during the Kent State shootings in May 1970, and Why I Dyed My Hair Purple & Other Unorthodox Stories, a collection of essays about the intersection of creativity and faith within her Christian testimony. Kori is the founder and Chief Literary Strategist of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services company that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers. Author website: https://korifraziermorgan.com/ Inkling: https://www.inklingcreative.work/ Substack Instagram: @writerkori The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com Disclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com
