THE PENNY PUB

I Write Because I Want to Be Heard

Writing gives me control over my voice

My mom bought me this book in 1979 when I was 11. I used it for journaling. (photo by author)

Barry Manilow wrote the songs that made the whole world sing. I write because I want the whole world to hear my voice. It was suppressed at the age of 9.

“Don’t tell anyone. This is our secret. You’ll only make your Mom mad, and it will be your fault,” the man who sexually abused me said.

I grew up untrusting and fearful of people. Writing was my outlet, my constant companion. My journal felt like a safe place. The inside pages were a sanctuary for me to express my feelings.

After years of therapy and filling out workbooks when I was an adult, I felt paranoid. All of the feelings I had as a child resurfaced. My counselor meant well, but she wanted me to recount my past trauma on her timeline.

When a friend introduced me to Medium, I was able to tell my story on my own terms, and it poured out of me like pus from an infected wound.

My voice was finally heard.

There are many other reasons I write — for fun and creativity, to connect and share with others, and to say, “I was here.”

In sixth-grade English class, Mrs. Smith had us write in a weekly journal. Topics included: “My Best Friend,” “My…