Content warning: Psychological manipulation, gaslighting, discussion on lateral violence

Welcome to Find Your Colors. Here we are discussing the narrative within the Shards of Color Trilogy and the first book in that trilogy, BLUSH BORN.

I am Jeff B. White, and I am the writer and creator of these stories. Through this publication and podcast, I am focusing on the emotional intelligence, radical vulnerability, and transformative growth found through exploring the psychological concepts and real-life story behind this dark fairy tale.

Recap

Last week we journeyed through Chapters 9 and 10 of Blush Born. We witnessed Jethran endure the execution of his mother, Regale. In the following chapter, we saw him bury her, say his final goodbyes, and breathe in the mist of Muralis to numb the unbearable pain of that moment. Adrift and wandering, he eventually stumbled upon another settlement. Now we come to Chapter 11, where Jethran walks into that village to discover exactly who lives beneath the heavy steam.

Let's Discuss

This chapter was stressful to write and is by design stressful to read. If anything in this Chapter 11 breakdown touched something inside you that left you feeling bothered or shaky, please take some time for yourself as soon as possible to just breathe and center. Practice some intentional self-care. Reach out to a loved one if you need to. I am also always available to chat.

* As a member of the gay community, have you ever faced this type of psychological lateral harm?

If so, please let me say how deeply sorry I am that you had to go through that.

* How did you navigate your way through it?

For anyone who has ever been a victim of gaslighting, you know it is an insidious tactic that can truly wreak havoc on your mind.

* What are some ways you have found yourself able to reclaim your reality and your peace after enduring those situations?

Feel free to answer these questions right here in the comment section, or you can simply take them with you as you go.

What's Next?

On Wednesday, we will do a complete read-through and a discussion on Chapter 12 of Blush Born. This chapter marks the pivotal moment Jethran finally leaves the village and introduces the character of Fable. This is going to completely change the trajectory of the story and alter Jethran's life forever.

Paid Members

This was my first paid post. Taking the leap to put this level of vulnerable truth behind a paywall was genuinely terrifying, but your support proves that these raw conversations are absolutely necessary. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to you for investing in my work. Your financial contribution gives me the time and the safety to keep writing, to keep podcasting, and to keep bringing these stories into the light.

Thanks!

And as always, if you read this all the way through or if you listened to it all the way to the end, then you are absolutely my hero. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the time in your day and the space in your brain to share my story and to introduce Jethran to the world.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit findyourcolors.substack.com/subscribe