Fanen Chiahemen
As a 2020 Reinhilde Cammaert Scholarship winner, Fanen had the opportunity to work one-on-one with her mentor, David Brock, on a hybrid memoir.
The Reinhilde Cammaert Memorial Scholarships are generously suppported by Bieke and Thanasis Stengos.
Can you summarize the project you worked on with your InkWell mentor?
I worked on my book Never Make A Sound, which is a creative non-fiction memoir made up of a collection of stories and prose poetry. I describe it as a raw, intimate journey through the secret world of a child finding a way to survive an impossible situation. I wrote the book in a way that was most authentic to the story; its structure reflects the characteristics of memory. It also includes some intensely personal artifacts that provide texture, illustration and depth to the experience.
What were the goals you set out for the program?
My goal was to create a literary work that was vulnerable and unflinching as it explores the mechanisms and sensory experience of things like toxic stress, dissociation and alienation. Through the mentorship, I was seeking feedback on the writing I had already done so I would have the tools I needed to finish the manuscript.
What are some self-care activities you have been engaging in?
I live near a working farm in the heart of the city, and one of my favourite things to do on a break from work is walk over to the farm and see the animals. There are horses, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and there are these beautiful walking trails. I feel so lucky to be able to do that.
What are you currently reading?
Train Dreams by Denis Johnson.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm so grateful for this scholarship. I wrote this book not just to tell my story, but also to help other people. My hope is that the book can even be helpful for those working in child and youth care settings. I’ll be sharing news about upcoming events, including talks and book signings, via my newsletter available at nevermakeasound.com.
Fanen Chiahemen is a Toronto-based writer and editor. She received the Reinhilde Cammaert Memorial Scholarship in the spring of 2020. Her first book, Never Make A Sound, was a finalist for the 2021 VMI Betsy Warland Between Genres Award.