So as many of you will know, I’m writing an essay for a book, Pride, Not Prejudice. I’ve decided as part of the fundraising process, and to raise awareness about this project I’ll be writing a series of short blog posts about the writing process, specifically how this stuff all works specifically for a transgender writer.
Today’s post is just introductory, since I’m still planning out what I’m going to talk about and when, but here’s a preview of some possible topics:
My transition and how it’s made me a better writer: I’ve been writing stories since I was about ten, when they were mostly all loose reinterpretations of tv shows or books I was reading. Now that I’ve started my transition, having gone through the trial by fire of putting myself out into the world, my writing has become more personal and, I think, better.
Crowdfunding as character-building: cold-calling people is never fun, and it can often feel disingenuous to contact people you haven’t spoken to in years, but it’s important to remember that the people you’re contacting will get something back, and your enthusiasm for your project will be infectious!
Coping with mental illness and using writing as an outlet: I’ve been dealing with various mental illnesses for a while, but as I’ve grown up and put what’s inside my head onto the page and out there for people to see, it’s become easier to cope with bad days, and easier to tell when my thoughts are going to dark places.
The drive to write!: as I said, I’ve been writing for a while, and I’ve noticed in the last year or so that I sometimes feel a physical urge to write. Not only that but I also sometimes feel a palpable desire to put my work out into the world, to show it to people, despite lingering self-confidence issues. But did the chicken or the egg come first? Do I feel the urge to write because writing has gotten easier or is writing easier because I feel compelled to do it?
Followers! Are there topics you’d like to read about? What are your experiences with the above feelings and experiences? Please share your thoughts!
I’ll see you next time, but in the meantime, please consider pledging for a copy of my book, Pride, Not Prejudice, and please share the link with friends and family you think would benefit from a firsthand perspective of what it’s like to be transgender (AKA everyone).
Eris Young IS NOW AT ERISYOUNG.COM 