Each week I scoot my chair up to my computer, hover my fingers over the keyboard, and prepare to craft my next blog post. Then I pause. Do I really need to do this? Do I want to go back in time and relive one more moment of loss or another painful goodbye from my childhood?

However, after I finish and post each story on my blog and Facebook, I have amazing conversations with many of you! Reminiscing with old classmates warms my heart in ways I can’t explain. Comments from my American friends surprise me when I find out you relate to many of my experiences even though our circumstances were different.

Before posting the stories, I run them past my mom, and we have a good cry. Mom says, “I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you then, but I’m listening to you now. Keep writing your stories, Debbie. You’re healing and helping others heal.”

After my dad died in November 2015, I found the courage to start documenting some sad memories from my boarding school in Nigeria. Another Kiss Goodbye is the first piece I wrote about my childhood.

My First Video Recording

Last month, my writing mentors helped me brainstorm ways to restructure this story to fit the format for a Guideposts magazine contest. Feeling brave, I consented to record our 45-minute brainstorming session and use it as a training workshop for our memoir group.

Here’s the link where I’m featured as a critique guinea pig. If you don’t have much time, feel free to watch just the first five minutes where I introduce my story.

In the video, you’ll experience the fun I had working with these two multi-published pros, Susy and Marci. Did you get inspiration or insights out of our workshop? Leave your comments below.

I share my stories so others know they’re not alone. Does that message come across? Please tell me what you think!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you’re interested in writing your own personal stories, I invite you to join our Everything Memoir private Facebook group. You’ll find great encouragement, inspiration, and education here.

To read more about my childhood, head over to my About page.