I Have No Idea What I'm Doing

Almost right off the bat with this book, I knew I wanted to tackle the issue of domestic violence with Magnolia. When I decided the band was going on tour in Taming Griffin, I wanted to figure out Magnolia’s motivation for wanting so badly to keep her job. The answer came to me pretty quickly—she was afraid if she stopped moving, her past would catch up to her.

Here’s the problem: I’ve never experienced domestic violence for myself. I have this innate need to write my heroines flawed but with a huge redemption arc. I want them to find love, but also to learn how strong they really are and how they’re responsible for their own growth and happiness. Because of that, I like to start them out in tough situations that they can grow out of.

They can take back control of their lives and show themselves how badass they really are.

I do this because I struggle in my own life. Since I was a kid, I’ve had severe panic attacks off and on. I don’t know what caused them or why they started, but I do know that it fucking sucks. At the beginning of 2020, I was at a point where I couldn’t leave my house, even to go for a walk or to go grocery shopping.

It’s taken a shit ton of work this year, but I’m healing and getting better, and I want the same thing for my characters. I want them to find out their true strength in the face of adversity, but I also don’t want to be offensive.

I’m going to write Magnolia how I imagine a woman would act in her circumstances, but I realize that not everyone reacts the same way or will have the same hangups, and that’s okay. Please know if you’ve experienced domestic violence, or if you’re currently struggling with it and don’t know where to turn, you can click this link for help: DV Hotline

You’re not alone in your struggles, no matter what they are, and I hope by writing women who reclaim their lives, I can give you an escape and hope at the same time.

And, for what it’s worth if you need someone to talk to, I’m your girl. Just leave me a comment or email me at heatherreadsitall@gmail.com. I hope you love Magnolia as much as I love writing her and Griffin is exactly the sweet, soulful guy she needs to help lift her up.

Just remember—I really have no idea what I’m doing.