Jason Howell
asked
Shannon L. Peel:
Shannon... Do you think you're more vulnerable in your writing or in your personal life? What obstacles to vulnerability are there for you in either of those areas? And why do you think you're able to be more open in one than in the other? Thanks, Jason
Shannon L. Peel
Vulnerability is one of those things most people don't like to think about, me included. I had to look up the definition to help me answer this question: Open to injury.
Considering my life and how I've become very closed off and distrustful of others, especially men, I'd have to say I am not vulnerable in the real world, even though I feel extremely vulnerable. I feel unsafe, judged, attacked, and that is why I am extremely defensive and protect myself and my kids at all costs. I push others away if I think they'll hurt me and I have built a huge wall around my heart.
With my writing I'd say I am more vulnerable. I draw from my experiences and the pain I feel to develop the story line and to understand what my characters are going through. I invite others into my soul to get to know me as a writer. I put my writing out there into the world and beg others to give me their honest and brutal feedback. Even if it isn't 100% positive I am thankful for their honesty and file away their suggestions for future work. I am not defensive, I don't feel attacked by my readers, and I am open to their criticisms and judgements.
I think the difference is how safe we feel. Where I don't feel secure I am defensive and less open to inviting injury into my life. Where I feel secure, in my writing, I am vulnerable and open to injury. Although I feel vulnerable in the real world, I am not and where I don't feel vulnerable in my writing, I am.
Considering my life and how I've become very closed off and distrustful of others, especially men, I'd have to say I am not vulnerable in the real world, even though I feel extremely vulnerable. I feel unsafe, judged, attacked, and that is why I am extremely defensive and protect myself and my kids at all costs. I push others away if I think they'll hurt me and I have built a huge wall around my heart.
With my writing I'd say I am more vulnerable. I draw from my experiences and the pain I feel to develop the story line and to understand what my characters are going through. I invite others into my soul to get to know me as a writer. I put my writing out there into the world and beg others to give me their honest and brutal feedback. Even if it isn't 100% positive I am thankful for their honesty and file away their suggestions for future work. I am not defensive, I don't feel attacked by my readers, and I am open to their criticisms and judgements.
I think the difference is how safe we feel. Where I don't feel secure I am defensive and less open to inviting injury into my life. Where I feel secure, in my writing, I am vulnerable and open to injury. Although I feel vulnerable in the real world, I am not and where I don't feel vulnerable in my writing, I am.
More Answered Questions
Jason Howell
asked
Shannon L. Peel:
If you're a writer, chances are you're also your own marketing & promotional team. Do you find conflict there? Between the creative work and the hustle? Or do the two mostly merge for you? Without going into the nuts and bolts of your approach too much, can you talk about how you view these things?
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