How do I handle sensitive or painful topics in my book?

Day 2 of 30 Bestselling Book Tips for Writing Your Life Story

Writing about sensitive or painful topics in your book impacts both you, the people that you are writing about and the people reading your story. Let’s address them separately:

You will be affected by the writing. My memoir changed me more than any therapy or medicine that I ever tried. Because it was so powerful, it also required me to be patient with my process, get help when I needed it and practice daily self-care habits. Writing is a healing and transformative process but writing alone may not be sufficient to address deep-seated trauma or mental health issues. If you find yourself struggling with overwhelming emotions or memories, it’s essential to seek professional help from therapists or counselors who are trained to provide support and guidance.

Your characters a.k.a. the people you’re writing about will be affected by the writing. My family and friends had emotional reactions to my book — mostly positive, but some felt uncomfortable. I had to have open, compassionate conversations with my loved ones about the topics in my story that impacted them. You need to be prepared for both positive and negative feedback, and approach criticism with a positive attitude. You may also have to change identifying details and/or leave the content out of the book if it’s going to cause too much conflict in your real life.

Your readers will be affected by the writing. Think about who will be reading your book and how they might react to the sensitive topics you plan to address. If your book contains content that may be triggering or upsetting to some readers, consider including trigger warnings at the beginning of relevant chapters or sections. This gives readers the opportunity to prepare themselves emotionally or skip over certain parts if necessary. If your book addresses topics such as mental health issues, trauma, or abuse, consider including a list of resources at the end of your book where readers can find additional support and information.

Ultimately, writing has the power to not only transform your story but also to facilitate healing and growth for everyone who is connected to you.

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