London Writers' Salon #076: Harriet Johnson — Writing Non-Fiction, Storytelling Like a Barrister & Writing to Inspire Change
Oct 1, 2023
Harriet Johnson, a barrister specializing in human rights and women's rights, shares her insights on writing nonfiction, particularly her impactful book 'Enough: The Violence Against Women and How to End It.' She discusses blending storytelling with statistics to advocate for social change and the importance of narrative in legal practice. Harriet also addresses the emotional toll of writing about systemic injustice, her strategies for dealing with online criticism, and creative approaches to combat misogyny.
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Harriet's Early Writing Journey
Harriet Johnson wrote all the time as a child and found writing helped her process difficult experiences. She didn't initially identify as a writer due to insecurities and societal expectations.
The Impact of Personal Loss
After losing her brother, Harriet Johnson developed a desire to help others suffering from grief. This experience ultimately influenced her journey into law and advocacy.
Storytelling in Law
Effective barristers are storytellers who leverage empathy to connect with juries. This storytelling skill is transferable to writing, enhancing the ability to engage and persuade.