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What kept me from losing it were my four beautiful kids, turning to my writing and the amazing charity I've connected closely to in the last couple of years.
For those of us who have written memoirs with heavier subject matter, the writing process is actually the easy part (if you can use that word with writing such books). What was difficult, at least for me, was the long editing process. Every round of new edits meant I had to re-read and experience those painful moments again. I found that so much more difficult because the writing process was drawing the feelings out and putting them somewhere safe other than in my mind and body. Editing meant that I not only had to go back to the words over and over again until they flowed they way they should, it also meant I had to relive each scene. Some days, and some scenes, it was tougher than I could bear.
But I had two things that gave me strength not to fall all the way down: a very supportive editing team over at Silver Boomer Books, who all gave me many cyber hugs, love and courage; and a charity that reminded me why I started on this journey in the first place.
By now, many of you know that I work very closely with a local charity called, Zebra Center. They are a Child Protection Center that helps children who have been abused or otherwise victimized get back on the paths they were meant to be on. I actually 'discovered' Zebra Center during my writing process. I spent alot of time talking and emailing with the CEO, Barbara. In fact, it was my talks with her and learning about what these amazing people do for these kids---who aren't so different from where I was so long ago---that gave me the final spark of courage I needed to get my story out there. Now it wasn't just for me that I was telling my story; it was for these kids (and others the Center hasn't found yet) who aren't able to tell theirs.
After White Elephants finally came out, I had a panic attack. "Oh my GOD!" I thought. "Now everyone is going to know what happened!" I felt like I was walking around naked. I was so terrified and emotionally stretched, I didn't have the energy to market the book. Then I finally got to visit the Center and everything changed.
When I walked around that place seeing the hand-drawn pictures from kids they've helped (or touched) framed up on the wall; when I felt the safety, love and sanctity in that place; when I not only heard but saw the passion Barbara and her team had for what they're doing; and when I got to see "Hope's Closet" up close, a soothing calm blanketed me. It was as though in that moment I just knew everything I was doing mattered. And that's what I draw from to keep going forward.
We have such an amazing opportunity to touch people with our writing. And when you can find that special charity or cause that you can connect your books or writing with, it makes it even more special. Some of us write about some very tough stuff, especially those of us in journalism or
6 Comments on Giving Back Through Our Writing, last added: 4/24/2012
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21 Comments on Chynna Laird, author of White Elephants, launches her book tour, last added: 4/19/2012
Chynna---Just about everybody has something horrendous happen to them, or they love someone/know someone who is a survivor of something awful.
YOU have nothing to be embarrassed about (although I'm sure you already know this). You lived to tell the tale, and in telling, help others survive.
Thank you, Sioux. <3
I'm very impressed and inspired by your courage. I think that secreting away the horrors of our past only gives them more power to control us. I can't imagine the pain you went through in reliving these experiences, but you will make a difference for others, and hopefully feel a healing in yourself through your writing.
Once again, you amaze me. Thank you for sharing the charity with us and the amazing work they do, too.
@Kelley: You are so right that secreting things away gives them more power. And it can make you very unhealthy. Writing is a fantastic way to work through things. I've always turned to it. =)
@ Margo: Aww...you are so sweet. <3 I am most inspired by everyday people who do extraordinary things. The people at Zebra are definitely doing amazing things.
I give to a group in El Salvador that funds education of disadvantaged children with every book I sell (http://ckbookspublishing.com). 100% of what I give goes to help the kids!
It's just the right thing to do!
Good luck with the Zebra Center!