Writing Your Resilience: Building Resilience, Embracing Trauma and Healing Through Writing

Send us a textWhen you get negative feedback from an agent on your writing you can do two things: adapt and improve your writing, or quit. In this episode, I am speaking with Jessica Yen, a Camp Structure graduate, about the recent challenges she faced while dealing with discouraging feedback from a literary agent. Join us as we explore how agents think, what the market may–or may not–be looking for, and how to regain your power when difficult feedback knocks you down.Episode Highlights5:41:  The Agent Mindset10:55: Are We Ready for COVID Stories? 13:12: The Demand for Parenting Books15:10: Finding Your Book’s Essential Question24:10: Taking Your Power Back27:15: A New Take on Writer’s BlockResources for this Episode: Categorically So by Jessica YenBeauty by Jessica Yen (nominated for a Pushcart Prize)How I Went From “Big 5 or Die!” to Ecstatic Self-Published Author by Denise MassarNinety-Nine Fire Hoops by Allison Hong-MerrillWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie FooBetween the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi CoatesThe True Meaning of Success and The Multiple Paths to Publish Your Book with Courtney MaumRecovering from Cults and Religious Trauma Through Writing with Tia LevingsHow to Stop Gaslighting Yourself with Ingrid ClaytonJessica’s Bio: Jessica Yen is a Chinese American author who explores the intersection of memory, family, culture, language, identity, and history. Her work has been supported by an Oregon Literary Fellowship, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Caldera Arts, Kimmel Harding Nelson Center, and Voices of Our Nations Arts. She is a twice-Pushcart Prize nominated essayist whose work has appeared or is forthcoming in Fourth Genre, The Masters Review, Oregon Humanities, and Best American Travel Writing, among others. She is currently working on a memoir. By day, she writes grants and edits academic manuscripts for non-profits, university departments and scholars, and clinics who seek to address health inequities. You can find her online at www.jessicayen.com.Connect with Jessica:Website: www.jessicayen.comSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textWhat’s holding you hostage or keeping you stuck? In Jessica Buchanan’s case, it initially seemed like the Somali pirates who held her hostage for ninety-three were her biggest problem. But as she completed a powerful exercise during her captivity, she realized the issues she faced were far deeper and ultimately more common than the kidnapping she endured. Join me and author, TedX speaker, book coach, and founder of Soul Speak Press, Jessica Buchanan, as we discuss the ways we dismiss our inner knowing, how to reclaim your voice, and how to write your truth as you discover the mountaintops in your emotional deserts.                                                                                                                                                               Episode Highlights6:00: Finding Words for What Lives Inside Us11:50: Mining Your Resilience14:42: The Ways We Discount Our Voices23:34: An Exercise to Reconcile Your Experiences30:00: The Power of Supporting Other Writers 38:59: Deserts to Mountaintops Volume 342:39: Jessica’s Best Writing Advice                                                              Resources for this Episode:Jessica’s TEDx TalkMaking Even The Smallest Mistake Filled Me With Terror. Then 2 Little Words Changed My LifePorches RetreatJessica’s Bio: In her NYT Bestselling memoir Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, Jessica details her experience as she was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Jessica is now a highly sought-after inspirational speaker, TEDx Speaker, and the founder of Soul Speak Press. Her upcoming book is an anthology titled Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood.Connect with JessicaWebsite: https://www.jessbuchanan.com/Publishing Website: https://www.soulspeakpress.com/In Her Words Collection: https://www.soulspeakpress.com/powerwithinDeserts to Mountaintops: https://www.desertstomountaintops.com/To Learn More About Her Anthologies, Email: info@soulspeakpress.comSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

In this engaging discussion, Amy Lin, author of the micro memoir "Here After," delves into the intricacies of grief and storytelling. She highlights the unique power of micro memoirs to express universal experiences. Amy critiques traditional views on grief, revealing the often ignored complexities and non-linear nature of healing. They also explore how writing can serve as a transformative tool for self-discovery and connection, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Plus, tips for balancing book launches with self-care make this conversation a treasure for writers.

Explore the dual nature of Thanksgiving, a day filled with gratitude yet marked by mourning. Discover how embracing gratitude can enhance your writing, allowing you to uncover bright spots amid life's challenges. Delve into the powerful intersection of gratitude and mental health, fostering resilience during difficult times. A heartfelt message to listeners underscores the community's importance and lays the groundwork for future discussions on intergenerational trauma.

Send us a textWhen you hear the phrase hungry author, what does that mean to you? How might a hungry author approach their goals and what might they’re willing to do to achieve them? Join Sourcebook’s nonfiction editor Ariel Curry and ghostwriter Liz Morrow and me as we talk about the mindset writers need to succeed, how to stay hungry while working on your writing projects,, and the surprising new role self-publishing plays in the publishing industry on this week’s episode of the Writing Your Resilience podcast. Ariel’s Bio: Ariel Curry is a senior editor for nonfiction at Sourcebooks. As an editor, she enjoys brainstorming and outlining new book ideas, bringing clarity and purpose to prose, and helping authors build their self-efficacy. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and rescue dogs, Enyo and Tenaya.Liz and Ariel wrote Hungry Authors: The Indispensable Guide to Planning, Writing, and Publishing a Nonfiction Book (Bloomsbury 2024) and host the weekly writing podcast, Hungry Authors.Liz’s Bio: Liz Morrow is an author, ghostwriter, collaborator, and thought partner for entrepreneurs, leaders, industry experts, and high-net-worth individuals. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, sold book proposals for multiple six figures, and published with “Big 5” publishers. She lives in Greenville with her husband, son, daughter, and goldendoodle.Highlights from this Episode2:38 Defining a Hungry Author9:31 Advice for Writers Struggling to Stay Hungry14:43 Self-Publishing as the New Author’s Playground26:23 What It Takes to Self-Publish Well33:51 The Hungry Authors Approach to Author Platform42:59 Ariel’s Best Writing Advice Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Ariel’s Substack, My Book is NOT My BabyYou Don’t Have to Monetize Your Trauma by Kate McKeanSaying Yes To Yourself as a Writer Hungry Authors Episode with Lisa, Liz, and ArielConnect with Liz and Ariel: IG: @hungryauthorshttps://hungryauthors.com/Sign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textIs there an age when it’s too late to publish a book, forgive a person, or take a chance on yourself? Not if you’re Mildred Kirschenbaum. With the help of her daughter Gayle, Mildred is a 101-year-old Instagram sensation and debut author who is currently on a book tour. Join us as we discuss the challenges of mother/daughter relationships, how forgiveness turned Gayle and Mildred into best friends, and the secrets to lifelong learning and living vibrantly no matter your age. Mildred Kirschenbaum, a centenarian from Brooklyn, NY, has captured hearts as a social media influencer with her viral life advice, drawing from her rich life experiences, including starting a family post-WWII and founding a travel agency. Her book, Mildred’s Mindset: Wisdom from a Woman Centenarian, penned at 100, encapsulates her secrets to longevity and a joy-filled life. Known for her positive outlook and social nature, Mildred, with the help of her daughter Gayle, offers a refreshing perspective on embracing life’s every moment, inspiring readers globally with her wisdom and vibrant spirit.Gayle Kirschenbaum is an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, TV producer, writer, speaker, photographer, and forgiveness coach. She is the creator of several reality shows and has gained acclaim for her film Look at Us Now, Mother! which chronicles her journey to forgive her mother and transform their relationship. The film premiered on Netflix and has had a global impact. Her TEDx talk No More Mama Drama focuses on forgiveness. Another notable film, A Dog’s Life: A Dogamentary, premiered on HBO, portraying the heartwarming bond between dogs and humans through her own experiences with her Shih Tzu. Gayle's writings have been published in many outlets including The Huffington Post, Parade, Shondaland, and The Ethel (AARP). Her photographs have been exhibited internationally and are in many private collections. Kirschenbaum’s work has been featured widely in media outlets including The New York Times and NBC's Today Show.In this episode: 1:32: The Challenges in Mother/Daughter Relationships9:23: Becoming Best Friends Who Don’t Always Agree16:23: How Age and Experience Change Our Perspective21:46: The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing33:26: Why It’s Never Too LateResources Mentioned During This Episode: Look at Us Now Mother DocumentaryMildred Apologizes to Gayle Gayle and Mildred on ABC News: https://www.wpbf.com/article/boca-raton-grand-fluencer-shares-her-secret-to-a-long-life-at-101-years-old/62070512Gayle and Mildred on the Today ShowConnect with Gayle and Mildred: InstagSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textIf you’re writing about a medical drama or other high-intensity journey involving another person, how do you write about these events without swallowing your story of transformation? What would you do if your agent’s feedback to you was “more chicken?” That’s exactly what parent advocate Kristin Jarvis Adams’s agent said after reading a draft of her memoir, The Chicken Who Saved Us. Join us as we explore the challenges of turning an animal into a primary character in your memoir, learning to appreciate the diverse ways we communicate, how to get past your vendetta mindset, and the power of finding the pinpoints of light in dark times.Kristin’s Bio: Kristin Jarvis Adams’ award-winning book, The Chicken Who Saved Us, received national attention in the Wall Street Journal and NBC News. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, ParentMap, Journey, The Autism Blog, and elsewhere. A Pacific Northwest native, she spends her days writing, working as a parent advocate for children with special needs, and chasing a flock of belligerent but loveable chickens around her backyard.Resources Mentioned During This Episode:Kristin’s Resources: https://kristinjarvisadams.com/resources/How a pet chicken helped me understand my autistic son: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2017/02/02/how-a-pet-chicken-helped-me-understand-my-autistic-son/Episode Highlights2:21 Using a Chicken as a Primary Character 11:34 Writing About Another Person’s Disability 16:57 Getting Past the Vendetta Mindset24:10 Balancing External Dramas with Internal Transformation 30:54 Kristin’s Best Writing Advice  Connect with Kristin: website: https://kristinjarvisadams.comInstagram: @kristinjarvisadamsFacebook: @thechickenwhosavedusSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textNovember is Worldwide Bereaved Siblings Month, yet most siblings grieve alone. They’re told to be strong for their parents, or they get subtle, and, sometimes not so subtle, cues to move on. Yet  the loss of a sibling is the loss of a lifetime, because it’s a relationship we expect we’ll have for most of our lives.Join me, Alyson Shelton, and Lynn Shattuck as we remember our brothers and talk about sibling loss, the challenges of living with disenfranchised grief, and how writing has helped us heal and maintain a relationship with our siblings even though they are gone.Alyson’s Bio: Alyson Shelton is an award winning screenwriter. Her essays have been published widely at outlets such as The NY Times, Ms., The Rumpus and more. She hosts a popular series inspired by George Ella Lyon’s poem, Where I’m From. The poem is also the inspiration for her memoir in progress.Lynn’s Bio: Lynn Shattuck grew up in a Southeast Alaskan rainforest and is now a Maine-based writer. She co-founded thelossofalifetime.com, a website for grieving siblings. Her essays have been featured in Elephant Journal, Human Parts, Al Jazeera, P.S. I Love You, The Fix, Vice and Mind Body Green.Resources Mentioned During This Episode:There’s No Escape by Alyson SheltonWhat I Want You to Say When I’m Grieving by Lynn Shattuck: My 20-Year-Old Brother Died By Suicide. Here's Why I Almost Joined Him by Lisa Cooper EllisonLynn’s Where I’m From Poem Lisa’s Where I’m From Poem Alyson’s Where I’m From Poem Episode Highlights:3:23 Silent, Unacknowledged Grief7:45: The Impact of the Hierarchy of Grief12:23 The Benefits of Writing about Sibling Loss18:31: Grieving and Writing in Community23:49 Building the Sibling Loss Anthology32:48 Getting to Know Alyson and Lynn35:23 Lynn and Alyson’s Best Writing AdviceConnect with LynnFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064888772287Substack: https://lynnshattuck.substack.com/Connect with AlysonWebsite: www.alysonshelton.comInstagram: @byalysonsheltonWhere I’m From poem project: https://www.alysonshelton.comSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textMany survivors of sexual abuse and assault silently carry questions about what happened to them. Am I truly a victim? Should I report what happened? If so, what are the steps? How do I disclose this to family members? Join me and Cheyenne Wilson, sexual assault advocate and author of We Are the Evidence, as we explore the power of breaking the silence around your experience, the importance of healing in community, and how to find the resources that are right for you. Plus, you’ll hear about the unlikely event that fired Cheyenne up and motivated her to write this book. Cheyenne’s Bio: Cheyenne Wilson, BSN, is a passionate advocate and author dedicated to supporting and empowering survivors of sexual assault. At 29, she wrote We Are the Evidence: A Handbook For Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault. This groundbreaking resource features contributions from 25 experts, including therapists, lawyers, and survivors, offering a comprehensive guide to healing and resilience. With a background in social services and a career in nursing, Cheyenne combines her professional expertise with personal experience to create resources that validate and uplift survivors. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: What is Polyvagal Theory?A Well-Trained Wife by Tia LevingsRecovering from Cults and Religious Trauma Through Writing with Tia LevingsEpisode Highlights: 3:40 Why Write Something Other Than a Memoir5:45 Going from Crushed to Fired Up9:12 The Power of Community and the Pain of The Friend Response15:05 Finding a Community When You Don’t Know Where to Look19:45 Writing a Nonfiction Book that Touches on Your Experiences21:47 What If Your Assault Happened Decades Ago  26:45 Recruiting Experts and Survivors for Your Book28:38: The Need to Continue Healing31:26: Finding the Right Therapist39:15: Cheyenne’s Best Writing AdviceConnect with Cheyenne:Website: https://wearetheevidence.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreTheEvidenceLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cheyenne-wilson-3a5041191Sign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production

Send us a textJoin me and Pushcart Nominee, TedX Speaker, and multi-passionate creative, Acamea Deadwiler, as we talk about normalized violence, how our attachment styles can influence the way we approach our memoirs, and the importance of connecting with your inner compass. During our conversation, you’ll also learn what transcendental meditation is and how Acamea used her TM practice while writing her memoir, Daddy’s Little Stranger,Acamea’s bio: Acamea Deadwiler is a Pushcart Prize nominated memoirist and essayist who received praise from Publishers Weekly and authored the memoir, Daddy’s Little Stranger. Her work has appeared in Bellevue Literary Review, North American Review, and Beyond Words Literary Magazine, among other publications. Acamea’s media features include the New York Post, Cosmopolitan, Bustle, and the FOX television network. She is also a TEDx speaker. Currently residing in Nevada, Acamea is an Indiana native. She is a fellow in the MFA program at Randolph College.Resources Mentioned During This Episode:How Different Attachment Styles Affect RelationshipsWhat is Transcendental MeditationEpisode Highlights1:00 The Stories We Carry7:00 Dealing with Normalized Violence11:29 Choosing the Right Moments When Trauma Is High15:30 Writing About Abandonment18:00 Attachment Styles and Storytelling24:12: Essay Collections vs Memoir28:00 Writing About Bad Behavior35:19 Transcendental Meditation and Writing41:50 Connecting With Your Inner Compass43:00 Acamea’s Best Writing AdviceConnect with Acamea: Instagram - @acameaTwitter - @acamealdWebsite - acameadeadwiler.comBook - Daddyslittlestranger.comSign up for Revise Your Memoir series: https://bit.ly/4ooLTDi Connect with your host, Lisa:Get Your Free Copy of Ditch Your Inner Critic: https://lisacooperellison.com/subscribe/Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedIn Produced by Espresso Podcast Production