Today I\u2019m talking with Rebecca Heidt, an artist and author of \u201cAcceptance: The Beginning\u201d and \u201cAcceptance: The Reality\u201d, the first two in her fantasy-fiction series. She\u2019s won awards both for contemporary fantasy fiction and woman fantasy fiction as well as an LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction award. Rebecca believes in empowering others in not giving up on the life they want and claiming your own voice.\xa0
Using Fantasy Fiction to Process Trauma
On her first appearance on the Speak Loud Podcast, Rebecca spoke about her own journey with trauma and acceptance, life experiences that influenced her to write her books. She\u2019s currently working on the third book in the \u201cAcceptance\u201d series with plans for at least one more after that, along with an audiobook by December 2023.
Through her book series, Rebecca\u2019s been able to heal from the major traumas of her life, a process that she describes as happening over and over. The fictional setting offers a playground to experiment with different narratives and parts of her life in a way that\u2019s both healing and entertaining. She\u2019s currently nominated for other awards, though the LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction award remains the most esteemed, in her opinion.\xa0
Canvas Art and Writing as Therapy
Rebecca recounts that she turned to writing and art at the same time. After losing a family member in early 2020, she was struggling and found art as an escape.What she likes about canvas art as opposed to writing is that it provides a visual for what she\u2019s feeling. She values being able to shut her brain off and let her heart take over.\xa0
Along with art and writing, Rebecca enjoys meditation as a form of healing, which often translates into her art, as well. Over the course of her father\u2019s illness, she\u2019hs taken a new perspective on material things, and has found more peace and joy in prioritizing experiences over possessions.\xa0
Learning to Be Bold
Since her last appearance on SLP, Rebecca has been learning to be more assertive, growing into speaking on her boundaries more vocally, something that can be especially hard for women. \u201cI bring a lot to the table,\u201d she says, \u201cand if you can\u2019t sit at this table and handle me, then you can go.\u201d This sentiment is reflected in her writing and art, too, which are unapologetically vibrant and bold.\xa0
Rebecca asks listeners to reflect on why they\u2019re scared to say something, and to remember that the most important thing is to just say it. Opinions only affect the people who have them, so don\u2019t worry about what others think. There is so much power in believing in yourself.
Listen in to learn more about Rebecca\u2019s book series, what makes her feel empowered, and spiritual awakenings happening across cultures today.\xa0
Resources Mentioned
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