Performed by Elizabeth Rose MorrissWhat is your novel about?
What is your novel about?
My novel explores forms of personal growth, the process of healing written in a creative fantasy style. It’s intention to find paths beyond conventional ones to heal inner trauma of child sex abuse and generational toxic patterns, which go unnoticed in Muslim, Pakistani families. The novel is a discovery of self, life, love and hope, which dies at the hands of obligation and cultural conformity. The novel intentionally seeks to exist outside of ‘preferred’ expectations and the awakening of sleeping souls.
What genres would you say this story is in?
It is written in the hope to encourage self development, spirituality, healing and fantasy. So, I would say it was a unique blend of genres.
How would you describe this story in two words?
Enchanting truths
What movie have you seen the most in your life?
I have always been fascinated with Alice in Wonderland. It is my go to comfort film.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Recently, I have been listening to London Grammar more frequently. Their music speaks to my soul.
Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
Kafka on the shores! This book just appeared in my life at a time, where I was rather lost. I love, love, love Haruki Murakami.
What motivated you to write this story?
My inner child was pretty persistent and something in my soul felt compelled to artistically speak my truth. For my buried voice to be spoken. I was over therapy and being dismissed as a label. “Survivor of abuse” did not define or describe me so I eventually I realised the only person who could author my story, was my own voice. Ultimately, I became tired by others definition, perception and expectations about my well being and growth. Thus, writing was like a noisy calling, it wouldn’t go away. Eventually, I started to write, which freed me in ways I never imagined possible. I began to hope my experiences could give light to others. A reminder we are not alone, all connected in one way or another.
If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Picking one is a challenge! I am tied between Malcom X and Hitler. The psychologist in me, always wanted to understand Hitler’s mind and his madness. Malcom X is inspirational in his way.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Humanity. First and foremost. I believe we have a collective responsibility to heal humanity in positive, altruistic, creative ways. I feel our souls are alive in this present moment in time and in order to build a more inclusive holistic world, we had to confront our individual fears before we can help others.
What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?
Fear.
Challenge.
Change.
I have been writing since 2006, I felt I was hiding behind my insecurities about always being told I was no good, no one would care or like my writing. Then, I realised that I didn’t start to be afraid. And I had to challenge myself outside my ‘norms’ to change the past, I was desperate to heal from. When I found your website, I understood that I could do this. It was an excellent chance to push myself further and learn from feedback. I cant grow as a creative artist, if my work gathers dust on my bookshelf. I desire to create awareness and if no one sees my capabilities, then what really am I contributing? And also I wanted to have some fun with different art mediums. So, here we are. Testing the exciting waters of the unknown.
Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Behind the veil of words unspoken, life stirs.
Sleep walking awakenings prevailing.
From one page to another, ink bleeds.
The now, knowing.
Set your intention, then honour it to your best ability with commitment to your own version of “success”. Be that, simply to capture your version or to being a high profile author, for me, it begins with intention and the power of fulfilling it. In the end, we are having an experience, the writing process is just that- a way to find growth in our personal strengths and limitation. And be brave, its much more exciting to be innovative, quirky, a misfit rather than being the “norm”. I know, which books I would much prefer to buy. Trust yourself to evolve as time passes and so will your work.
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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Camera Operator: Mary Cox
WILDsound Writing Festival 