Trauma often silences us in ways we don't realize until years later. For author Kionna Walker LeMalle, Hurricane Katrina not only destroyed her home but also erased her memories, including her 30th birthday. In this conversation about her debut novel Behind the Waterline, Kionna reflects on how writing the story became an unexpected path to healing.

The book’s protagonist—a grandmother struggling with her past—refused to tell her own story, forcing Kionna to shift the narrative to her grandson. This mirrored Kionna’s own battle with unaddressed trauma. As she relived the storm through her characters, Kionna regained lost memories, revealing that confronting pain is key to healing.

Kionna also explores intergenerational trauma, the dangers of silence, and the power of storytelling. Her novel allows readers to both reflect on their own experiences and connect with others' lives. Whether processing personal trauma or understanding generational impacts, Kionna’s message is clear: healing comes through confronting and remembering our pain. Pre-order Behind the Waterline at writerteacherfriend.com.

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