Out of the Fire and Into the Light

Dear Lori: Somehow I'm giving the wrong impression (perhaps you could suggest something to help?) - the workbook is written to help adults who grew up in a dysfunctional family. "Dysfunctional" is a wide spectrum and, although it could include abuse, it refers to any family that had glitches in it - such as your absent father. Actually, very few of my students experienced abuse as a child - most of those who came to "talk to me" (for counseling) just had a rough childhood due to a variety of reasons. It these individuals (such as yourself) that I've the desire and drive to help and for whom I wrote the workbook. I'm going to have to do something to get this point across and I don't quite know what???? Any suggestions are welcomed! Blessings, Pat
http://www.authonomy.com/books/43509/refuge-and-strength-for-adult-children-of-dysfunctional-families-a-guided-workbook/

Thanks for your comments, Pat. I wasn't a victim of child abuse. I was a victim of Absent Father Syndrome, which seems to cause a girl to choose poorly in a mate, searching for someone to love them. I'm sure that your book will be extremely helpful to many people. I have heard from many women that could identify with my story, which has been totally rewritten and is published. It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle and Nook form also. Abuse is certainly on the rise and your book will really be a help. Best wishes on your project!
God never wastes a hurt! Lori

Dear Lori: I'm putting your book on my watchlist and will read it and comment asap. I'm also asking those who survived childhood abuse to take a look at my workbook. As a psychologist, my primary concern has always been for adult survivors of child abuse and now that I am retired I have written a book to help these brave individuals titled "Refuge and Strength for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families". Do you think that working through this book would have been of any help to you as you dealt with all that you went through? I would appreciate any feedback you might offer and I will read your book. Blessings, Pat

Dear Lori: I'm putting your book on my watchlist and will read it and comment asap. I'm also asking those who survived childhood abuse to take a look at my workbook. As a psychologist, my primary concern has always been for adult survivors of child abuse and now that I am retired I have written a book to help these brave individuals titled "Refuge and Strength for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families". Do you think that working through this book would have been of any help to you as you dealt with all that you went through? I would appreciate any feedback you might offer and I will read your book. Blessings, Pat

I don't feel that I can or should critique this in the way I would a work of fiction. Obviously, the story is completely personal and true. I will say that your writing is sound and you seem to have plotted out the way you're going to tell the story in a good way. I think this is probably an important exercise for you, for your family, and of course for those who you are touching through your outreach. Kudos to you for rising from difficult circumstances and doing something for others. I respect that immensely. And I was drawn in to the story--I'm always impressed when writers can remember so many details! Great job.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Hi Lori
It must be hard in many ways to share such emotional thoughts and feelings. However it must give strength to others who have had similar experiences. Very powerful and thought provoking.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Lori, Your writing certainly creates awareness of the issues raised and I 'm sure that many of your readers will have gained some insight through your experiences. This book is a credit to you. Well done.
Jane

It takes great courage to be as open and honest as you are in this work. Thank you. Alan

I think it is very special when someone let you into his or her life in the way you have.
Your courage and spirit shine in this book – thank you for a special moment.

God doesn't waste a hurt. Bleak, but with a message. Not a message I get personally but this is well written

The more I read this book, the more healing I receive from the lord. I am going too post this in the forum as a must have!!! I pray you go to the best-seller with this one!

In Christ,

Rob

Thank you Rob for that very touching comment! I pray that God completely heals your heart from the pain you have endured. God doesn't waste a hurt! Use yours to help others!

Lori

Lori,

The more I read this book, the more hope it brings too me. I know what abuse is like, because I am a survivor of mental and sexual abuse. It has taken the love of God to really do some healing in my life-your book helps!!

Rob

Lori,

What a touching and borderline tearjerker story you have here. I am moved that you would share your testimony on written page, and I believe this can be a ministry tool BIG TIME. I love what you said about "God never wastes a hurt!" I am about to shelf you.

Rob

Touching account of a difficult life. You must be a very brave person to stand up and use your experience to help others

tyler (almost straight)

I was curiously drawn to your book and I finished it this morning. To be honest, at first I was a bit put off by the style of the writing and, being a longtime journalist, I wanted you to expand on some things here and there and I was somewhat disappointed when you didn’t.

Silly me.

I have read many books/excerpts on the Authonomy site but none has captured my attention quite like your book. I cannot relate to a lot of things in the book (but, of course, the suicide chapter I can) but you made it relate to me. Is it the best written book? No, but neither is mine. What you so eloquently did, however, is write about and expanded on emotion and I know many, many writers try for that passion but fall short. You did not fall short.

It was tough to read but, more importantly, I know it was much, much tougher to write. I have said that my book "A Tear-Stained Letter" was, in a sense, easy for me to write because all I did was take a knife, slice open my heart and wrote about what fell out.

I saw what was in yours as I read your book.

Gladly backed.

I'm a big fan of honesty and it's even better when shared to help others. I've had to rely God and a sense of humor to get me through many of the things you write about here. You're a brave, wonderful writer. Thank you for this book.

Hello,

Since I have a similar genre story to tell I can certainly say that I sympathize with what you've been through. God,too, helped me through.

YOur story is compelling. My suggestion, and it was given to me by several people on this site, is to show more versus just telling. I know it's hard to do with non-fiction, memoir books but it has improved my story! It is more descriptive and puts the reader in your shoes. I'll be happy to give you examples if you wish.

Not being a nitpick, but if you know someone who can read over your manuscript for grammar/punctuation that would be helpful. We all need that. I'm lucky to have a friend who catches my many mistakes. Please understand, I am not an expert just suggestions. Good luck!

Happily Backed
Denise

Yes, I would appreciate any help. Thank you for the suggestions!
Cheney

Hello,

Since I have a similar genre story to tell I can certainly say that I sympathize with what you've been through. God,too, helped me through.

YOur story is compelling. My suggestion, and it was given to me by several people on this site, is to show more versus just telling. I know it's hard to do with non-fiction, memoir books but it has improved my story! It is more descriptive and puts the reader in your shoes. I'll be happy to give you examples if you wish.

Not being a nitpick, but if you know someone who can read over your manuscript for grammar/punctuation that would be helpful. We all need that. I'm lucky to have a friend who catches my many mistakes. Please understand, I am not an expert just suggestions. Good luck!

Happily Backed
Denise

The bravery you have shown in writing this book is immense and I salute you for sharing your story.
I hope that it is a story which will reach those who will most benefit from reading it.
I don't think you specifically need be a woman to need it, you just need to be someone with empathy.
David
Bailey of the Saints

You are a remarkable lady to have gone through so much and to have the courage to write about it. I started writing when my husband left me and this helped me to get over the feeling of desertion, so I know exactly where you are coming from.

Hope every day from now on will be happy and content, because if anyone deserves it you do.

Much love and understanding.
Melxx

Welcome aboard, Lori. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works. For the long pitch, though this is non-fiction, end it with one succinct question to pique your casual reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

OUT OF THE FIRE
This is a heart wrenching story to read because of all the misfortune that invaded your life. It takes a lot of courage to write this kind of book because it reveals so much about yourself. Luckily, a big thing also revealed here is your ongoing spirit and determination to come out of this a wiser person. I’m backing this for support. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

I am very greatful for all of the constructive and helpful comments! Thank you all for taking the time to leave feed back!

Lori

I found much of it hard to read - not because of your writing, which is excellent - but because of the events you describe. But I can see how it helps to read of these things if you've been a victim of them. We like to think we're not alone. For that reason, I hope this is published. Backed. Lynn

"God never wastes a hurt." Truer words have never been spoken. I admire you for writing this touching memoir, and I'm happy to back you.

Rodney

This is a smoothly written memoir but perhaps some sign of the violence you faced later should be used to start this account? I know that there is quite a market for this kind of memoir and someone close to me has had similar experiences so I am not immoveable to your plight, but he tortured a pig until it bit him in the face and he had mock trials so that he could hang kittens! The daughter of a man who brought crime scene photos home missed theses signs! In retrospect we can all be wise but that seems incredible. Good luck. Patrick Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Dear Lori, I love that you shared your life with Jesus in it - II Cor. 1:4, "He comfort us, so we can comfort others." :) Wonderful that you used a lot of encouraging Bible verses - & I was wanting to cry, because there is someone out there , you Lori, who can empathized & really understand my pain & not be judgmental, becasue my memoir which I'll name below tells all, too - I'm sure that there is much more in your life that you didn't share, just like mine. God loves us in spite of ourselves & our bad choices. Thank you for writing you story. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Gald to be your first comment, well written and I wish you the best of luck with it. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chonicles book one