November Update
When I was little, I used to fold pieces of printer paper, staple them together, and write “nature books” in the pages. I loved watching Reading Rainbow because I could learn about new books to borrow from the library. I couldn’t wait till bedtime when my mom read me stories before I fell asleep. In short, I’ve always been obsessed about reading and writing and stories, so it’s probably no surprise that I now work in publishing and spend much of my spare time reading and writing.
For the past few years, I’ve been working on creative nonfiction essays, threads of my life in the Christian patriarchy movement as a stay-at-home daughter. And now I’m starting to weave these threads together into a memoir. It’s not finished quite yet, but I’m getting close. I can feel it coming together. Finally.
Which brings me to some exciting news: I’ve signed with a literary agent who is partnering with me to find a publisher to bring this book into the world. I’m so thrilled to be working with Trinity McFadden at The Bindery, and it’s an exciting step forward with this book.
So I’ll be spending my nights and weekends finishing this manuscript, wrangling my spiraling thoughts, and altogether losing my mind over this whole journey . . .
And in the meantime, I have a second announcement: I’ve joined the editorial board at Tears of Eden, a nonprofit providing resources and community for survivors of spiritual abuse, and I’ll be posting stories of my own and of others who have survived the Christian patriarchy, stay-at-home daughter, Quiverfull world. I’m excited to volunteer my time in sharing our stories and working for a cause that is so close to my heart.
When we tell our stories, it truly is world-changing. For me, even if I never shared my story in public, just writing it down has been a healing experience. Taking back my narrative and being the author of my own life has changed my world. And being able to share this with all of you has been such a lovely surprise as I’ve met so many who have said, “me too,” who have empathized, who have supported me in ways I never imagined. So thank you! Our collective storytelling makes such an immense impact on our relationships, our communities, and our world.
I’m so happy to be here, swapping stories with you all.
P.S. If you have an experience with spiritual abuse you’d like to share on the Tears of Eden website, you can find the guidelines here. Send me an email here if you have any questions!