Bethany Henry: Writing & Wellness

Regardless of how we identify ourselves, we should all be writing diverse stories. And not just because it’s a buzzword or because we want to be politically correct. Diversity is important to recognize because  we are not all the same . We come in different shapes, colors, sizes, ages, beliefs, genders, sexualities, abilities, backgrounds, mental health, physical health… the list goes on. And on. Our diverse world is a beautiful place filled with beautiful souls. So what does this mean for us writers? Well, it means our stories should reflect that diversity. Diversity is important because: We want to be authentic and true The world is diverse. If our writing doesn’t reflect that then we aren’t writing about the real world. We want to connect with our readers Our readers contain many different types of people. By including diversity in our writing we can better reach our audience. We want to teach our readers Education and broadening minds is a part of art. We can help teach our rea...

Wellness for writers, self-care, grace, sustainable living… no matter what we call it, the truth is that it’s important for us to find ways to be healthy both body and soul. Wellness can be especially tricky for writers at times since we’re often isolated, dealing with criticism both from ourselves and others, and overall engaging in emotionally draining work. So let’s make sure to be taking care of ourselves! Note: If you are in crisis, there is help available to you! You are not alone. Please connect with emergency services around you or contact these numbers where trained staff can help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or  Live Online Chat SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) This worksheet is not to replace personal or professional advice. If you’re having a hard time, I’d encourage you to contact a counselor or other professional for support. Today I’m walking us through a wellness worksheet that’s similar to something ...