
“Just write your book,” they said…
How does a book find its author?
The writing process…
Some books just beg to be written. That’s how my first book—a trauma recovery memoir—began.
I received a nudge to write from a “voice” that didn’t feel like it was mine. “Tell your story,” it said. “The real one.”
I chose to listen to the Voice, and 3 months later, I had a complete manuscript ready for editing.
How it was…
What a brutal process! I had to re-feel all of the feelings and review the events I had survived, but I came out on the other side stronger, more resilient, and less triggered overall.
I had help walking through it—-friends who watched and listened to me grapple with all my demons—-and encouraged me to keep going.
Writing my story helped heal ME first. Then later, many readers contacted me to report how much of themselves they saw and felt in the pages.
That ONE reader…
One reader even sought me out in my yoga studio, waiting for me after a class. She ran into my arms with tears in her eyes, sobbing that my story had changed her life.
Even without her poignant connection, my story was totally worth telling.
The practical side…
Though my first story was so personal and tender, writing it led me to write a sequel.
I included the stories of other women alongside a guide for readers to find recovery, self-connection, self-worth, and claim a healthy sense of intimacy after traumatic experiences.
Partners in power…
Like any successful author, I had help to make my manuscripts shine. My editor and publisher were instrumental in getting my work to the audience that appreciated my stories.
They helped me polish my words—-because all writers need feedback to make sure their words are understood outside of their own heads.
And then, they helped me get my work on shelves, so that I could promote and SELL my hard work!