Healing from Domestic Violence

Because domestic violence is in my own personal background, you'll notice that almost everything I write has at least a touch of abuse in the stories. This serves a number of purposes: 1) raising awareness for the reader, 2) heightened story tension with a more well-rounded villain, and 3) healing therapy for me and hopefully other survivors who read my stories.

I don't focus a lot on domestic violence, because I don't like to dredge up sad memories of my past that could throw me into a state of depression. I'm also a rose-colored glasses personality who sees more good than bad in people, so I'll touch only briefly on any negatives and then move on to a lighter, happier, more humorous storyline. It's my hope that I can make my readers aware of the reality of domestic violence without bringing them down emotionally.

A couple of years ago, I worked on a short story titled, "The Orchard." Domestic violence plays a major theme and it was emotionally challenging to write as I remembered my 6 years as a victim of abuse to my former husband. At the time of this blog, it will be 19 years since I escaped from my ex, so I've had a good deal of time, counseling, and space for my heart to heal. Still, while the abuse gives me ample story material, writing this story dredges up painful memories and I'm finding that I have to write a little and then detox for periods of time, watching a comedy, reading a happy book, or talking with a friend--sometimes about my past.

The good news about writing "The Orchard" is that it's based on my experience of meeting my current husband (my "Sweet Pete") who's kind, caring, and thoughtful. This means I had a chance to document the joy of finding true love and a lot of serious heart healing in my relationship with this wonderful man. (I thank the Lord!)