We are excited to welcome Jessica to the KIUW family. In her essay Daughters, she writes from a cross-cultural perspective about the inequality of relationships between a mother and her daughters. Readers might see themselves in the daughter who rebels, the one who conforms, or the one who cannot escape. Jessica joins the dots between childhood struggles and adult behaviours, and the damage that is done and may never be undone.
How much of your life do you give to writing?
Not nearly enough! I think about writing a whole lot more than I actually do it. Once I get started, I could write for hours, but it’s hard for me to get into that state of mind. Creative writing requires a great deal of discipline and focus, and I find myself procrastinating even though it’s something I love to do. Also, in my day job I have a pretty good sense of how much I can accomplish in a given amount of time, but when I’m writing I could be stuck on the same paragraph for days and still have no idea how to move forward.
What made you write this piece in particular?
I came across the listing on Catapult last summer and I felt like it was literally speaking to me! I wanted to shed light on the realities of parenthood that people, especially women, don’t openly talk about. Growing up, I witnessed how raising children can be extremely challenging and not always rewarding. Having doubts or regrets along the way doesn’t make you a monster, yet somehow any negative sentiment about parenthood is considered taboo and socially unacceptable.
How does this piece fit with your wider writing? Do you write in other genres?
I have a journalism background but now I’m more interested in creative nonfiction. I’m particularly drawn to stories about relationships—be it romantic, platonic, familial or even professional—it’s what inspired me to start writing again. Another theme that finds its way into my writing is cross-culturalism, which has been and continues to be a big part of my life.
How can readers further support your writing?
Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter. Whether it’s feedback on my story, thoughts on parenthood/other types of relationships, book recommendations or photos of your cats, I’d love to hear from you!