A Whole New Cover!

CLOSURE gets a brand new cover! Happy book anniversary!

It has been four years since I published my first book, CLOSURE: based on a true story. It took me more than twenty to write it.

Initially, I wrote it as a form of therapy, in mostly diary form, to help me heal my grieving heart. I never intended to share it with the world. Then I went to a writers conference and found out I could turn it into fiction. You see, I wanted to hide the parts of me that weren’t perfect. I didn’t want people to know I suffered from depression and PTSD, the social stigmas no one used to talk about. So I hid behind the name Tara, the character I created to star in my fictionalized memoir. But I am Tara and Tara is me.

Most of this story is based on my life. Some liberties have been taken, and identities and towns have been changed, but this was me. I say “was” because I have grown immensely since the era I wrote about. Writing and putting my story out there was a cathartic experience for me—and yes, it gave me closure. 

Once I shared my story, feeling vulnerable, awkward, and uncomfortable . . . I braced myself for the negative reactions. Instead, I received an outpouring of private messages and emails from readers who had suffered through similar ordeals. I also received an abundance of kindness and compassion. Readers shared how my story helped them, and they commended me for my bravery in telling it.

And now, four years later, I changed the cover to one I feel is more suited to the story inside. It is from a picture I painted seven years ago, of a sunflower at sunset. To me, the sunflower is sunny and bright. It symbolizes the sun and summertime—and hope. If you read my story and relate to it in any way, I hope it brings you hope and helps you to know you’re not alone. I hope my voice helps you to be heard.

A huge THANK YOU to my readers for sharing your stories with me as well, and for writing such heartfelt reviews for my book. I appreciate every single one of you!