Journal Writing: What Will People Think If They Read This After I Am Gone?

By Ava Louise

Writing can be a beneficial way of shedding light onto a troubling thought or emotion. Sometimes it brings something to the surface that we didn’t even realize was an issue for us. Other times it can take us on a journey of cleansing renewal! I recently began writing a short story on an aspect of my recent divorce. Friends have been encouraging me to write down all the things that happened over the last year; a memoir of sorts. The story was mapped out in my head. My hands hovered over the keys of the keyboard. But every time I started typing I would get frustrated.

Instead of fighting the feelings or doing a bit of self-talk to talk myself out of it, I decided to focus on those feelings and see where they led me. This was my first time trying stream-of-consciousness writing. In about 30 minutes I had come up with a better, and more emotional, piece of writing. More importantly was the relief I felt; how at peace I was. Writing that short story helped me iron out some of the painful memories that haunt me. It brought them out into the light, which was necessary to keeping them from turning inward—which would allow them to fester into internal wounds filled with emotional poison.

If I had not reached for this dream—to be a writer—I’m not sure how I would have made it through the break-up of my 26-year marriage. The things I have learned over the last couple of years, in my pursuit of a writing life, have helped me weather the storm of this past year. Reading reviews of my books has done wonders…the good reviews tell me I made the right choices in my books…and the less-favorable reviews have shown me areas I need to focus on, while thickening my “armor.” As the saying goes, I wore my feeling on my sleeve, leaving them to be battered and bruised by life’s circumstances.

I’m hoping to follow this same method to write that memoir. I believe it will help me heal much faster. While I wish I could say that I wrote in a journal on a regular basis, I can’t. Not right now at least. Many beautiful journals have found their way onto my book shelves. There remains one question before I start that process, though. Perhaps this is the correct place to look for an answer.

When we have painful things, even dark things, that we wish to put in our journals, how do we get past the question, “What will people think if they read this after I am gone?” I worry about how my journal/memoir writings will impact my sons, my grandchildren, and other family members. Have you encountered this? If so, I would love to hear how you dealt with the issue.

About the Author:

Ava Louise was born a U.S. Army brat overseas, in France. She is the proud mom of two wonderful young men. It's taken her a while to figure out what she wanted to be "when she grows up," but Ava has finally found her niche in the writing world. Since writing came to her later in life, she likes to think she is living proof that it's never too late to reach for a dream or to achieve it. Before writing her own stories, she usually reads from a wide array of genres. She loves Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Mysteries, Thrillers, and Young Adult.

Ava Louise can be found online at:

Email:  AvaLouise@AvaLouise.net

Website: http://AvaLouise.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ava.louise.35

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@avalouiseauthor

Author Ava Louise’s The Intergalactic Matchmaking Services series begins with Maggie’s Story, Ava Louise’s debut novel. In the series, you’ll meet characters that play a role in all of the books of the series, but this cozy Sci-Fi with romance is easily read as a series, or each book as a standalone. The characters are full-fledged and lovable!

“Maggie’s Story” -- Women Wanted: Must have a sense of adventure and be open to new experiences. Must also be willing to relocate. Please contact...Intergalactic Matchmaking Services.

Maggie Cline decides to investigate her romantic possibilities after she becomes a target when she identifies the shooter in a local murder.

Can she find a soul mate away from everything she knows and has worked hard for here on Earth? What about her loyal companion? Will she have to give up her cat, Mamzell, for a chance at love?

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (January 27, 2014)

ASIN: B00I44AGA8

“Shirley’s Story” -- Just as Shirley decides to try opening herself up to a chance at love, a stalker from her past returns. How does she move forward when her past comes knocking? What's going on with her young student, Hannah? Will her dog, Oreo, be okay with Shirley looking for love?

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (March 4, 2014)

ASIN: B00ISU9RE4

“Penny’s Story” -- Penny was supposed to be dead. At least that is what Claire has believed for ten years. Find out what happens when Claire's sister comes out of the Witness Protection Program. Penny is fighting a losing battle with cancer and needs Claire to raise Sunny, Penny's newborn daughter, once the cancer takes its final toll. Why is Penny's ex-boyfriend, Jason, telling his cronies that Penny has money and information about their illegal dealings? How does the cartel find out she has even left the Witness Protection Program?

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (November 30, 2014)

ASIN: B00OV8QBXC

Will Marko have to watch as another woman he cares for dies a horrible death? Will he lose his job as Medical Officer on the starship for bending the rules? Can Pacer finally have the peaceful retirement he desires? How will Claire deal with her quiet life being turned upside down? Catch up with Maggie and Daxon, along with Shirley and Mathenzo.

All of the Intergalactic Matchmaking Services books are available as an e-book on  Amazon