Wednesday, November 06, 2013

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and Breaking the Silence of Domestic Abuse

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

I’m not an insecure writer at the moment, if only because I haven’t been writing. Not anything for a book anyway.

However, I have been incredibly busy with other writing related projects. My formatting business has really taken off, which is a blessing. I’m so organized and detail orientated that formatting is a joy to me.

I’m also still looking for more sites to add to our database at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website. And a couple times a month, I post inspiration for our Facebook Page. (When I don’t leave the house before posting that morning! LOL)

I even got to attend the release party for the book listed below! Over 80% of the profit goes back into Sarah’s Refuge to continue the fight against domestic violence. If you know someone who is struggling, this is a great book.

Toss in a couple speaking engagements and events, and this is a really busy time for me.

So, outside of my Insecure Writer’s Support Group duties, I will be taking a break this month. After blogging for 8 & 1/2 years, this will be my first big break. I’ll check in now and then, but I probably won’t post again until the next IWSG post.

Hopefully Steve the Minion pumpkin is still around!


BREAKING THE SILENCE
VICTIMS NO MORE
By Sarah’s Refuge, Inc.

The silence must be broken…

Each year, thousands of men, women, and children suffer domestic violence. For many, it’s far too long to live in this kind of silence. How much devastation must we see in individuals, families, and communities before we realize that someone… anyone… everyone must take a stand?
Featuring stories & accounts from domestic violence survivors & family members. Also included is information regarding types of abuse, why victims stay, awareness months, & a personalized safety plan.
Domestic violence has the potential to destroy everything it touches, but there is a solution.
Stand up, speak up, and break the silence!

$9.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 122 pages
Non-fiction - Self-help/Abuse (SEL001000)
Print ISBN 978-1-939844-07-1
$3.99 eBook ISBN 978-1-939844-02-6 available on all platforms

“This book packs a punch and provides hope and inspiration for the weary traveler on the road to survival. A must read.” - Mr. Junie M. Christian, Onslow Women's Center, Executive Director

“These are true stories and these women are doing the most important thing a victim of abuse needs to do. They are breaking their silence and speaking out… And if you don’t know what to do, the resource section will guide you to the help you need.” - Karen Walker, author of Following the Whispers

Sarah’s Refuge, Inc. operates the only residential and non-residential domestic violence and rape crisis center in Duplin County, NC. For victims with no other resources or options, domestic violence shelters are often the only option for safety during the initial weeks of transition.

Purchase Links (over 80% of the profits go back into fighting domestic violence):
Amazon
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble
Amazon UK

57 comments:

Donna Shields said...

As a survivor of Domestic Violence, I can relate. And sadly in South Carolina, we have the highest ranking for Domestic Violence in the country.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane - domestic violence is just terrible .. the pain, distress, horror it inflicts on women and children ... it's encouraging to read survivors stories - as Donna .. and to know there are people to help and provide refuges for women to get away.

Good luck with your break ... you've got lots going on and always offer sane and sound advice ... enjoy your projects ... the formatting business sounds interesting - cheers Hilary

Natalie Aguirre said...

So agree that we can't be silent about domestic violence. It's a terrible thing too many women go through.

Good luck with the break. Next year will be my fourth year blogging so I'm behind you. But I am planning to cut back because I have so much else going on and it's taking all my writing time.

Rhonda Albom said...

I hope you enjoy your break. I am the opposite this month, writing and insecure.

shelly said...

I'm a survivor. What gets me is how so many families feel its normal.

Good book to purchase for a great cause.

Hugs and chocolate!

StratPlayerCJF said...

Have a great break! Although... If I looked at my blogging history over the last 3 years, it seems more like my "breaks" are the times I actually maintain my blog. ;^)

And as someone who grew up in a home with it, I fully support the book and everything that can be done to eliminate domestic abuse. I hope the book sells a gazillion copies!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Donna, and it's scary how many shelters are in SC. That means they are needed.

Shelly, I saw that a lot when we were foster parents. Dysfunctional families who think it's normal. Very sad.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Stand up, speak up, and break the silence! What a powerful and important story L.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's a long time to blog. Take a break.
And breaking the silence is a good message.

Unknown said...

Very important message-- glad to know about the book.

Life can whomp us with a lot going on-- wisdom lies in knowing when to prioritize and what to back off from, I think.

Rachna Chhabria said...

You have been blogging for a long time Diane. You deserve a break. Domestic violence is terrible, it cannot be tolerated.

Briane said...

What a great book idea. I've done divorce and family law for 15 years now, and the issue of domestic violence is one that even with heightened awareness continues to be misunderstood and not treated as a serious problem, with many remedies for it being stopgap or too facile -- and often lead to even worse problems, such as can happen with 'mandatory arrest' states, where victims might be MORE reluctant to report abuse because they fear the more severe repercussions of such a report if the abuser is arrested.

When I ran for judge a few years back I gave this some attention, too, as judges are frequently in a great position to intervene early on and catch the signs of abuse.

So any help that can be done for that cause is important. Plus, knowing what others have gone through can help people understand how to improve their own situation.

(I usually try to leave funnier comments, but this didn't feel the right time for that.)

And I found you via the ISWG list, so if you have to tip Alex or something, there's your cue.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Briane, then you have witnessed a lot of it firsthand. Sadly some people don't even realize they are in an abusive situation.

Arlee Bird said...

From the sound of all you have going on I think you deserve a blog break.
Good for you for keeping so busy.

Lee
Tossing It Out

J.L. Campbell said...

Really worthwhile project, Diane.

Enjoy your time away. Since you work hard, you need time off too.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Sounds like things are going very well for you right now! Fantastic!

Have a great break. We'll be here when you get back!

Heather

Steven said...

Breaks are good. I've become incredibly busy and have scaled back quite a bit. Stay busy and happy!

Isis Rushdan said...

Domestic Violence definitely needs more attention.

Sounds like you deserve a break. Enjoy it!

Unknown said...

What a fantastic cause for a book to support! Really cool. :)

Staying busy for me usually (USUALLY) means I'm staying out of trouble. A good thing! :D

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for the head's up on Sarah's book. Congratulations on deciding to take a break. I want to, I need to, but I can't seem to break away. Not sure why. I do know I've cut down a lot. From a few times a week down to 3x a month. I think it's important to listen to that inner voice when it says let's take time off. Guess I should practice what I preach. Thanks, Diane.

Laura S. said...

This book sounds heartrending, but it's good to bring awareness to this. Domestic violence is a serious issue and goes on far too often.

Enjoy your blog break, Diane, and congrats on your business!

Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

L. Diane Wolfe said...

EJ - LOL! I do need to stay out of trouble.

Joylene, I just need to remove something if I ever hope to get caught up.

H. R. Sinclair said...

It's impressive that you've gone that long without a little break! so, enjoy it.

Diane Burton said...

Breaks are good and needed. Domestic assault is awful. My RWA chapter has a book auction where the proceeds go to a shelter. Worthy cause.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

This book sounds like it's really needed. I don't know about domestic violence first hand, but it must be a horrible way to live.

Enjoy your break.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'll miss you on your break. The book is a great cause.

M.J. Fifield said...

That book is supporting a great cause. I hope it does well.

Enjoy your break.

J.Q. Rose said...

This book will bring awareness to a problem we don't want to face. You deserve a break. You go, grrrrll!!

Bish Denham said...

I hope you have a productive and enjoyable time away from the blogs. I think you deserve it!

Robin said...

We all need a break sometime.

Domestic violence breeds in silence. The only way to put an end to it is speaking out.

Toi Thomas said...

Breaking the Silence is an important message and I hope it goes far. I'm impressed with your blogging and other activities, but I fully agree, you probably need a break. Enjoy yourself.

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...

Fantastic Going!!!
Keep going
No worries
Keep inform
Phil

klahanie said...

Silence is not golden. The book and this message must be shared.

One of my newest blogging friends has up this posting. I greatly urge you to check this out. Thank you, Diane.

http://myinnerchick.com/2013/11/01/keep-holding-on-footage-of-kays-last-days/

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

wow, I didn't realise you'd been blogging for so long. I'm impressed. Enjoy your break.

dolorah said...

Nice to see your career taking off so well Dianne. I hope you have a satisfactory break.

......dhole

Annalisa Crawford said...

Eight and a half years! Wow. Good to see all your projects taking off though - see you next month!

myinnerchick.com said...

My sister was not a survivor. Her husband killed her when she tried to leave....

I am now her "VOICE."

I will ALWAYS be her voice.

I shall order your book. Thank you.

Keep up the good work!

Sherry Ellis said...

Sarah's Refuge sounds like a great cause!

Enjoy your break. It sounds like you're going to be busy!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Diane, that's great they do that.

Gary, thanks for sending me that link - I visited her site yesterday.

Lynda, it feels like forever.

Inner Chick, they will appreciate you ordering the book.

Ella said...

What a powerful message-I will check it out~
Enjoy your time away-you deserve it!
I know you will be a busy bee!
*smiles*

Jay Noel said...

Wait, you do formatting??? I didn't know that! Where can I learn more?

Tyrean Martinson said...

Breaking the Silence is an important message, and I'm thankful for all those who break the silence. As a kid, I broke the silence for a friend's family, and although I struggled with the decision, I'm glad I did it. My friend thanked me years and years later. So, I urge everyone to break the silence.

Stephen Tremp said...

Domestic violence is ugly and too many people just want to look the other way and pretend it doesn't exist.

Glad to see books like Breaking the Silence out there making a difference.

Rhonda Albom said...

Hope you are enjoying your well deserved break. Just letting you know that I mentioned your break in the Oh How I miss you blogfest.

David P. King said...

Wow! That would be a powerful collection for stories. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend! :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

It sounds like you're busy in a VERY GOOD way, Spunk. I'm glad for you.

That book looks fantastic and I really respect the premise. I'm going to check it out. Thanks.

Have a great weekend.

xoRobyn

Anonymous said...

For a great cause -- and enjoy your break!

Carol Kilgore said...

Breaks are good. I'm taking another one between Thanksgiving and New Year's, so I'll see you in January!

Jay Noel said...

Have a good break! You deserve it.

Sarah Allen said...

Such a great post. Thank you.

Sarah Allen
(From Sarah, with Joy)

Tara Tyler said...

wow and wow and glad you are taking a well deserved break!

if theres anything i can contribute, let me kno!

LD Masterson said...

My daughter-in-law is a domestic abuse survivor (from her first marriage). It's a fact too many people turn a blind eye to.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your formatting business is doing great.

What a great cause. So many people suffer from this. The more awareness, the better.

cleemckenzie said...

Glad you're tackling new projects. Thanks for the reminder about domestic violence. I'm so lucky to never have experienced something like that, but I'm very concerned that everything be done to end that kind of abuse.

Michelle Wallace said...

Blogging for 8 & 1/2 years? Wow!
Enjoy your break. You deserve it.
And the book highlights a topic that's often swept under the carpet...

Karen Lange said...

Sounds like you are doing well! :) Enjoy the break. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Also: glad to have you join us for 'Tis More Blessed this year!