I recently wrote an article exploring a crucial but often overlooked aspect of writing about childhood trauma: agency. Too often, trauma narratives focus solely on suffering, making them emotionally overwhelming for both writers and readers. But when a protagonist—especially a child—takes action, even in the smallest way, the story transforms. It becomes not just a record of pain but a powerful exploration of resilience, human complexity, and cultural systems that often fail the most vulnerable among us. In my piece, I examine how young writers can move beyond the “glue trap” of victimhood and instead craft compelling, meaningful stories that both honor their experiences and engage their audience.
Read my full article, Y.A. Kafka: Finding Agency in Childhood Trauma Narratives, here. I hope it resonates with fellow writers and anyone seeking to navigate the difficult terrain of trauma storytelling with courage and creativity. Let me know your thoughts!