Writing Through Oppression

Our nation is a shambles right now. The arts, from late-night talk shows to musicians to writers, are all worried about their futures as we watch Washington wield some grotesque power that is stripping the freedom of speech and forcing away the right of open and artistic expression. You may ask how, if this is the case, I feel so open to write this accusatory blog. I have nothing to lose. As a transgender woman, an amputee on Medicaid, and an author, every right and freedom I have, along with my very identity, is under attack by this autocrat who sits in Washington.

But I am not a political pundit. I am not a comedian, a pollster, or a lobbyist. I am an author. SO I do not sit here encouraging protest or rebellion. I encourage art. I, as a writer, am sitting here, having taken a hiatus from my writing to mourn and worry about the future of my well-being, and returning to work. I am looking ahead at the holidays, a season of hope and promise, a season of love and joy, and working on writing for that season.

As authors, writing is our salvation and our escape. It is our form of protest and our rebellion as much as our solace and our sanctuary. Through this time of oppression, I have focused on several projects. I am excited to be deep into the editing phase on two, with a goal to have them in the hands of readers for the holiday season. I also have a fifth novel that I am deeply invested in, which I am hoping to edit in time for summer reading. But these are often organic and can take on a life of their own.

This deep, focused project work and continued commitment to the craft are what insulate and carry us as authors through the dark days. It is this focus that gives us hope for tomorrow. So I share this short post with you today to say keep writing. To say, set your goals for tomorrow. Tomorrow will come, and the arts will survive. Our continued focus will keep the word alive.