"No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent."
A few days ago, someone asked me a question.
"Why do you have to write books that are so sexual?" she asked.
When I first heard it, I didn't think anything of it. I just laughed it off, saying that anyone of that age would think that way. But, later on- I started to think about that question that was asked of me.
And I realized that things would be much easier if I was writing a book suitable for all audiences. I wouldn't have to explain my reason for writing the book, I wouldn't have to constantly answer the question, "you weren't sexually assaulted were you?" and I definitely wouldn't have to warn anyone over 80 that it's "risque."
As my release date approaches, I find myself more worried than ever. I have been waking up in the middle of the night, wondering, will people love Stacey (the main character) the way that I do? Or will they judge her?
Let's be honest- Stacey is promiscuous. But that being said she is also REAL.
I wrote Barren at a time in my life where I felt like I couldn't speak up. Barren challenges that feeling- it speaks (almost screams) about the tough topics.
That's what I originally loved about the book. But now, as I imagine friends who once saw me as innocent reading my words- something inside me feels anxious about that aspect of the book.
At work this week I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes. This quote is Eleanor Roosevelt's. She said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
As I slave over my final proofreads and I get excited for my release- I remind myself of that quote. I remind myself that maybe, just maybe, the majority of people will fall for Stacey's character. And I also remind myself that a few of them probably will not. Some people will be outraged over her sexual decisions, etc. But that being said, does one person's negative opinion matter? Does that sway my reasons for writing the novel? Does that challenge my feelings toward the book?
The answer is ... of course not.
I love my novel, Barren; I adore Stacey Lorenzo. I love how raw it is, and I love that it's hard-hitting and talks about issues that are usually swept under the rug.
And that opinion, mine, will forever be the only one that matters.
"Why do you have to write books that are so sexual?" she asked.
When I first heard it, I didn't think anything of it. I just laughed it off, saying that anyone of that age would think that way. But, later on- I started to think about that question that was asked of me.
And I realized that things would be much easier if I was writing a book suitable for all audiences. I wouldn't have to explain my reason for writing the book, I wouldn't have to constantly answer the question, "you weren't sexually assaulted were you?" and I definitely wouldn't have to warn anyone over 80 that it's "risque."
As my release date approaches, I find myself more worried than ever. I have been waking up in the middle of the night, wondering, will people love Stacey (the main character) the way that I do? Or will they judge her?
Let's be honest- Stacey is promiscuous. But that being said she is also REAL.
I wrote Barren at a time in my life where I felt like I couldn't speak up. Barren challenges that feeling- it speaks (almost screams) about the tough topics.
That's what I originally loved about the book. But now, as I imagine friends who once saw me as innocent reading my words- something inside me feels anxious about that aspect of the book.
At work this week I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes. This quote is Eleanor Roosevelt's. She said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
As I slave over my final proofreads and I get excited for my release- I remind myself of that quote. I remind myself that maybe, just maybe, the majority of people will fall for Stacey's character. And I also remind myself that a few of them probably will not. Some people will be outraged over her sexual decisions, etc. But that being said, does one person's negative opinion matter? Does that sway my reasons for writing the novel? Does that challenge my feelings toward the book?
The answer is ... of course not.
I love my novel, Barren; I adore Stacey Lorenzo. I love how raw it is, and I love that it's hard-hitting and talks about issues that are usually swept under the rug.
And that opinion, mine, will forever be the only one that matters.
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