I’m so sorry that you had to deal with that level of pain and abuse as a child. I also understand why it’s a fifteen year journey to write your story/book but you are doing it. I applaud you and am excited to follow you. I have read the first chapter and it’s powerful writing. My dream to be a writer is lifelong and I am finally writing again and hope to tell my son’s story along with some of mine…some sad and some funny. Any way, glad you are on Substack, keep up the good work. 😉
Thank you, GeorgeAnn. Very kind of you! I am excited for your writing journey, as well! Keep after it 🌻 It's been my dream too- thank you for your encouragement!
I just read your first chapter and feel we are kindred spirts from opposite sides of the biological fence. Childhood trauma has such long term affects which shape our lives a those around us. Recovery is an ongoing journey which handle a day at a time. I really enjoy your writing style it grabbed my attention and interest immediately.
I subscribed to your substack after you liked a comment I made on another person's substack. Now and then God leads us to someone. I just finished your part one. Your part two will resonate. Almost like a book that you can't put down. I want to write my own story someday. Maybe I will. Ever hide your shame/lack of confidence/feelings of inadequacy behind something? I have. It helps for a while. Faith is the healing salve though. We all have a story. They are all worth reading as long as they are truthful. Truthful especially about the lies they told themselves just to survive!
Hi Melanie, I greatly admire you for being open and willing to share these stories. This is truly a level that I have never experienced before, and I can't even imagine the emotions that require processing after an event like this. As a child, there seems to be no explanation as to why an adult would switch on a dime like that and completely turn into a monster. Even as an adult, I have no words of explanation. I remember reading one of your other stories a while back, and believe this is the same man. Now I know I should have started here at chapter 1. Being able to write these stories out is IMMENSELY powerful therapy and I commend you to keep telling your story. Your book absolutely needs to be published, and this is the perfect community to reinforce that. Looking forward to reading more of your work and getting into the other chapters!
Nick, I appreciate your thoughtful comment and thank you for reading my story. Thank you also for the validation. I have had this "burning desire" to share my story for so long. If it helps even one person to reach a threshold of not only acceptance of the circumstances in their lives but to gain a huge measure of peace in the deal, it will be worth it. 🌻
I just came across your profile since you liked a post of mine. I’m so happy you liked my post because now I get to read some of your work. I don’t want to brag but my book took me 10 years 😂
Wow, this was heart-wrenching. I don't know how people survive such horrific treatment. The fact that you can write such a devastating story with touches of humor is amazing. I think you add so much to the story by being able to do this. The hook-up you described is similar to my background and the disproval of others, so I definitely relate to that. You were born to be a writer. Well done!
Thank you Sarah for your generous words. I appreciate them! Naturally, humor is not my strong suit, it's very dry. However, I can be wickedly sarcastic at times which can be funny. For that I try to apologize and keep it under wrap. It's too unkind and hurts my soul. Thank you for reading my story. 🌻
Ah, that's why I enjoy your style of writing so much. I am very sarcastic and your words are like music to my ears. I know it's probably a coping mechanism, but it's definitely in my wheelhouse. It's best to think before you speak when you have that inclination. I've gotten myself into trouble more than a couple of times due to my sarcasm.
I found you through the Punchy Book club. I will be posting my articles in Substack once I figure out how to post it, lol! I would be grateful it you had a chance to read my story as well and leave a comment or two.
Tina, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time you read it! I hope you are back on the trail soon! Chapter 3 will drop early next week and will be waiting for your next break 🙏
Hey Melanie, this is a really heartfelt and emotional piece. I really felt it. Sorry that this is what you went through as a child. Very traumatizing. But hopefully, you were able to find peace and live in your happiness. I really liked the Bible verses you inserted and the ending “I survived.” Very powerful statements here that make it easy to resonate with and read along. Excited to read the next chapter. Your newsletter is awesome by the way! Just subscribed!
Khadejah J, I am grateful that you could feel my heart. I am working out the kinks for Chapter 3, and hope to get that up on the newsletter shortly. Thank you for subscribing and your kind comment. Hugs!
I felt each blow. So sorry that this was your experience as a little girl. So sad for you to experience this kind of rage and abuse, and then neglect. I am glad to have found your work and will read more.
Thank you, Susan! The writing, editing and now "putting it out there" after all of these years has been a mechanism of healing. Unfortunately, I have had no trauma counseling. What I do have is a God who loves me, teaching and healing me. And lovely individuals such as yourself validating my story.
God is so healing. I am a retired counselor and on my Substack sometimes I write about themes related to healing and faith. I’m writing a book right now called Tenderly Transformed: Growing and Healing Through Turbulent Times. Thank you for allowing us to read your story. Writing can be so healing too. Looking forward to getting to know you over time. God bless you.
Alexander, thank you for these encouraging words! Chapter 2 is ready to drop tomorrow and it's another heavy chapter and I'm feeling quite vulnerable. I have enjoyed your posts as well!
Hi Melanie, good for you for writing... 5 drafts! My best advice is to keep going. It takes time, and you'll be tempted to start over, but eventually, it comes together. It took me roughly three months of writing a little every day to get to my completed draft I'm now in the editing and polishing stage with. Good luck and I look forward to reading more of your chapters!
Hi Melanie, I am definitely interested in reding more of this story, especially if it is a story that ends in a message of hope. I would suggest you consider breaking up longer sentences. For example:
"There were not a few who felt justified in pointing their self-righteous finger and state it never should have happened, especially when one of the parties was already married and had a young son whom she was already neglecting and pretending did not exist."
This could be broken into at least 2 if not 3 sentences.
"There were (more than?) a few who felt justified in pointing their self-righteous finger (to?) state it never should have happened. Especially when one of the parties was already married and had a young son. A son she was already neglecting and pretending did not exist."
I am currently working with an editor on my first book who told me that if I have to take a breath while reading a sentence out loud...then it is probably too long.
But I really do like the direction you are headed in!
I’m so sorry that you had to deal with that level of pain and abuse as a child. I also understand why it’s a fifteen year journey to write your story/book but you are doing it. I applaud you and am excited to follow you. I have read the first chapter and it’s powerful writing. My dream to be a writer is lifelong and I am finally writing again and hope to tell my son’s story along with some of mine…some sad and some funny. Any way, glad you are on Substack, keep up the good work. 😉
Thank you, GeorgeAnn. Very kind of you! I am excited for your writing journey, as well! Keep after it 🌻 It's been my dream too- thank you for your encouragement!
I just read your first chapter and feel we are kindred spirts from opposite sides of the biological fence. Childhood trauma has such long term affects which shape our lives a those around us. Recovery is an ongoing journey which handle a day at a time. I really enjoy your writing style it grabbed my attention and interest immediately.
Thank you, Bob! Yes, recovery is a daily choice and commitment for sure! I appreciate your encouraging words!
I subscribed to your substack after you liked a comment I made on another person's substack. Now and then God leads us to someone. I just finished your part one. Your part two will resonate. Almost like a book that you can't put down. I want to write my own story someday. Maybe I will. Ever hide your shame/lack of confidence/feelings of inadequacy behind something? I have. It helps for a while. Faith is the healing salve though. We all have a story. They are all worth reading as long as they are truthful. Truthful especially about the lies they told themselves just to survive!
Thank you, Jenni, and Thank you for reading 🌻 Yes everyone has a story that deserves to be heard.
Hi Melanie, I greatly admire you for being open and willing to share these stories. This is truly a level that I have never experienced before, and I can't even imagine the emotions that require processing after an event like this. As a child, there seems to be no explanation as to why an adult would switch on a dime like that and completely turn into a monster. Even as an adult, I have no words of explanation. I remember reading one of your other stories a while back, and believe this is the same man. Now I know I should have started here at chapter 1. Being able to write these stories out is IMMENSELY powerful therapy and I commend you to keep telling your story. Your book absolutely needs to be published, and this is the perfect community to reinforce that. Looking forward to reading more of your work and getting into the other chapters!
Nick, I appreciate your thoughtful comment and thank you for reading my story. Thank you also for the validation. I have had this "burning desire" to share my story for so long. If it helps even one person to reach a threshold of not only acceptance of the circumstances in their lives but to gain a huge measure of peace in the deal, it will be worth it. 🌻
I just came across your profile since you liked a post of mine. I’m so happy you liked my post because now I get to read some of your work. I don’t want to brag but my book took me 10 years 😂
Way to go, Philippa! "Just 10 ? LOL! Happy to meet you here. Hope you will continue to read my story. Thank you for your comment. Have a great day! 🌻
Wow, this was heart-wrenching. I don't know how people survive such horrific treatment. The fact that you can write such a devastating story with touches of humor is amazing. I think you add so much to the story by being able to do this. The hook-up you described is similar to my background and the disproval of others, so I definitely relate to that. You were born to be a writer. Well done!
Thank you Sarah for your generous words. I appreciate them! Naturally, humor is not my strong suit, it's very dry. However, I can be wickedly sarcastic at times which can be funny. For that I try to apologize and keep it under wrap. It's too unkind and hurts my soul. Thank you for reading my story. 🌻
Ah, that's why I enjoy your style of writing so much. I am very sarcastic and your words are like music to my ears. I know it's probably a coping mechanism, but it's definitely in my wheelhouse. It's best to think before you speak when you have that inclination. I've gotten myself into trouble more than a couple of times due to my sarcasm.
I found you through the Punchy Book club. I will be posting my articles in Substack once I figure out how to post it, lol! I would be grateful it you had a chance to read my story as well and leave a comment or two.
Take care and keep writing!
I would love to read it and will keep an eye out! Thank you again for this delightful interaction- will definitely be in touch, girl 🌻
Very touching indeed. Just wanted to start reading it from the beginning. Now I can feel tears in my eyes already..
Thanks for sharing Melanie,
Thank you for reading, Derick. I appreciate you ☀️
You are very good at telling the story, Melanie. Wish it were fictional as no child should ever have to go through that. Sadly many do😢
Tina, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time you read it! I hope you are back on the trail soon! Chapter 3 will drop early next week and will be waiting for your next break 🙏
Hey Melanie, this is a really heartfelt and emotional piece. I really felt it. Sorry that this is what you went through as a child. Very traumatizing. But hopefully, you were able to find peace and live in your happiness. I really liked the Bible verses you inserted and the ending “I survived.” Very powerful statements here that make it easy to resonate with and read along. Excited to read the next chapter. Your newsletter is awesome by the way! Just subscribed!
Khadejah J, I am grateful that you could feel my heart. I am working out the kinks for Chapter 3, and hope to get that up on the newsletter shortly. Thank you for subscribing and your kind comment. Hugs!
Hey Melanie, you’re very welcome! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I look forward to reading chapter 3. :)
I felt each blow. So sorry that this was your experience as a little girl. So sad for you to experience this kind of rage and abuse, and then neglect. I am glad to have found your work and will read more.
Thank you, Susan! The writing, editing and now "putting it out there" after all of these years has been a mechanism of healing. Unfortunately, I have had no trauma counseling. What I do have is a God who loves me, teaching and healing me. And lovely individuals such as yourself validating my story.
God is so healing. I am a retired counselor and on my Substack sometimes I write about themes related to healing and faith. I’m writing a book right now called Tenderly Transformed: Growing and Healing Through Turbulent Times. Thank you for allowing us to read your story. Writing can be so healing too. Looking forward to getting to know you over time. God bless you.
That sounds like a good book! Keep me posted on your progress. God Bless you, Big! Likewise, looking forward to getting to know you as well.
Thank you!
Incredibly raw and visceral writing, Melanie!!! Totally hooked on this style from start to finish. I'm excited to read more.
Alexander, thank you for these encouraging words! Chapter 2 is ready to drop tomorrow and it's another heavy chapter and I'm feeling quite vulnerable. I have enjoyed your posts as well!
I think vulnerability is a superpower that's often overlooked. Your honesty is inspiring.
Hi Melanie, good for you for writing... 5 drafts! My best advice is to keep going. It takes time, and you'll be tempted to start over, but eventually, it comes together. It took me roughly three months of writing a little every day to get to my completed draft I'm now in the editing and polishing stage with. Good luck and I look forward to reading more of your chapters!
Matt! Thank you. I appreciate your advice and it's been fun watching your journey! Along with inspirational. Keep after it!
Hi Melanie, I am definitely interested in reding more of this story, especially if it is a story that ends in a message of hope. I would suggest you consider breaking up longer sentences. For example:
"There were not a few who felt justified in pointing their self-righteous finger and state it never should have happened, especially when one of the parties was already married and had a young son whom she was already neglecting and pretending did not exist."
This could be broken into at least 2 if not 3 sentences.
"There were (more than?) a few who felt justified in pointing their self-righteous finger (to?) state it never should have happened. Especially when one of the parties was already married and had a young son. A son she was already neglecting and pretending did not exist."
I am currently working with an editor on my first book who told me that if I have to take a breath while reading a sentence out loud...then it is probably too long.
But I really do like the direction you are headed in!
Donna Kerber, Thank you for sharing that great food for thought! 💭