ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Recently, the Community of Writers invited me to contribute an essay for their quarterly literary magazine, the Omnium Gatherum. Something related to memoir, they said. So, I decided to write a rebuttal to a common question memoir authors hear: Was it healing to write this book? Other variations include: Is writing a memoir cathartic? Was it therapeutic? Do you feel better now?!

I dislike this question for a few reasons, but mostly because healing from grief and trauma is not something you can shortcut or do alone. It’s more nuanced and multifaceted than that. (And, in my observation, people who say that writing was the thing that healed them often have other tools that are overlooked like social support, therapy, yoga/movement, bodywork, a spiritual practice, etc. etc.)

Whether you’re a writer or a reader, I think it’s an important topic to consider. It’s helpful to understand what different kinds of writing (journaling vs. writing for publication) can achieve and who benefits. Plus, I wanted to share a few of the things that DID help me heal enough to publish the book.

You can click over to read it at the Omnium Gatherum Quarterly issue number 16. I’m in great company there alongside other authors I deeply admire.