Post by Guest Blogger Beverley Young. The word “Fiction” anywhere in the description of a genre, denotes the story as a creation of the author. This may extend to the description of events, characters, and settings within a story. In some instances, the fiction may be a parody of reality. The challenge for every author is to ‘make’ the reader relate to their story. When writing fiction, the primary goal is authenticity. You want your words to validate the picture you are creating for your reader. As Stephen King put it: The truth within a lie. Truth as defined by the Oxford Dictionary states: ‘that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality’. In my debut novel, a South American Historical Fiction, ‘The Long Road into Hell’, I discovered writing graphic fiction authentically took a personal toll, not just in portraying the victims, but in becoming the perpetrator. More difficult than I could have imagined. To be absolutely ‘truthful’, writing is not necessarily a pleasurable experience. It’s arduous, time consuming, frustrating, and damn hard work. It draws criticism from all quarters, none more so, than from the author themselves! The ‘moment of truth’ comes when you submit your best efforts to the scrutiny of an agent or publisher, only to be told ‘it’s not good enough’. Painful, regardless whether the review was delivered with sensitivity and tact. Even when producing writing well-judged by your peers, the ‘truth’ is, not everyone will like what you write—regardless. If you have a public profile, this has the potential to cloud how you and your writing are judged even further—a harsh truth!

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A Different Kind of Truth –  A burden no less. I recently attended a book launch where the author told of the systematic abuse by her stepfather from the age of six until she fled at nineteen. The burden of truth weighed heavily on her for most of her life. Harrowing to write, no doubt; at times, painful to read.

What’s the most challenging thing you’ve had to write about? Did it affect you personally, either emotionally or psychologically?

My Most Painful Truth – I’m currently working on a memoir called ‘Should I Laugh or Should I Cry’. The focus being on grief and loss. Recalling and recounting personal experiences exacted a considerable toll. No less emotive, was recounting other people’s suffering in my role as a Palliative Care nurse in a Hospice. I grieved all over again.

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What Did I Learn?

• The truth often causes discomfort, but it is essential in fostering open communication.
• Revealing burdensome truths can have a personal impact.
• Omitting the truth can be just as detrimental as telling a lie.
• How carrying the burden of truth affects everyone.

To thine own self be true — William Shakespeare

About Beverley Young

Before retiring at 68, Bev was an avid traveller. She is now fully immersed in her passion for writing. Before the publication of her debut novel, Bev had been published previously in several nursing journals and the Winton Writers Outback Anthology for seven consecutive years, where she was listed among the top five stories for 2020. She is currently completing a memoir. Bev spends most of her free time attending seminars, book fests, writing retreats, and catching up with friends. Bev is also a member of Women Writers Queensland, Winton Writers Centre and Queensland Writers Centre. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or her website: www.beverleyyoungauthor.com