“Write clear and hard about what hurts.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
The
memoir piece I wrote for the anthology – “Legacy of a Childless Woman” – is one that
has been pushing at me for years, begging to be told. When I read about the
Women’s Writing Circle anthology, it seemed like a message – now’s the time.
I’d kept so much inside for so long – just locked it away and moved on.
Sitting
in the Women’s Writing Circle for the first time and hearing other women share
their stories – some joyful or funny, some heart wrenching and brave – inspired
me to share my own.
I sat in
a circle with a dozen women I’d never met. Susan lit a candle and declared it a
safe place to share our stories. I’d brought just a few paragraphs – the fitful
start of the story I wanted to tell. I listened as others read. Beautiful
writing; touching stories. As the talking stone passed from one to another, my
stomach clenched. Would I read or wouldn’t I? I tried, but I couldn’t choke out
the words, so someone read for me.
Becoming a mother is what society expects of every woman. It is the natural order of things, which makes me unnatural, abnormal. Being made to feel "less than" - not fully a woman - silenced me in many social situations and made me feel like I had nothing to say. A slight turn of the back to close you out of the circle of conversation; a change of subject to something that doesn't include you. This is how people are marginalized. It's not always done with evil intent. In fact, it's usually quite unintentional. But the result is the same - isolation.
I’m
grateful to the women of the Circle for their boundless support. My experience
with the anthology project has given me courage to follow through with another
dream – helping others fulfill their writing aspirations. I currently host Just Write (http://www.meetup.com/Just-Write-in-Collegeville-PA/, a weekly writer’s group.
Patty earned a BA in Journalism
and History from Indiana University and teacher certification from Ursinus College.
A National Novel Writing Month winner in 2011, Patty enjoys writing
short stories, memoir, and the occasional poem. But most of her writing energy
is focused on finishing her first novel. Patty resides in Pottstown, PA with
her husband, Rich, and their three cats, Sarah, Splash, and Snapple.
10 comments:
Powerful story with a perfect epigraph from Hemingway. This kind of silent pain is the very subject for powerful memoir. Writing and sharing your story will open your voice as a fiction writer also. Blessings.
Patty, I admire your courage to put your voice on paper - and share this with our anthology readers. I also appreciate your testimony about how the Women's Writing Circle opened your life to your "legacy" . . . writing. This is the one of the greatest compliments I can personally receive; that something I started with no idea how or if it would serve a need in the community, planted seeds for another group where writers could come and share their stories.
Thanks, Susan. Like tossing a pebble into a pond, those steps of faith have ever widening consequences. Thank you for taking yours.
Dear Patty and Susan,
What a beautiful testimony to the healing power of writing as well as to the safety of the Women's Writing Circle. It is such a gift to find one's voice.
Blessings and keep writing!
Patty - Thanks for sharing the "story behind the story." By the time our finished piece reaches readers, it's often easy to underestimate the process that led to the finished "product." When it's emotional, it can be a long, painful and halting process! But you certainly make the case for why it's worth the struggle.
Dear Patty,
I was there when you couldn't read and then when you were able and it's nothing short of miraculous. Being in the presence of the author is like listening to the orchestra from the first row or a play. I am also blessed to be part of your group that meets on Tuesdays. We are not brought together by accident and it is wonderful. Thank you,
Jan
Thank you all for your kind comments and encouragement.
You so deserve every bit of praise that comes your way. Many spend a lifetime talking about what they intend to do. You are a woman who acts.
Thanks, Diane. You made my day!
Dear Patty,
Like Jan, I was there when your voice choked; when the words didn't...couldn't...leave your soul. Your courageous story is made more wonderful because of the pain and eventual triumph of just letting go. Bravo! Job well done!
Edda
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