Strategies for Navigating Traumatic Memories In Your Memoir

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TW: Mention of Sexual Assault

In this episode, you’ll hear from Deborah Svec-Carstens, a writer working on a memoir that details her journey of healing after trauma.

In this episode:

• Writing about trauma and recounting hard memories.
• Three reasons why we struggle to write about feelings 
• The impact trauma has on our memories and emotions 
• Writing speculative scenes 
• Writing around your toughest experiences 
• The benefit of studying other writers 

Resources

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown

Hunger by Roxanne Gay

Acetylene Torch Songs: Writing True Stories to Ignite the Soul by Sue William Silverman

After the Eclipse by Sarah Perry

My Interview with Sarah Perry

A Hard Silence by Melanie Brooks

My Interview with Melanie Brooks

Playing with Dynamite by Sharon Harrigan

Deborah’s Bio: Deborah Svec-Carstens is a writer, spiritual director, and “recovering” lawyer who has written a memoir about her search for healing after a stranger sexually assaulted her in Paris. Her writing has appeared in the Des Moines Register and has been named a finalist in essay contests. In February 2024, she appeared before more than 1,200 people as part of The Des Moines Storytellers Project and told her story of creating community in the aftermath of rape. Deborah lives in West Des Moines, Iowa. She enjoys reading (especially at the beach), hiking, and singing soprano in a local community choir.

Connect with Deborah

Website: https://www.deborahsveccarstens.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.sveccarstens

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah.sveccarstens/

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Produced by Espresso Podcast Production