Why Do I Talk About BOTH Writing & the Environment?
The answer is simple, but also not.
Once a month I send out a newsletter about something writing-related. I am, after all, a writer working toward publication and eventually I’ll have book information to share.
And also once a month, about two weeks later, I send out a newsletter about simple ways to lessen our impact on the environment.
Both concepts tie in to this idea of growth, in whatever avenue we’re pursuing and passionate about, which is what I’ve themed my newsletter around.
But another, simpler explanation is that what I’m passionate about always comes out in my writing.
While I have several picture book manuscripts focused on environmental themes, none of my novels actually center them as the point or the hook of the story.
For example, I Am Not, which is currently undergoing copyedits, is about a grumpy teen girl dying to escape her small coastal town that has an obsession with a fictional mermaid tale they play up for tourists. A sunshiny new boy moves in next door, drawing her up toward the light.
Where does the environmental aspect come in? In bits and pieces of conversation. With a recycled-themed town ball. In their very own backyard setting.
My other novels are no different. This Year features a character whose mother is vegan. THAT Type of Love Story has a scene where characters try to come up with an eco-friendly alternative to T.P.-ing someone. The main characters who write to each other in Stuff As Dreams Are Made On talk heartily about environmentalism and taking ownership yourself, instead of doing what your parents do.
I write characters who think about the consequences of their actions (sometimes, ha!). I write young characters who care about what’s happening around them that is both within and outside of their control. I write stories that think about and examine the things that I think about and examine.
That’s the whole point of writing: exploring ideas through compelling characters.
For me, the environment and my stories are intertwined. Inseparable. And the whole point of this newsletter is to offer something to readers. That offering often takes the form of ideas about how to live a little greener. And those ideas frequently pop up in my stories.
May your passions bloom in all that you do.
Love, Heidi
