Writing Helped Me Heal

By Jo Ann Fawcett

Guest Blogger for the Overcoming Adversity with Collaboration Series 

Who do you know who’s survived seven toxic marriages and is now thriving?

I began writing my first book before knowing that I would leave my seventh husband. By the time the divorce was final, we’d been together for twenty-five years; married for twenty. I realized that our marriage was one-sided and my needs were not being met, but I didn’t realize that he was a narcissist until eighteen years had passed. I moved out-of-state, found a therapist, and kept writing.

Midlife Magic told of the first six toxic marriages, lessons learned, and some good things about the seventh. The Prince Was Wrong was all about husband #7. Using quotes from his letters to me made it easier to see and share examples of narcissistic behavior, helping my healing process and providing material for the book. Writing helped me gain clarity on what I wanted for my life. I found my voice. Inspiration came and the words flowed. Writing that second book helped me regain personal peace. I remembered who I was again. The roller coaster ride came to an end.

Wisdom from My Grandmothers: How Messages from the Past Shed Light on Your Life is the capstone of my “From Toxic to Thriving” set. An unconventional memoir, it contains stories of resilience and advice from several female ancestors long passed that I obtained through a channeler. I wanted to know specifics of what it was like to be a woman in their lifetimes from the late 1700s to the late 1990s, and how they used their voices. I discovered that we shared both troublesome patterns and lovely gifts.

Jo Ann is a member of WIP Society, an annual membership community for authors and publishing industry professionals to learn, grow, scale, and collaborate in a welcoming environment.