"They'll never take this away from you." The final posting in a year long tale about writing memoir from beginning to end and arriving at the Holy Grail of the New York Times Bestseller List.
I can't imagine what that must have felt like when you found out that you made the NY Times Best Seller list. Kudos to you and your amazing drive and talent.
I am finding through the process of writing about my journey that I am still discovering or maybe uncovering why things happened the way they did; why I am who I am today. Just this week I had to get out of bed, turn on the light and write a revelation that came into my consciousness. It's not about not being able to let go of the past, it's about validating and accepting the decisions we made.
I love this! I truly believe that writing memoir can be an incredibly powerful form of therapy for those who commit to it. For me, it’s be been the best type of healing catharsis so far in my therapeutic journey. I feel I’ve gotten the most benefits from working in the studio and receiving invaluable feedback, validation, encouragement, and empowerment from my fellow writers and fearless leader (Jennifer at her Blackbird Studio- brownie points to my shameless plug? Only kidding!) No, seriously though, there have been so many epiphanies and a depth of meaningful healing in sharing and working the pieces together. Many of times it has helped to gently pull me out of a denial I was unaware I was in about some aspect of my past trauma. Working on my memoir has lead me through some of my greatest healing breakthroughs in my life so far, and this is coming from someone who’s been in therapy for 16 years and holds a degree in Psychology. Bottom line? Writing can be incredibly therapeutic. Friendly advice (take it or leave it): Just make sure to have your therapist on hand to help you work through what the writing uncovers!
Great post Julia! Just last week I decided to make an appointment with my therapist to gain her perspective on the short and long term effects of my past trauma. It is my hope that sharing my story will support others in their healing and having professional input is valuable. Your post confirms my decision to make that appointment and I take it as a sign! Thank you.
I can't imagine what that must have felt like when you found out that you made the NY Times Best Seller list. Kudos to you and your amazing drive and talent.
I am finding through the process of writing about my journey that I am still discovering or maybe uncovering why things happened the way they did; why I am who I am today. Just this week I had to get out of bed, turn on the light and write a revelation that came into my consciousness. It's not about not being able to let go of the past, it's about validating and accepting the decisions we made.
Bravo! Thats how it works. You guys are setting up the pitch for next week! Thanks.
I love this! I truly believe that writing memoir can be an incredibly powerful form of therapy for those who commit to it. For me, it’s be been the best type of healing catharsis so far in my therapeutic journey. I feel I’ve gotten the most benefits from working in the studio and receiving invaluable feedback, validation, encouragement, and empowerment from my fellow writers and fearless leader (Jennifer at her Blackbird Studio- brownie points to my shameless plug? Only kidding!) No, seriously though, there have been so many epiphanies and a depth of meaningful healing in sharing and working the pieces together. Many of times it has helped to gently pull me out of a denial I was unaware I was in about some aspect of my past trauma. Working on my memoir has lead me through some of my greatest healing breakthroughs in my life so far, and this is coming from someone who’s been in therapy for 16 years and holds a degree in Psychology. Bottom line? Writing can be incredibly therapeutic. Friendly advice (take it or leave it): Just make sure to have your therapist on hand to help you work through what the writing uncovers!
The check is in the mail! 😉 And agreed...someone to help with interpretation makes the whole thing move more intelligently!
Great post Julia! Just last week I decided to make an appointment with my therapist to gain her perspective on the short and long term effects of my past trauma. It is my hope that sharing my story will support others in their healing and having professional input is valuable. Your post confirms my decision to make that appointment and I take it as a sign! Thank you.