SJF: How/When did you discover SDMWA? Tell us about your involvement.
CJP: I discovered SDMWA through the ray of sunshine, Marni Freedman, at the Scripps Library. I saw a library posting that said, An Overview of Memoir Writing. I had been thinking about writing my book for years but didn’t know how. After meeting Marni and getting an overview I wanted to learn more, so I enrolled in Marni’s Memoir Certification class. Writing isn’t something that comes natural to me so I attend as many classes and meetings as I can to learn the craft of memoir writing.
SJF: Describe your upcoming memoir or what you are presently working on.
CJP: My memoir is about finding inner peace and healing by facing the past. I was driven to succeed and avoid close personal relationships at any cost, even to the point of self-sabotaging most of my relationships. When I was thirty, I had a shocking revelation that I had been raped as a teenager. It had been so traumatic that I never told anyone, never spoke about it and I learned to not think about it. I suppressed it. It was buried deep until a confirmation hearing sixteen years later resurrected it.
Once it was resurrected, I had to face it, so I embarked on a journey of healing. I started journaling as a part of my healing process never intending to share it and definitely not write a book about the experience. But after sharing my experience at a Church Women’s Conference a few years ago, several women came to me afterwards and said, “I had a similar experience and like you, I never told anyone.” God spoke to me that day and said, you need to write a book. It’s not only going to help you, but it will help others who have been through sexual trauma.
My first thought was, but I don’t know how to write and especially sharing deep intimate details about my life. That’s where divine intervention kicked in. It led me to the library and Marni and SDMWA. I knew that it would be a stretch for me because I’m not a touchy, feely show your emotions kind of person. I’ve always been a driver and a let’s get to the results person, which is why I did well in previous professions as an Army Officer and then a Sales Manager. Now to share my deep personal pain, is scarier than being in the Military. I keep reminding myself of that voice that said, “this book will help others.” So I am writing to help others.
I’m a novice writer and I’m still learning but I’m inspired to keep writing so that I can produce a book that will let others know that they’re not alone and that it’s ok to talk about sexual abuse. I have discovered through my journey that talking about it and sharing it opens the door to healing. That is why I’m passionate about my book.
SJF: Thank you for volunteering at the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival. Tell us about your role…
CJP: The SD Writers Festival was my first writer’s festival so I wanted to help out wherever needed. I volunteered as a Sessions and Room Coordinator. When not working, I sat in on some of the sessions and picked up so many pearls of wisdom. I also invited friends who are interested in writing to the festival. I learned a lot; had lots of fun and I’m looking forward to the next one.
SJF: What are some of your favorite memoirs (or movies based on memoirs)?
CJP: Some of my favorite memoirs are Under the Tuscan Sun, Glass Castle and Wild. I love stories of overcoming adversity, journeying to find oneself and coming of age.
SJF: How has SDMWA helped you? What have you received as a member?
CJP: SDWMA has provided me with a community of writers, most are more advance than me, who challenge me to dig deep and share more of myself on the pages. I’m still working on show vs. tell and learning to take the readers on the journey with me, but I am continuing to work on it.
Going through the Certification class with Marni was invaluable, although I feel that I need to go through it again to really grasp all the nuances. I’m currently in Read and Critique with Tracy who gives really great feedback which is helping me to grow as a writer. The writing process has been a challenge for me but I love challenges and get the encouragement that I need to continue from the community of writers in the SDWMA who have been welcoming and embracing.
SJF: Many thanks, Cynthia!
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