A Woman's Write

About the Book

“Writing helps me release pain that I block. It gives me a freedom. When I walk out of writing class I feel a relief and enjoy sharing and developing my writing with other women.”
-Lelania H. “Writing has given me hope. I am sorrowful when I walk in and light on my feet when I leave. It is like self-therapy. It’s a nice experience to bond with other women. I never believed I could write but I have learned that if I am passionate and speak from my heart that I can. We encourage each other and give each other hope.”
-Tricia C.

“I was feeling gloom and doom. Writing gives me a release. I never saw myself as a writer before I took the class. Now I believe that what I write and say is valid.”
-Shelley H.

A Woman’s Write is a collection of poetry and prose capturing the experience of women learning to understand themselves and rebuild their lives as they overcome their addictions. The authors featured in this anthology are from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, professions and ages. They all share a common affliction.

A unique woman became unveiled as each one was encouraged to put thoughts on paper and share her story. They came to trust their internal voice and found a writer within, exploring feelings of loss, fear, anger, hope, forgiveness and gratitude.

An opportunity emerged to share this hope and inspiration with others; readers are invited into the pages of this collection to experience the journey.

All proceeds from the sale of this book are dedicated to the continuance of the writing program.

About the Author

A Woman's Write is compilation of poetry and prose that has been created by the Women's Creative Writing Program at St. Joseph's Healthcare's Womankind Addiction Service in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. The program was inspired by a quotation by Anne Morrow Lindbergh "I believe that true identity is found ... in creative activity springing from within. It is found, paradoxically, when one loses oneself. Woman can best refind herself by losing herself in some kind of creative activity of her own." This program encourages women to let go of their reserves, tap into their creative self, and feel the sense of empowerment that follows. In the process of writing, we learn about ourselves, we find our voice and we gain confidence that no matter how large or small, our voice matters. Through the creative process of freefall, workshopping, and nurturing one another, we have learned to shape our words into poetry that has helped us to heal, to grow and to touch hearts. We hope you will enjoy this book and that it may inspire you to find your own writer within. Gail Mercer-MacKay Debbie Bang Co-Founder & Facilitator Co-Founder & Manager For further information about the Womenkind Addiction & Treatment Creative Writing Program please contact Gail Mercer-MacKay at gail4755@yahoo.com