Someday
I Will Not Be Ashamed looks like a great book.
What can you tell us about it?
In the end,
it’s a memoir that describes a lifelong quest for self-acceptance…but along the
way, it also tells a story about mental health issues, drug addiction, and
other dark times. One of the things that make it unique is that it’s written by
someone with professional training in psychology and addiction studies, so the
writing has a lot of self-awareness. There’s something in it not only for those
who have suffered any of the conditions I talk about, but also for those who
have loved ones who suffer. And, despite the darkness, it’s an inspirational
story, because it ends with me finding a peace with myself the young
overachiever never could have imagined.
Can you
tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to write the book?
I spent my
early adulthood in academia, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
molecular biology. Later, I went back to school for a master’s in counseling
psychology. But my worsening mental health and addiction forced me to leave the
field. When I began to regain my health after getting clean, I realized having
the experience of being both counselor and patient might let me write useful
things. I became passionate about reducing stigma for those who deal with
mental health issues and addiction (especially as it became clear these two
things go together far more often than people think).
What
scene or section did you have the most fun writing?
I wouldn’t
say anything was “fun,” but the last third of the book felt most uplifting to
write, because the memories I needed to use were not as harsh.
What
inspired the idea for the book?
I had been
writing outreach and personal essays on a blog for six years, and fellow
writers encouraged me to do some deeper personal pieces for a writing group.
The book took shape gradually from pieces not written in order; I wrote
whatever I felt capable of at the time.
How did
you come up with the title for the book?
Since it
deals with several issues, a title having to do with addiction or mental
illness didn’t feel right. The shame and perfectionism that drove me became the
thread that ties the book together, so I went with that.
Did
anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing Someday I Will
Not Be Ashamed?
The hardest
thing about writing painful experiences is the need to avoid coming across as
melodramatic or self-pitying. There’s a “sweet spot” you need to find. And, of
course, my goal was to write with intense honesty, and that’s not easy. The
darkest chapters needed me to relive some dark times. There were tears.
What do
you like to do when not writing?
I like
music, video games, and board games with my family. I like to sew, but I’m the
kind of person who starts sewing projects and abandons them. My favorite hobby
is Tarot…I don’t really do predictions of the future, just use the cards as a
delightful psychological playground.
Where can
readers find out more about your work?
My blog is
at www.lorilynnearmstrong.com.
