Page 23 - Reader's House magazine

story is one of transformation, healing, and an unwavering commitment to helping others find their own place of peace. As editor, I’m hon- oured to bring this conversation to our readers, and I have no doubt that Hope Brooks will leave you inspired by her words, her courage, and her unshakeable sense of purpose. improve. This opened a new world for me, as I learned new skills in achieving my writing goals. I attended every week for five years, and finally completed my dream. My advice to new beginners is to find support groups or experienced people who could guide you in your journey, so you are not alone. What inspired you to write “A Mother’s Survival: Finding Balance Through the Storms,” and how much of it is drawn from your personal experiences? I had experienced traumatic experienc- es through most of the days of my life. In childhood, I was a victim of sexual abuse. In my adult years, I became a single parent, alone and searching for a way to feed my children. In my career as a New York City teacher, I faced endless challenges working with special needs children. I often said to myself, “Some- day you must write a book, no one would be- lieve what’s happening to you.” The day after my retirement, I sat down at my computer and began to write, as my life’s journey appeared before me. How has your background in music and love for rock ‘n’ roll influenced your writing, particularly in your novels? Although my novel does not include music, my love of piano and clarinet lessons enabled me to include music in my writing sessions. Each time I sat before my computer to think and type, I sought silent moments, distant from others, as I emotionally relived events from my past. I would often listen to classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and their calming pieces became a memorable part of my writing journey. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are struggling to find their voice or niche? Once you have published your book, it is How do you balance both fiction and nonfiction, and do you have a preference for one over the other? I have only been drawn to expressing real events and emotions in my writing, and have never been interested in imaginary stories. At another moment in my life, my family faced a important that you seek organizations com- prised of other authors who can share infor- mation and advice on how to proceed. When my book was finally in print, I googled nearby author groups who could share my hopes and aspirations. I made a selection and attended my first meeting, finding it to be everything I had hoped for. The activities included sched- Hope Brooks is an uled book fairs, presentations by speakers on helpful topics, opportunities to write in extraordinary storyteller, courageously sharing her life’s challenges to inspire readers with hope, strength, and perseverance. crisis when my seven-year-old granddaughter was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, an illness with symptoms of both bipolar dis- order and schizophrenia. She suffered, hearing voices and not understanding reality or unreal creatures. I felt the world should understand D R A F T Hope Brooks’ memoir, A Mother’s Survival: Finding Balance Through the Storms , is an inspiring account of resilience through childhood trauma, family struggles, and professional challenges. With raw honesty, she shares her journey of perseverance and hope. Though unevenly paced, it’s a heartfelt, monthly publications, online zoom meetings motivational read offering a and in person socials. Reaching out to this community, I finally found my niche. This is compelling testament to human where I belonged, surrounded by others who strength. were important to me and shared my goals. How do you approach weaving historical events and pop culture into your story telling without overshadowing the personal narratives? In Chapter 34, I not only had the opportu- nity to include a historical event in my pages, but I was also part of it. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I stood in my Staten Island classroom with my 2nd grade stu- the impact of mental illness on people’s lives, dents, and the world as we knew it suddenly and was inspired to write her story, entitled changed. From the classroom window we “Megan’s Story.” This short story has won could see the smoke coming from the World several awards and can be found on the Trade Center, and from the loud speaker, internet. the principal announced a school lockdown. Parents came running to rescue their children, Can you share some of the challenges you faced while writing your book, and how you overcame them? Having never been an author, I had no knowledge of how to successfully write and turn my words into a memoir. First, I attended some local writing classes for beginners, which I enjoyed. At one of the sessions, a high school English teacher invited me to join his weekly writing group, held at the library. At the meetings, each person read an excerpt of what they had written, while the others critiqued and gave suggestions for ways to and the roads and bridges became blocked by the police. It took me hours in traffic trying to get home from New Jersey. When school reopened a few days later, I faced devastating news. One of my students lost his father, a firefighter at the Twin Towers. Another lost her aunt, who had been unable to escape from the building. A third child lost his soccer coach who had been on the hijacked plane that crashed into the Towers. Sometimes we don’t need to weave history into our lives. We just live it, and it remains within us forever. What words of wisdom or inspiration would you offer to other authors who are navigating the ups and downs of the writing and publishing journey? One important approach to making sales is to find your target audience. Through the pages of my book, I address the trauma of sex- ual abuse, being a single parent, remarriage, raising a blended family, and the consequences of bitter divorce on your children and stepchil- dren. When I attend book fairs and set up my table, those are the words I use on my poster to attract my buyers. It gives me meaning and satisfaction to verbally interact with others who have had similar experiences. I now have a plan for my book’s success. I want to have it made into a movie, a successful movie that addresses so many issues in today’s society. I have submitted it to literary agents and producers, but as of now I’ve been rejected. I ask myself, “Should I give up?” The answer is NO. Reader’s House II 23