Please pretend that you're me, for just a minute. You've decided to write an article on infertility, for work. It fits with the theme of the publication, but you're a little nervous about how to write about something that has, so far, been such a private, emotional topic. And, there is only room for 1,000 words. How do I approach such a complex topic and reduce it to one engaging 1,000-word informative piece? Any suggestions for what to include?
That's my challenge today. To outline my article. For this story, I'm interviewing my own RE (It should be interesting to switch into a professional role, for once, when talking to her.), a woman who gave birth to twins after several IVF cycles, and a couple who, after IVF, decided to adopt. Their stories alone are compelling, but I'm hoping for something more with this piece. What? I'm not sure yet. Should I try to write about the latest advances in IVF technology? To dispel myths on infertility? (Especially the, "Just relax, it will happen," line?) Should I interview a psychologist on the emotional struggle? I don't have enough space for all that. Is it enough to simply allow readers a little glimpse into this world? To basically say, "Hey, this is a medical issue that affects a lot of young couples - someone you know, in fact. Here's a little taste of what they're going through."
As a disclaimer, while I'm mentioning this work project, I am purposely blogging under a symbolic name. It's freeing. That said, I won't be able to link to the article once it's written. I hesitated even mentioning it here, except that I value the feedback from the IF community. I would love to hear your thoughts on what you'd want in an article on infertility. Any suggestions?
While this post may not lend itself as readily to a prayer, why leave it out? I often pray for creativity at work. God, thank you that you care about my work. Please guide me in everything I do. I would love your help with this article. Please allow me to discover the most important elements to include in this piece. Please help me to focus on what's really important and stop stressing over work, my sister's move, whether Femara is going to work this cycle. I want to work hard but rest, mentally, at the same time. I know it's possible.
I like the idea of this is what people go through and one of them could be someone you know.I wish we could read your article, who knows we may and not even know you wrote it.
ReplyDeleteI hope my opinion helps.
Side note: I am glad I am not the only one writing under a pen name.
I like the idea of giving your readers a glimpse into the world of infertility. While I think it would be good to try and dispel some of the infertility myths out there, I don't think that should be the main focus. In thinking about the 3 different parties that you will be interviewing, it occurred to me that Hope is something that is prevalent among all three parties... that, or you could go the route of the psychologist. I've been reading several articles lately about how dealing with IF is as emotionally difficult as dealing with a terminal cancer... though that might bring out a slightly more depressing note to your article!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with it... think you'll share the final product with us? Hope so.
I think this is a really interesting and great idea. I admire you for working on it. I have no idea how you'll decide what goes in there, though, because all of what you said sounds like it needs to be said!!! :) I think giving a taste of what someone goes through (emotionally, financially, psychologically, medically, etc.) and using it to tell all the other information would would be great! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I do understand about not being able to link to the article but it's too bad because it would be interesting to read!
I think that sounds fantastic! And I would consider talking to someone who is currently dealing with the struggle. Not that the stories, are usually much different, but somehow the emotions seem to be more fresh when you are in the thick of it.
ReplyDeleteGL!!
I think what is rarely talked about is the grief and sense of loss. I felt like a family member died every time I only saw one pink line. To be hit month after month with that kind of grief is overwhelming/horrible/all-consuming/isolating...after all of that comes hopelessness. It's the people who couldn't understand this that I cut out of my life for a time. Message me through my blog if you want to talk about this.
ReplyDeleteYour ideas sound great! I pray God will direct you with which ideas and words to use, and that they will touch so many hearts. I particularly like your idea of pointing out that the odds are every one of us knows at least one couple struggling with IF, whether we are aware of their struggle or not. Going through IF ourselves has made me realize how naive I was prior to our IF struggle with regard to other couples who were obviously struggling themselves.
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah - I love that you're doing the article but don't have any advice unfortunately. I love your prayer and how you even started it. You really help me to know how to pray.
ReplyDeleteOn the weight/exercise front, I finally went to weigh in - first time since about 2 months ago - was up 4 lbs since my last weigh in and they kinda acted surprised and I just laughed it off and said "well, stuff's happened to me since then and I knew I'd be up, and just working on it again"... I really wanted to say "yeah, fertility drugs will do that to you!"... grrrr, but exercise-wise, I've been doing good - so far 3x yoga, 1x running. Plan to yoga tonight and run 1 more time this weekend. Yay! Good for you on dropping these last 2 weeks even though you say you haven't done as much as you've wanted... you must be keeping up those good habits!!
I hope I'm not too late in responding to this post but I have a feeling that whatever you write--- it's going to be beautiful. Anyone reading this blog can tell that you are truely led by the Spirit and God flows through you.... you're a great writer and you've taught me a lot in term of how I pray and sometimes write in my own blog.... I have lots to tell you on the personal front and you may have noticed some of my blogs being sort of vague.... we must catch up soon:)
ReplyDeleteI found your blog from another link. When I saw your "about" profile it brought back alot of memories for me. My husband and I were married for seven years as well wondering when is a baby going to come. Our story ended up with three adoptions and I would walk the road again to get these children. As far as your article maybe instead of focusing on the medical aspect maybe focus on the emotional. Lots of articles give statistics but no one talks about the emotional unheval infertility does on one's marriage and one's self worth. I know I blamed myself for our infertility. I felt broken, that I had let my husband down, etc. I called myself infertile and truth be told didn't love myself very much back then. It wasn't until I got my children that I realized how much I let infertility rule and define my life. It isn't until five years later (now a 12 year journey of infertility) that I love myself again and infertility didn't define me. What defines me is how I have a zest for life and with or without children, it's not my fault and I didn't let anyone down. Anyway, I just had to stop and say I was a new reader. Good luck with her article!
ReplyDelete-Kriss
(www.adoptingthreebees.blogspot.com)