A Lotus River woman is breaking her silence in her self published book, Unwrapped Gift.
Marilyn Daniels wrote her memoirs as a healing process and to show other women who have a story to tell that writing is one of the most therapeutic ways to deal with trauma or heartache.
The book is an ode to her mother who always dreamed of writing a book. Unfortunately, her mother died before she could pen her thoughts.
“I decided to write a book of my life, to inspire and motivate others,” said Ms Daniels.
Writing was always one of Ms Daniels’ passions and it took several years before she penned her memoirs.
“I believe I was born a writer but I didn’t know where to start. In 2002 I decided that I needed to take the necessary steps to write and get a book published. That’s when I started to write down all my childhood memories, the good and the bad. I grew up with an alcoholic mother and a father that was away most of the time and an unstable home,” she said.
After taking part in a writer’s workshop, Ms Daniels became fearful of revealing her “family drama” in a tell-all book and took a step back from writing.
“However, a few years later, in 2015, I knew that I needed to follow through because I know there are people out there who went through the same things that I did and that’s when I decided to follow through,” she said.
Hardship, poverty, a blended family and the responsibility of looking after her mother are just some of the things Ms Daniels had to work through. “Writing helped me process these things and I’m imploring other women to put pen to paper to help them work through the things they’ve been through in their life. The book is called Unwrapped Gift because each chapter I have had to unwrap and work through. and that healed me. Writing and speaking bring healing. If you don’t want to speak about your problems, write them down and then you’ll be able to deal with the past. My motto is ‘Through endurance, faith and love, we will overcome,’ said Ms Daniels.
For a copy or more information on her book, Unwrapped Gift, contact Ms Daniels on 021 706 1237 or 083 744 5362.