Healing & Hope: Award Winning Author JJ Winston

⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussions of mental health, trauma, human trafficking, family conflict, bullying, and other sensitive topics.In this episode of Page to Picture Podcast, Kim sits down with author JJ Winston for a powerful conversation about how storytelling can open the door to conversations we don’t always feel comfortable having.JJ shares her journey from social worker and attorney to author and explains why she uses fiction to explore difficult topics including mental health stigma, trauma, human trafficking, sickle cell disease, family conflict, and relationships. We talk about how flawed, relatable characters can help readers develop empathy, why honesty and communication matter in relationships, and how fiction can be a non-threatening way to educate and raise awareness.We also dive into the challenges of parenting in a digital world, the impact of social media and bullying on mental health, protecting children from online dangers, and the importance of balancing heavy subject matter with hope.And because this is Page to Picture, we couldn't leave without talking about storytelling itself; including JJ's chess metaphor for life, success, and character development, as well as the importance of representation and thoughtful editing.You can find JJ Winston here:https://www.novelistjjwinston.com/https://www.instagram.com/novelistjjwinston/https://www.facebook.com/novelistjjwinston/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B089NYQQQLhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/list/16635440.J_J_WinstonSEPTEMBER is SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH! If you would like to learn more about it or donate please visit: https://sicklecelldisease.org/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/