Thank you for writing. We all have different experiences – no sense in comparing them. The horror of these childhoods can be lessened by sharing and by exposing the secrets.
There is always a positive that naturally flows – even from evil. I know that I was drawn to books to escape from my pain and to understand that there is a greater world out there. I became a journalist out of my search for Truth. And now, I write and speak so that others who are forced to travel the same journey know that they are not alone, and that they can survive. And, ultimately thrive. I wouldn’t wish evil on anyone, but I do know that there is a gift in the most torturous situation, and that when one is healed enough, it becomes so obvious, that, at least in my case, it may well fill one with joy.

As for your books, I gently suggest that maybe the writing was what was most important. That said, I don’t know any channels to sell them, but the traditional. If I were you, I would connect with the closest writers association in your area. In the Portland, OR area, it is the Willamette Writers.

All best,
Diana

The courage and tenacity you both had to end up in fabulous careers is astounding! Frankly, I have no idea how you did it.

While going through a bad time in my life (nothing like yours) I self published a book which helped keep my mind off anything else. I had 1,000 copies made and they are now sitting in my basement.

I was wondering if John could tell me about the other markets: my library took my book as a donation; how do you sell to the military? and where do you find book clubs who will purchase your books? and are there any other avenues for me to “clean out my basement?”

I feel guilty asking these questions; yet in awe of both your accomplishments. You have taken life by the horns and I, having a much better childhood than you both, have taken an easy way out.

Blessings and congratulations for overcoming a childhood that NO one should have to live through.

Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder

Best,
Diana

You could then parlay the profits of the audio book and ebook into self publishing the hard copy and you have the library system that buys books full price as well as the military market and book clubs who will buy a thousand copies at a time. These are markets that tradtional publishers tend to ignore. The other problem wiht tradtional book publishers is that they only promote your book for a quarter, 3 short months and then it is on to the next book. In many ways, you are better off self publishing.

Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder

I am so glad for you. I realized that my questions were highly personal, I just wanted to make sure that you had dealt with the issues and had achieved healing.

It had to break your heart to see your dad beaten up in front of you.

It never ceases to astound me the horrible things that man does to his own and by man I mean mankind, women included. I still believe in old fasihioned justice and would have loved to speed your step dad’s demise for you. I make it my business to intervene when bulllying is going on, no matter who. Sexual offenders can’t be fixed. There is no known therapy to deal with them and still we keep letting them out of jail to do it again.

Thanks for your gift of vulnerability and trust you bestowed upon me.

Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder

A question both challenging and ultra-personal. Since I have said much of this before – but scattered in various blogs – I can answer that to some extent. Early on, hell yes, it impacted me. I was promiscuous, loved getting high, would say in my mind “you can have my body or my soul, but not both,” and I would crash terribly hard the next day, feeling that no one loved me. Makes sense. My real dad was beat up by my stepfather in front of me when I was six and told to never return. I never saw him again. I learned as an adult that he had tried every legal channel possible to be with me, but had died of a broken heart at age 54. Abandonment. My stepfather raped and mentally & verbally abused me, and was terrifically and unpredictably violent, from the time I was age 4 1/2 until I left for college at age 17. Sexual abuse and disrespect. PTSD. And my mother was alcoholic, suicidal, and schizophrenic. Neglect. Mental Illness. Alcoholism. Did I feel safe? Not until I learned last month that my stepfather died. Sexually, over the years, I learned to trust, I’ve been clean for almost twenty years, and I’ve had probably $15,000 dollars worth of therapy. I’d say I’m healed. But it’s been one helluva journey. One, without which, I wouldn’t have had the compassion and intuition I possess now.

Best,
Diana

I dealt with a woman publishers agent who worked with authors on book tour etc. Her dad sexually abused her nightly from the time that she was 5 until she was 17. Her mother gave tacit approval because she did not have to put out. Her dad got sick, had a heart attack and she went home, He died and I suggested confrronting her mother for the first time and the mother hung herself in the garage two days later. I have not heard from the client since. She had a great deal of problems with her sex life as a result and threw herself into her work doing 90 hours a week.

Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder

Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder