Thursday, September 18, 2014

Domestic Abuse - A Voice in the Night by Erin Ireland

I usually blog and promote fellow children's authors through Write What Inspires You and today I am compelled to shift gears a bit. Author, Erin Ireland as she braves the world to share her story… 

Please welcome guest author blogger, Erin Ireland! Applause, applause!

A Voice in the Night was a long time coming. Many obstacles were fighting me and making me doubt that I would ever be able to express my thoughts in print. Number one action was, for me to get from under the pressures of life. The book rested in the back of my mind with thoughts that reminded me; no matter how difficult these times are, I still have my voice, and someday I will express them to the world and be able to write a book.

Well that time came in 2012. I had been homeless for two long years and finally I found refuge in an apartment. After all of the humiliation, I could now have some dignity. Finally I could be counted among the normal people. I went to the blind center and bought a computer for $100. Whoo! Whoo! I was set.

I contacted my publisher and she accepted my books once again. A few years before they had been under contract with her, but unfortunately I was forced to cancel them. The Publisher so kindly gave me new contracts. How blessed was I?  I was on top of the world. What more could I want? New contracts, new place to live; I was starting a new life.

Then along came Steve Harrison and Jack Canfield and they offered a new program titled The Best Seller Blueprint Program. There were lots of new things embracing my life. The program was expensive and I had little money, I pondered the indulgence of taking a course I really couldn’t afford. I thought and thought, my money was precious, but in the end, I signed up.

I spent the entire summer, twelve weeks studying with those guys. Every day I was like a kid in a candy shop with all they had to offer. I was floundering with my book of memoirs and how to put it together. I would write an event from my life, but couldn’t get it in order, no matter how I tried. I wasn’t able to pull that emotion out and express it properly.

Then Jack and Steve said trying to write your own story before you have given something to others is not going to fly. They are avid believers in giving back first and then going forward with what you desire; giving before you take.

That sounded right to me. I thought, maybe I need to back up here and write a book that will help others instead of trying to self-indulge in my experiences. After all, my experiences have probably developed into expertise in the subject of abuse. I could actually save lives if I were to present a self-help book that would open eyes and guide people to a better life. This had to be better than me just telling my personal story.

Well, once the idea resonated and permeated my brain, I was off and running. They taught me how to structure the book. How to set up the chapters, and how to bring my expertise to the page. I had finished the first draft in three months. I spent the next year revising and getting two professional edits. They recommended two edits, so I was fortunate enough to be able to get two edits.

I thought, wow! I’m going to publish this book before the end of the year, 2013. I was hoping for October because I was told that was National Abuse Month. The plans of mice and men as they say, came to a disastrous crash. I became ill and in November the unexpected happened. To my horror, I was homeless once again.

Late at night chemicals came down into my apartment. The smell was like cherries that were mixed with chemicals. It shot my blood pressure up very high. I went to the hospital with a heart event as they call them. That happened three more times in a span of about eight days. Everything I owned was destroyed and I had to throw it all away. I was left with almost nothing. Nowhere to go, living in a hotel. I was off line for nine months and unable to write. I had no computer. Everything had been polluted.

Many events took place between these times, but better left for the next book. A short while ago I bought a new computer. I took my files to be transferred on to the new computer. Came home and realized they had lost 50% of my files, including the final edit of my new book. I was beginning to believe I wasn’t to publish this book. Luckily my editor had a copy and my friends had copies. I was back in business.

Writing this book was inspired by Jack Canfied and Steve Harrison, but also it was inspired by knowing that I have experiences that are not and should not ever go to waste. Our experiences in life, good and bad, are our tools to inspire and help others. If we throw away our tools we can’t do God’s work. Abuse is a terrible thing and I feel in all of my turmoil that I have been blessed by God to bring enlightenment to all those who wish to listen to my words of down in the trench experience. I have been in the deep and dark, and I do know what it is you need to do to avoid the physical and emotional battered life. I wish for all to know that they are entitled to an abuse free life. For no man/women is happy if they are not free.



A Voice in the Night is available at Smash words from my site www.erinirelandwrites.com and on Kindle at Amazon here.

About Erin Ireland

Erin Ireland writes for those who feel they have no voice. She is a woman who has spent many years observing the abuse of others. Her experiences have been many in the direction of others who suffer in silence with isolation, controlled obsessions, verbal abuse, Superior attitudes, deceit, jealousy, physical, and sexual assaults, and many more indignities suffered everyday by beautiful people.

Erin Ireland has suffered a great deal of abuse in her own life, and writes from her heart when explaining what she feels is an inappropriate act against another.

Her passion for the subject of abuse runs deep, and reflects in her sometimes overpowering expressions of what she would like to change in life for you. She wishes for all to come to her website, feel welcome, and hopes that all will find some refuge and comfort here. www.erinirelandwrites.com

Erin Ireland is a nom de plume, in order to protect the innocent. She will always speak her mind and the truth for the betterment of all those who seek answers and comfort. She has written a book Titled, A Voice in the Night: Silent Abuse, The Early Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life. This is a book to help others bypass the long suffering that can be eliminated if they can learn to view the traits of an abuser early on.

She is writing for others to see the light. Erin hopes for them be a lamp unto themselves. She wishes for them to find there safe ground to stand on, before they have spent their entire lives wondering: what it is that they have done to deserve such demeaning treatment? Abuse is a conditioning that can be unlearned. Every human being is entitled to an abuse free life.

Erin, it's been my pleasure to host you today. Best wishes to your success! 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

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27 comments:

  1. Thank you Donna for sharing this important subject.

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  2. Hi Susan,

    Delighted you stopped by to visit today. The topic has certainly been on the forefront these days with all the craziness within the NFL. Hopefully it will get people talking and called to action!

    Best,
    Donna

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  3. Donna, I have recently reviewed Erin's book and can say it is an important read, not only for those who know that they are in an abusive relationship, but also for those with a vague feeling of dissatisfaction, who find themselves walking on eggshells around their partner and don't quite know why.
    :)
    Bob

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    1. Hi Dr. Rich,

      I'm delighted you stopped by to visit, comment and lend your support to Erin. I agree with you full heartedly.

      Best,
      Donna

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    2. Hello Dr. Bob, Your comments are most welcome.

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  4. Powerful words for a very important topic. Kudos to you for bringing it to your blog, Donna, and to you, Erin, for your fortitude and perseverance. I'm looking forward to reading your book.

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    1. Hi Karin,

      Thank you for visiting with Erin today! It's time to stop sweeping this problem under the carpet and talk and resolve it!

      Best,
      Donna

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    2. Karen, thank you for stopping and leaving a comment. I hope you do read the book. Awareness is half the battle.

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  5. It is sad that abuse is still rampant, but thank heavens for Erin's book. I wish it had been available decades ago when my mother found herself locked into an abusive relationship. Thank you, Donna, for helping to spread the word about A Voice In the Night, and thank you Erin for writing it.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry,

      Thank you for stopping by, commenting and offering your support to Erin. It's imperative that this subject matter is discussed for education and for those suffering at the hands of another know there are people who care!

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    2. Sherry so good to see you today. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story and for your kind words.

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  6. Donna, thank you for helping to spread Erin's message about domestic abuse.

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    Replies
    1. My pleasure, a very important topic that often gets swept under the carpet. Thanks for visiting!

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    2. Susanne so nice of you to stop. I'll be seeing you on your blog later in the month. Thanks guys for all of your support here.

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  7. Hi Erin, thanks for having the courage and perseverance to stick to it and write this book to help others who suffer from abuse. Those who have no voice will appreciate what you've done. Psychological abuse leaves scars just like physical abuse, but may be even deeper. Thanks, Donna, for hosting and publicizing this book. Penny (www.penelopeannecole.com)

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    1. Hi Penny, thanks for stopping by and lending you warm words of comfort.

      Best,
      Donna

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    2. Penny, your wise words go far. Thanks you for your support.

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  8. Replies
    1. Hi Erin, thanks for your warm wishes for Erin. We appreciate your support!

      Best,
      Donna

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    2. Linda, thank you for stopping by, and for your kind words.

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  9. Thank you Donna for hosting me on your blog today. I'm so grateful for friends like you to promote my book and to spread my message for those in need.

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    1. Hi Erin,

      I'm over the moon you reached out to me to help! You are welcome anytime! Best wishes for your continued success!

      Best,
      Donna

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  10. Thanks for sending me the link to this. I may just reach out to her…but I have a feeling she's probably pretty busy right about now.

    Erin, if you read this - thank you for sharing your story. You're truly brave!

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    Replies
    1. Elsie, I'm never to busy to reach out and help. After all that is part of what this message is about. Thank you for your kind words and for leaving a comment. Feel free to leave me a message through my website. www.erinirelandwrites.com

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  11. Excellent post! :)

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Thank for you taking the time out to visit with me and to learn about my writing career.

Please be sure to leave your blog address so I can reciprocate.

I look forward to visiting you too.