written by Brianna da Silva
This is Chapter 6 of my story about femininity, sexuality, and faith. Read Chapters 1 — 5 first.
At fifteen years old, I’d prayed a simple prayer: “God, please tell me when I’ve met my future husband, so I won’t waste any time or feelings on anyone besides him.”
Not long after praying this, a mysterious thing began to happen.
written by Brianna da Silva
My views on feminism have changed a lot over the years. I’ve decided to make a somewhat facetious blog post chronicling my evolution on this topic.
I’m going to use the “expanding brain” meme format in this post. I’m going to use this meme incorrectly. You’re going to nod along and say, “Yes Brianna, you can do whatever you want Brianna, because this is your blog.” Thank you.
written by Brianna da Silva
When I was still an Evangelical Christian, but starting to suspect — and slowly accept — that I was bisexual, I didn’t think (at first) I’d ever act on my same-sex attractions.
I’d had this vision of myself with a husband for quite a while; certainly I’d been dreaming of that future, and looking forward to it. My being bisexual wouldn’t change that.
I wanted a husband. Right?
written by Brianna da Silva
written by Brianna da Silva
This is Chapter 5 of my story about femininity, sexuality, and faith. Read Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 first.
I never really liked calling myself a Christian.
The word felt stuffy to me. It evoked images of stained glass windows, priests in formal robes, and strict rules, none of which were my experience. In short: It made me think of a religion.
I quite disliked religion, and didn’t think of myself as having one. What I had was a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
written by Brianna da Silva
This is Chapter 4 of my story about femininity, sexuality, and faith. Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3 first.
In my Spanish 1 class, there was a boy named Daniel.*
Daniel was a smart, redheaded guy who quickly stood out to me. Admittedly, he wasn’t all that physically attractive — largely because adolescence had not been kind to him yet — but unlike all the other boys in my class, who irritated me with their outbursts of immaturity and disrespect, he seemed to have a decent head on his shoulders. He actually cared about learning.
In my book, being the studious, self-righteous snob that I was, such maturity counted for a lot.
written by Brianna da Silva
I recently finished BBC’s Merlin series. It’s a wonderful TV show with a passionate fan base, but here’s the thing: It has a godawful ending.
As a storyteller, I think this series offers a valuable lesson that any writer — especially one who wants to craft emotionally-stirring, character-driven tales — should pay close attention to.
Here’s my personal diagnosis for why the ending of Merlin failed, and how writers can avoid The Merlin Problem in their own stories.
written by Brianna da Silva
I recently discovered I have a problem. While I’m working on my epic, imaginative fantasy book, with powerful heroines at the helm, with my creativity technically unfettered and allowed to explore and invent as it pleases, there is still something holding me back. It is subtle, but annoyingly present: an element of internalized misogyny I’ve yet to fully escape.
written by Brianna da Silva
Back in June, I announced that I would be going on six-month travel adventure. A couple weeks ago, I had to cut that adventure short, after only four months abroad. Here’s why.
written by Brianna da Silva
Dear Bill,
Years ago, when you had your public debate with Ken Ham, I was a homeschooled, evangelical Christian and passionate Creationist.
I had visited the Creation Museum with other homeschoolers. I had written papers and given school presentations on the “Creation vs. Evolution” debate. As a teenager, I frequently argued the subject with adult strangers online, by way of my highly conservative blog. I had a thick book called “Science vs. Evolution” on my bookshelf.