My first book Tornado Warning, A Memoir of Teen Dating Violence and Its Effect on a Woman's Life, made its way into the world February 1, 2011.

What a journey…I am an independently published author who, as few as three years ago, knew very little about publishing a book. But there was one raw fact that I did know and it buoyed me with courage—I had a story to tell.

Thus far having my story out in the world has brought all forms of emotion…everything from “What the hell was I thinking!” to “I had no idea raising my voice from the void would help so many other people.” Learning that my experience touched the lives of others has been by far one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences of my life.

The other piece of news is just this past Thursday I learned that Tornado Warning was selected as a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient, I just about fell from my office chair when I read the words, feeling deeply honored to have been selected.

Although I have been a member of She Writes for some months I still feel new, hoping to connect in a more meaningful way with other members in the coming months.