BFS Online: Writing and Mental Health – Writing Grief, Sex & Violence

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Grief, sex and violence are a part of the human experience, for good or for ill. As a writer, how do you take care of yourself while writing characters and scenes exploring these themes? What can you do to ensure you’re handling these topics respectfully on the page?

Join moderator PS Livingstone and panellists Virginia McClain and Scott J. Moses for an in-depth discussion.

Virginia McClain (she/her): Virginia McClain is an author who masqueraded as a language teacher for a decade or so. When she’s not reading or writing she can generally be found playing outside with her four legged adventure buddy and the tiny human she helped to build from scratch. She enjoys climbing to the top of tall rocks, running through wilderness, dangling upside down from long fabric, and carrying a foldable home on her back whenever she gets a chance. She’s also fond of word games, and writing descriptions of herself that are needlessly vague. Find out more about Virginia on her website. Or you can follow her on social media: Instagram, Bluesky, Twitter, TikTok. Buy Virginia’s books here.

Scott J. Moses (he/him): Scott J. Moses is the author of Our Own Unique Affliction (a novella to be rereleased in January 2025 through Shortwave Books). An Active Member of the Horror Writers Association, he has sold over twenty-five short works to, but not limited to, Cosmic Horror Monthly, The NoSleep Podcast, Planet Scumm, and elsewhere. He also edited What One Wouldn’t Do: An Anthology on the Lengths One Might Go To. He is Japanese American and lives in Maryland. His recent novella, Our Own Unique Affliction, is represented by Alec Frankel of IAG for TV/Film. Follow Scott on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube or find out more on his website.

PS Livingstone (she/her): PS Livingstone writes contemporary fantasy with lashings of romance and intersecting worlds. She is a Page Turner Award finalist and the author of Awakening, as well as numerous short stories. Suiting her reputation as a renowned grammar fiend, Pamela works as a ghostwriter and editor. As someone who can’t say no, she is also an Area Head for Glasgow 2024 and Online Event Co-ordinator for the BFS. She is a member of the Glasgow Science Fiction Writers’ Circle, Society of Authors, and the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders. Pamela lives in Glasgow with her partner and three cats, and can often be found in her allotment, usually covered in mud. Find out more about PS Livingstone at her website. Or you can follow her on social media: Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads.