Trauma Narratives

What is a trauma narrative?

A trauma narrative is the story of someone’s injury, or of a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It is the lens through which we address our human suffering.

Trauma narratives may explore the experience of an individual, a family, group or community.

In literature, trauma narratives often take the form of a biography, autobiography, memoir, fictional story, essay, photo essay, article, poem, online post, to name a few. They are mostly published as books, in collections or anthologies, in magazines and newspapers, in print and online.

Read my blog post on the value of writing one’s life.

Trauma Narratives - Renee Otmar Consultancy, writer, researcher, editor, trainer and accredited coach

A program for professional writers and editors

Drawing from decades of experience in writing and editing trauma narratives, I have developed a professional development and support program for editors and writers. Over the past 7 years, I have delivered this group program (which I call Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Writing/Editing Practice), in person and online, designing specialised workshop curricula for editors working in-house and freelance, and for professional writers.

Writers and editors who need support while working with traumatic content may be restricted by contractual arrangements such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Individual sessions are available for writers and editors who are unable to participate in group sessions for personal, logistical or contractual reasons. Individual sessions can be tailored to suit your needs.

Read my blog post on professional supervision.

Books

The foundational aspects of the program are now available in two texts that introduce the main concepts and approach. These are available for purchase in paperback format:

Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Writing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Writing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book
Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Writing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book
$42.00

The OTMAR Method was developed by Dr Renée Otmar, a professional writer and IPEd Distinguished Editor who has lived experience of trauma and has spent decades writing and editing trauma stories.

Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Editing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Editing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book
Cultivating a Trauma-sensitive Approach in Your Editing Practice: The OTMAR Method – print book
$37.00

The OTMAR Method was developed by Renée Otmar PhD, an IPEd Distinguished Editor and Janet Mackenzie Medallist who has lived experience of trauma and decades of experience in the writing and editing of trauma narratives. The guide includes discussion of key concepts and explores risks and risk mitigation in editorial practice, including self-care and engaging professional support.

What others have said…

  • "I found [the program] validating, sensitive, informative and reassuring. We gained knowledge on the topics of trauma and mental health, and we practised using facilitated professional supervision in our editing practice to address challenges in handling sensitive content, and how to maintain positive and considerate relationships with authors was very valuable."

    Arlie, in-house and freelance editor

  • "Yes, I would recommend this course. You did a great job, Renée. I found the resources you provided were engaging and challenged me to think outside the box in regards to cultural safety etc."

    Rachel, Publisher

  • "This course… might make you a better editor and will almost certainly make you a better person."

    Charlotte, in-house editor, Sydney

  • "Seeing professional supervision work in real time was incredibly useful and I think seeing it in action, as an observer and as the editor presenting, really highlighted its benefits."

    Shané, in-house editor, Sydney

Renee Otmar Consultancy, writer, researcher, editor, trainer and accredited coach

Want to work together?

Whether you need an assessment of your manuscript, developmental editing, coaching support or other editorial assistance, I am available to help you with your next project. Complete my online enquiry form and I’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.

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