Corinne Cavanaugh

Author Corinne Cavanaugh shares her why, her reason for writing fiction.

Before I began writing a novel, I sat down and got clear on why I wanted to write. While it is just the type of book I like to read, there’s much more to it.

In 2022 I began waking up at 5 a.m. to prioritize something I had wanted to do for a while but never seemed to have time for, writing a novel. My tech job and kids kept me very busy, so that was the only time I could spare. Then something wonderful happened, I decided to go for it. I quietly started a media and publishing company and began devoting myself to my career as an author, dead-set on my mission.

My mission is to humanize controversial topics in a lightweight way and, ultimately, inspire empathy and understanding of different points of view.

Why? Polarization is killing healthy discourse on important topics and dividing friendships and families. I know what you are thinking, is Corinne going to go on a political rant now? No, that would be completely contrary to my mission. However, polarization is a real problem. You don’t have to take my word for it.​ Harvard University​ alum, distinguished professor, and author Steve Levitsky put it this way,

So, how do you address polarization and inspire empathy through fiction?

An Audacious Woman dares to tell stories about taboo topics, including gender norms, crime and punishment, civil rights, death and grief, abortion, and sexuality at an advanced age, and then gives book club readers prompts to discuss these things in real life.

This novel serves as a humor-filled vehicle to consider hot-button topics from a fictional character’s point of view, lowering the stakes dramatically and opening the door for empathy with another person’s experience. Reading about taboo topics independently in the comfort of their own home gives the reader time to sort through their emotions and opinions calmly before a discussion (something people don’t have time to do when uncle so-in-so brings up that topic at Thanksgiving). And the discussion itself is where the magic happens. Using the provided book club discussion questions in a casual living room setting with friends who have come specifically to discuss the book sets up a low pressure scenario to have a civil conversation (something we are seriously lacking today).

Now you know my why. Thanks for cheering me on and having respectful conversations about difficult topics.