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So some may not get what I mean about parts of pubbing a book causing/reopening trauma. A lot of promotion for specific types of books can involve writing very specifically around trauma. The personal essay market for the past 5-10 years has been largely abt trauma. (Thread. ew.)
For many years, for writers trying to get traction in a literary market, the personal essay has been part of publicity and marketing rollout. Which can means some of your most painful work will come with the angle of publicity.
Here's my most read: https://lithub.com/on-not-writing-about-my-father-an-actual-mad-scientist/
Here's my most read: https://lithub.com/on-not-writing-about-my-father-an-actual-mad-scientist/
It's my most read in part because of the trauma it mines. I wrote it knowing that, and knowing on book tour I'd be asked about my relationship with my dad, and rather than answer that on the spot, it's somewhat easier to point to an essay. So, there's navigating that.
There's also when a publishing process happens during a traumatic event, and dealing with the publisher itself f*cks you up toward the industry. See here. (Also written for promo.)
http://davidabramsbooks.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-first-time-erika-swyler.html
http://davidabramsbooks.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-first-time-erika-swyler.html
There's when you're asked to write (for promo) on moving into your childhood home, but people forget the circumstances that caused the move. But you do it, because you're a writer, this is promo, and your publisher is backing the book hard. https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/24/walking-home
The process is emotionally fraught, and can open up all sorts of old wounds, even when things go swimmingly well! Book "blues" about sales are one thing. But depression, as in major depressive disorder, a thing which I manage, is *easily* kicked into high gear by pubbing.
Basically, when you sell a book the very next thing you need to do is get a therapist if you don't already have one. When book promotion changes (particularly for lit fic), perhaps the process will get a little less wounding. But here we are.
Your mileage, as ever, may vary.
Your mileage, as ever, may vary.
Lest you think I *only* write about my personal trauma, here I am on Florida and the worst job I ever had: https://catapult.co/stories/the-king-of-florida-and-other-roadside-attractions-erika-swyler
And here I am in an essay I love on monsters.
My writing on my trauma stuff forever gets more readers. I'm sure there are studies as to why. https://lithub.com/are-we-running-out-of-monster-metaphors-for-the-disasters-of-the-real-world/
My writing on my trauma stuff forever gets more readers. I'm sure there are studies as to why. https://lithub.com/are-we-running-out-of-monster-metaphors-for-the-disasters-of-the-real-world/
