In this special episode of the Vegan Visibility Podcast, I dig deep with author Chrissy Melanie Benson about her novel, “Marrying Myself.”
This unique book intertwines the themes of veganism and activism, offering readers a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on animal rights and the power of personal choices.
In this episode, we delve into Chrissy’s vegan journey, her decision to incorporate activism into her writing, and the challenges and triumphs she experienced throughout the publishing process.
A Vegan Awakening
Chrissy’s journey towards veganism began as a committed vegetarian. At the time, she was unaware of the harsh realities of factory farming and the conditions in which animals were kept. However, as she began to learn more about the suffering endured by animals, particularly egg-laying hens, she felt a growing discomfort with her own participation in these industries.
Recognizing the misalignment between her actions and her values, Chrissy made the pivotal decision to become vegan in 2011. Although she initially found it challenging to navigate a world seemingly saturated with non-vegan options, her conviction and dedication to animal rights continued to strengthen.
From Personal Choice to Activism
As Chrissy delved deeper into her vegan lifestyle, she started to grasp the broader implications of animal suffering. Through extensive research and reading influential works such as “The World Peace Diet” by Will Tuttle and “Animal Liberation” by Peter Singer, she developed a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between animal rights and larger issues of injustice and oppression.
Using Writing as a Form of Activism
Chrissy’s novel, “Marrying Myself,” serves as a reflection of her personal journey and unwavering commitment to veganism and animal rights. The protagonist of the book, a vegan herself, embodies Chrissy’s own values and beliefs.
By seamlessly incorporating veganism and animal rights into her storytelling, Chrissy aims to raise awareness among readers and encourage them to question their own choices and the ethical implications thereof.
Through thought-provoking narrative and relatable characters, she sparks conversations around the impact of personal choices on animals and the environment, inspiring readers to consider the consequences and make conscious decisions aligned with their values.
Challenges and Triumphs of Publishing
Throughout the process of writing and publishing her novel, Chrissy faced both challenges and moments of triumph. One notable hurdle was an initial book cover design that failed to accurately represent the content and essence of her novel.
Determined to convey her vision, she worked closely with her publisher to rectify the issue and create a cover that aligned with her artistic and thematic intentions. The moment of holding the finished book in her hands for the first time marked a deeply gratifying milestone, representing the culmination of a long and dedicated journey.
Conclusion
Chrissy Melanie Benson’s novel, “Marrying Myself,” serves as a compelling example of how art and storytelling can be powerful tools for activism.
By seamlessly blending veganism and activism within her narrative, Chrissy invites readers to explore the interconnectedness of animal rights with broader social justice issues.
Her personal journey from veganism to advocating for change is an inspiration for aspiring authors and activists alike. Through her book, Chrissy continues to ignite conversations, provoke thought, and encourage readers to reflect on their choices and the impact they have on animals and the world around them.
With “Marrying Myself,” Chrissy Melanie Benson showcases the transformative power of literature in fostering empathy, understanding, and positive change.
Learn more https://christinemelaniebenson.com/
Get the book on Amazon https://amzn.to/3NRrYvM
MORE ABOUT CHRISSY MELANIE BENSON
An attorney who’s been running from the law her entire professional life, Christine Melanie Benson is also a short story author, legal writer, news satire writer, and host of the Vegan Posse podcast.
Her experience includes over a decade as a regular freelance legal writer for Baltimore’s The Daily Record law digest, and her fiction works have been featured in An Eclectic Mix Anthology, RomanticShorts.com, The Binnacle Maine Literary Journal, and satire website TheSpoof!. Marrying Myself is Christine’s first novel.
Formerly of Boston and New York City, Christine now makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee.
MORE ABOUT KATHLEEN GAGE
Kathleen Gage is the founder and CEO of Vegan Visibility, a marketing and visibility consulting company dedicated to healthy living, compassion for the animals and kindness to the planet. As an ethical vegan, Kathleen is committed to doing all possible to shine the spotlight on those who align with the vegan mission and message.
Kathleen is the co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions, a production company working with vegan and plant-based identified companies.
Both companies specialize in developing and implementing proven strategies and systems for you to become highly visible to your ideal clients and customers in the most effective way possible.
You can have the best products and services, yet, if visibility is not a primary focus, your efforts will not achieve the greatest results. We focus on aligned and integrated visibility.
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