You can write a novel about PTSD. I did though I could not sell it to agents or publishing houses because , I believe, they then considered the topic taboo. I have a very mild case that I am able to control and I centered on a particular kind of resolution. In my case and the cases of others, it's extraordinarily important to face the truth of what we did in combat and why we did it.
Hello Tom, Thanks for that idea. My novel is set in Iraq. I’m working with a developmental editor who has contacts with the publishing world. She hopes I find an agent, but has told me that publishers aren’t looking for war novels right now. No one wants to read or think about the Middle East here in the U.S. these days. She’s encouraging me to emphasize the romance and historical fiction elements in it over things like the emotional trauma my main character carries around. Sad, but that seems like where our country is right now. I’ll check out your book!
My next novel now in progress is tentatively entitled Prelude. It is largely based on the nationwide Armed Forces Day protest in1970. I witnessed that as a soldier stationed at Ft. Ord while my sister's boyfriend of the time was on the steering committee for the protest at UC Santa Cruz. I am writing it as a piece of historical fiction with indeed a romance but no in narrative sex. It's meant to be a portrait of the historical several movements that were all in conflict at that time:
1. Administrative authority - Nixon.
2. Military Authority.
3. Anti War protests.
4. Civil Rights with specific reference to the Black Panthers.
5. Feminism and the Woman's movement.
I see intense parallels to our environment to day which is why I do much hope it will prove itself as a historical novel.
This reminds me of David Hackworth's novel, PRICE OF HONOR (1999). He did terrific non-fiction-autobio work like ABOUT FACE and HAZARDOUS DUTY and STEEL MY SOLDIERS' HEARTS. But the novel? All these years later I recall how - o.k., sex scene now o.k., romantic interest now - it just seems someone told him he had to insert this stuff and it was no good.
Hi Richard, so you don’t like my column this week? It sounds like you’re saying it was no good, just like Hackworth’s novel was no good compared to his non-fiction.
No I liked the column! Unless I chose the wrong thread, I was responding to the advice you received (in part) to emphasize romance in place of emotional trauma. Maybe you'll write great romance scenes. Hackworth did not. :-)
Hi Russell. Retired VA psychologist here. I read and used your intersubjective treatment model with PTSD combat veterans for over a decade. As a psychodynamically trained psychologist, I found your model to be exceptionally helpful despite the VA and DOD emphasis on CPT or exposure based treatments. My point: you still are using your psychiatric skills to help others, and the manual will expand that impact. I would add that being on the front lines of human suffering is extremely challenging work that is also very fertile soil from which great literature grows. Best of luck as you follow your dream. You’ve earned it.
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad my writings were helpful to you. Yes, I do think all I’ve seen in the military is helping me as a writer. Enjoy your retirement!
There’s always struggle and always something to say. The important question to embrace is why we do what we do. I’ve taught art and English and retired a few times. The reason I keep going back to teach is because it gives me structure and purpose while I write unpublished novels based on my traumatic life and make paintings to go with my poems. As for your conundrum, you don’t need the money or the guilt, so there are other reasons to do both kinds of writing. Organically, you can work it out, experimenting. You can try one thing and then the other, because you’re young enough and have the time. Your struggle makes your writing material, because you’re writing memoir, or creative memoir. Hogwash to the naysayer about books on war. It’s always been the art that elevates any subject. I love THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, partly because it’s about Vietnam and so many of my friends and relatives served there. But then, I love it, too, because it transforms suffering into an art experience to which anyone can relate. You can do this. Your voice is strong and clear. Some of my paintings are on Instagram @judith_ann_mosby.
I think you can do both, that is write your fiction and write your nonfiction. Fantastic that you’ve found an editor as a guide. Please give yourself time. Writing takes time. It’s gruelling, and the primary benefit is the momentum of tenacity. Nothing happens fast nor arrive easily. Stay with your visions. They feed one another.
Dear Dr. I enjoy reading your work but maybe you could do both? I continue to serve others part time and do other stuff which satisfies my creative sides. Good luck! Master Gardener Maura
Hello Maura, I’m glad you enjoy gardening. I don’t have a green thumb, but love to visit gardens when we travel. They can be so beautiful. It’s encouraging to hear that you have time and energy and overall band width for both creative and service endeavors. On my best days, I hope to have that, too. Thank you!
You can write a novel about PTSD. I did though I could not sell it to agents or publishing houses because , I believe, they then considered the topic taboo. I have a very mild case that I am able to control and I centered on a particular kind of resolution. In my case and the cases of others, it's extraordinarily important to face the truth of what we did in combat and why we did it.
I'm on Amazon. The Kindle version is only $2.99
Hello Tom, Thanks for that idea. My novel is set in Iraq. I’m working with a developmental editor who has contacts with the publishing world. She hopes I find an agent, but has told me that publishers aren’t looking for war novels right now. No one wants to read or think about the Middle East here in the U.S. these days. She’s encouraging me to emphasize the romance and historical fiction elements in it over things like the emotional trauma my main character carries around. Sad, but that seems like where our country is right now. I’ll check out your book!
My next novel now in progress is tentatively entitled Prelude. It is largely based on the nationwide Armed Forces Day protest in1970. I witnessed that as a soldier stationed at Ft. Ord while my sister's boyfriend of the time was on the steering committee for the protest at UC Santa Cruz. I am writing it as a piece of historical fiction with indeed a romance but no in narrative sex. It's meant to be a portrait of the historical several movements that were all in conflict at that time:
1. Administrative authority - Nixon.
2. Military Authority.
3. Anti War protests.
4. Civil Rights with specific reference to the Black Panthers.
5. Feminism and the Woman's movement.
I see intense parallels to our environment to day which is why I do much hope it will prove itself as a historical novel.
It sounds interesting. I look forward to it.
This reminds me of David Hackworth's novel, PRICE OF HONOR (1999). He did terrific non-fiction-autobio work like ABOUT FACE and HAZARDOUS DUTY and STEEL MY SOLDIERS' HEARTS. But the novel? All these years later I recall how - o.k., sex scene now o.k., romantic interest now - it just seems someone told him he had to insert this stuff and it was no good.
Hi Richard, so you don’t like my column this week? It sounds like you’re saying it was no good, just like Hackworth’s novel was no good compared to his non-fiction.
No I liked the column! Unless I chose the wrong thread, I was responding to the advice you received (in part) to emphasize romance in place of emotional trauma. Maybe you'll write great romance scenes. Hackworth did not. :-)
Understood. Thanks!
Hi Russell. Retired VA psychologist here. I read and used your intersubjective treatment model with PTSD combat veterans for over a decade. As a psychodynamically trained psychologist, I found your model to be exceptionally helpful despite the VA and DOD emphasis on CPT or exposure based treatments. My point: you still are using your psychiatric skills to help others, and the manual will expand that impact. I would add that being on the front lines of human suffering is extremely challenging work that is also very fertile soil from which great literature grows. Best of luck as you follow your dream. You’ve earned it.
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad my writings were helpful to you. Yes, I do think all I’ve seen in the military is helping me as a writer. Enjoy your retirement!
There’s always struggle and always something to say. The important question to embrace is why we do what we do. I’ve taught art and English and retired a few times. The reason I keep going back to teach is because it gives me structure and purpose while I write unpublished novels based on my traumatic life and make paintings to go with my poems. As for your conundrum, you don’t need the money or the guilt, so there are other reasons to do both kinds of writing. Organically, you can work it out, experimenting. You can try one thing and then the other, because you’re young enough and have the time. Your struggle makes your writing material, because you’re writing memoir, or creative memoir. Hogwash to the naysayer about books on war. It’s always been the art that elevates any subject. I love THE THINGS THEY CARRIED, partly because it’s about Vietnam and so many of my friends and relatives served there. But then, I love it, too, because it transforms suffering into an art experience to which anyone can relate. You can do this. Your voice is strong and clear. Some of my paintings are on Instagram @judith_ann_mosby.
I think you can do both, that is write your fiction and write your nonfiction. Fantastic that you’ve found an editor as a guide. Please give yourself time. Writing takes time. It’s gruelling, and the primary benefit is the momentum of tenacity. Nothing happens fast nor arrive easily. Stay with your visions. They feed one another.
Dear Dr. I enjoy reading your work but maybe you could do both? I continue to serve others part time and do other stuff which satisfies my creative sides. Good luck! Master Gardener Maura
Hello Maura, I’m glad you enjoy gardening. I don’t have a green thumb, but love to visit gardens when we travel. They can be so beautiful. It’s encouraging to hear that you have time and energy and overall band width for both creative and service endeavors. On my best days, I hope to have that, too. Thank you!
Thank you Sir, re-stacked.
Stay safe.
🙏🇺🇸💙🙏
Thank you! Stay safe as well!
Poor Riley.
Yes, he wasn’t as thrilled as Debra Winger was in the movie.
He has a WTF expression on his face.