Writing into the Wound: Understanding trauma, truth, and language

"there is no pleasure in writing trauma" i wish my parents knew that

I wish it were longer, but I understand why it isn't. We do not need to harp on trauma to write about it. We must look at it and bear witness. This has helped me with some of my writer's block. It was also great to hear it repeatedly to really get it. Thank you to Roxana's assistant for sending me this link.

As always, a sharp observation of the world around us.

short and sweet. lots of info in a short time. love all of roxane's work.

Gay is amazing! I highly recommend EVERYTHING by this author

Makes you think. Very reflective. Empowering and vulnerable. Raw and emotional.

Clearly written and narrated. Raw and yet dignified. Challenging, validating, obviously current but sadly also timeless and universal.

This was poignant and I cannot wait to get my hands on her writing!

The author’s voice is comforting, and her strength is admirable.

Compelling and informative with bits of humor in author's own lovely voice!

So helpful for my writing journey, I decided to read the book too.

Highly recommend for creators and listeners of memoirs, novels, interviews, podcasts, and yes - even true crime and the news.

***
Breakdown

* Beginning – Life Lessons *
(Woven into a beautifully compelling narrative, not necessarily in this order)

-Roxanne's personal journey from her dramatic (and traumatic) "disappearance" from college to her return to that same (Ivy League) university "under vastly different circumstances" as a professor. Great storytelling that exemplifies her subsequent lessons on using humor and metaphor in personal trauma writing (sometimes but not always applicable) and not allowing the trauma dictate or overwhelm the whole of the narrative. Must listen!

–Roxanne's life lessons from writing and publishing her memoir, Hunger. Vital for for authors, especially memoirists. Very important for journalists, reviewers, publicists, other industry professionals, and frankly anyone who interacts with and/or comments on authors and their work. (This means you).

– Roxanne's thoughts on the many, many problems with most writing about trauma and the word itself, how she developed her ideas around trauma writing as a discipline. Very important for writers and creators. Readers and listers may also find it interesting.

* Middle – Workshop *
Roxanne shares insights and recommended readings from her Ivy League course on writing about trauma. This is the point at which I stopped listening, started reading, took notes, and then came back to finish listening. (It's so short I finished both the ebook and audiobook complete with notes in just a few hours. Writing my reviews took longer!) Must read and listen!

* End – Current/Collective Events *
Roxanne covers writing about collective traumas like the COVID-19 pandemic, police brutality, violent and oppressive regimes, amongst others. She talks about why she writes on these topics and how she navigates the various challenges.

Personally, I didn't like her coverage of certain topics in this section and found it re-triggering even when broached only briefly. (Her style was suddenly straight and objective, a stark and sudden shift from her usually warm and soothing tone).

Still, many valid and important points.

* Conclusion *
The final sentences capture the spirit of the book best:

"There is no pleasure to be had in writing about trauma. It requires opening a wound, looking into the bloody gape of it, and cleaning it out, one word at a time. Only then might it be possible for that wound to heal." -Roxanne Gay
(On "writing into the wound")

***
Roxanne has a lovely reading voice and a wonderful teaching style. If you have a wound to open up and clean word for word, she's the guide you want.

Again, highly recommend!

I felt resonance, bravery and truth in Roxanne's experience and words. I look forward to reading much more from her audacity and sensitivity.

Incredible! Keeping this one on my book shelf to read again and again

A fantastic perspective on the art and craft of writing about one’s personal trauma as well as the trauma of others. I greatly appreciated this perspective on an area of writing I have yet to try.

what a great read! enjoyed her insight very much. On to her other writings as well!

Very insightful and informative to read. I really recommend it

Delightful book. As a therapist, I was hoping for tools and activities to write about trauma. This was not it, and she explained specifically that when she was doing her writing group, she tried to stay away and not cater to therapists to use this as some sort of intervention. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful piece, highlighting her struggle and journey to process through difficult issues.

The first book I listened to on Scribd. Would recommend listening to this after you've read some of Gay's other work. Although directly getting into this is fine too! Loved the narration. Loved the book!

That was fantastic! I’ve heard of Roxanne Gay before, but never tried her writing. But after listening to this book, I’ll be sure to learn more about the author and her work

Excellent and straight to the purpose of the book. I’m person and professionally leaning towards he author way of being with the landscape of trauma.

Amazing! A good intro to her writing. The part about the pandemic can come off very privilege but that’s her reality.

I feel so sorry for all what the author has endured. Her journey chattered my heart and I think that she still needs to recover cz her wounds aren't healed yet

Clear-eyed, moving, brave, and beautiful, this is a powerful short read.

As an avid reader and aspiring writer I enjoyed this essay on writing about the most difficult topics. Love the idea of Scribd originals!

This is short, but what the author said about writing trauma, resonates, and it is not only factual but truthful.

An inspiring and thoughtful examination of trauma, both personal and collective, and how to write through and about trauma in a way that is healing, constructive and respectful.

Honest and harrowing. I struggle to write about my own traumas but books like these always remind me that it might be worth it. Someone is listening

Great and moving... to learn by heart, for sure I will!!

As always, Dr Gay left me reflecting, hoping and envisioning how to be in the world. Her voice an anchor to the depth of wisdom. Gracias

Clear, moving, authentic. I have Hunger on my bookshelf and now I’m reaching for it.

Short and to the point. Anecdotal without conceit. Listening with open mind to her truths.