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.

I just wrote. I didn’t worry so about publishing…yet. I let the story come out.

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.

It’s impossible to predict who our stories will touch. Which is why it’s crucial to tell them well.

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.

Now that my personal account was public, it made sense to share a true methodology that helps others achieve peace. That’s how my second book took shape.