Exposing

In my novel, I'm discussing topics such as body positivity, sexism, sexual freedom, empowerment of both women and men, mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, and how people's preconceived notions can differ. Part of the novel has one of the characters struggling with the idea of public nudity in a place where it is accepted and is even the norm. These are all subjects that I have strong feelings for and, which in my mind need to still be addressed by society before we can truly move on toward enlightenment.

I've realized recently, that putting so much of myself into the characters personalities and using my own experiences to give life to theirs is leaving me more bare on the page than they will ever be. I've heard this is the case in interviews and authors notes over my years of reading, but I never realized to what extent it was true.

Different characters have different aspects of my personality. Some of those aspects are based on me at a younger age and some are more current as I've grown over the years. At least I hope I have. Part of writing these characters and other characters with opposing views has already helped me grow. Writing is therapeutic, and something I enjoy, despite it being such an intimate relationship with the reader.

I know I will have a difficult time when the novel is released, hoping that it is accepted, and by extension, I can feel accepted too. So, I hope that when it is done, everyone will enjoy getting to know me, and watching me be exposed in a way that physical nudity doesn't even compare.