Why I Write About Family Dynamics

WritingWhy I Write
Written By Kyleen Wren

We’re all impacted by family, whether we have one or not.

Why Family Dynamics?

Universality of Experience

Family dynamics, for better or for worse, are a universal experience, in that we all have families. Some of us know our families, some don’t. Some are large, some are small. But nearly all of us feel those connections (or lack thereof) and can therefore relate to one another over this shared experience. Regardless of cultural background or geographic location, size or current status of individual relationships, the intricacies of familial ties are a shared human experience. By exploring these dynamics through fiction, we can connect with each other and ask questions of ourselves and our own families.

Mirror to Real-World Complexity

Families are microcosms of society, reflecting its complexity, contradictions, and diversity. By exploring family dynamics in my writing, I hope to mirror the real world. Through characters navigating sibling rivalry, parental expectations, absent or unhealthy relationships, and generational conflicts, I aim to write things that most people can connect with on some level. Perhaps in a twist on this, I also really enjoy writing healthy relationships, full of open communication and support. I think those stories are worth telling, too.

Shaping Character Development

Family is perhaps one of the most potent catalysts for character development. As characters navigate their families, we can see how early childhood experiences, as well as the ongoing relationships through adulthood, transform our characters. These connections shape their values, beliefs, and identity. It’s inevitable.

Themes of Love and Conflict

Family dynamics are the perfect vehicle for exploring the concepts of love and conflict. Whether it's the unconditional love between parent and child or the tumultuous relationships between siblings, conflicts over generational differences or resistance to change, these themes provide a rich backdrop for storytelling.

Exploration of Generational Shifts

Families are living timelines, witnessing the passage of generations. I love exploring the shifts in values, traditions, and societal norms across generations. The impact of time on these relationships can be fascinating and bring so much to the surface.

Portrayal of Imperfection

Families, like individuals, are imperfect. I embrace the flaws, the conflicts, and the messy, unfiltered reality of familial relationships. Authenticity and vulnerability are the truly beautiful products of imperfection, and we can all relate to those kinds of stories. Whether facing external pressures or internal conflicts, we all typically fall back into patterns long established by our families of origin, or the families we’ve created in adulthood, and these make for interesting characters and stories, for sure.

Connection to Readers' Stories (and my own)

As I briefly mentioned above, writing about family dynamics invites readers to reflect on their own narratives. The shared experiences of love, joy, heartbreak, and reconciliation become a mirror through which we see bits of our own stories reflected in the characters' journeys. I often draw inspiration from my own life, or from the lives of those around me, and writing these stories is a way to really explore what it all means.

Books That Explore Family Dynamics

I want to share stories that resonate with people. Through characters navigating the challenges (and joys) of family relationships, I hope to show the beauty, imperfection, and depth that make each family's story uniquely compelling. As writers, we get to explore all sorts of things, but relationships are probably my favorite part of the work. And families? They’re a never-ending source of inspiration.

Kyleen Wren
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