The Unspoken Truth A Memoir - Are You Aware of What Happens Behind Closed Doors?
When I decided to write my book, it was many years later and three different experiences in therapy. As I was growing up in such a vile and abusive household, I was beaten into silence; physically as well as mentally.
When someone is abused and traumatized for a long length of time, the “life lasting” effects include - silence - internalizing the abuse - painful nightmares and flashbacks.
Until the silence is broken, these past pains will continue to wreak havoc in your daily life.
I decided to break my silence for many reasons. First and foremost, I needed to heal and learn how to overcome such “internal pain”. Second, I needed to stop living in two worlds at once and save my marriage and family life. You cannot have healthy relationships, when you are internally battling your past trauma. Third, I wanted to write a book sharing my experience, in hopes to help other’s break the silence and experience their own personal healing journey.
To say I had big hopes and dream; that is an understatement. I knew it was going to be a difficult road, with many tears along the way, but it was a journey I was willing to take, so that I could claim my freedom.
I am grateful every single day of my life, that I decided to undertake such a huge task. SAVING MYSELF! I learned many things along the way, but the biggest thing that I learned is that I am worthy and deserve happiness in my life.
The Unspoken Truth a Memoir - The title speaks for itself. What we keep “unspoken”, traps us inside a world of hell. The only way out is to break that silence once and for all.
I had a specific vision for my book, and I wanted it to be written differently. I didn’t want it to be a story about an adult survivor looking back, reflecting on the abuse, I wanted it to be directly from the child’s point of view.
I wanted to give the readers the child’s perspective “right in the moment”, so they could clearly understand what abuse looks like through the eyes of a child.
My story is raw, riveting, profound and choppy at times. There are clouded moments, and descriptions of sexual abuse which can be quite graphic. All of this speaks to the damaged mind of a child who has gone through years of abuse, with more than one abuser.
I am proud to say that I accomplished exactly what I set out to do. I wrote my story “My Way”, as I wanted to show the world the “unspoken truth”, and educate them on the reality of child abuse, and sexual abuse.
I self-published my story because there wasn’t a publishing company out there willing to pick it up as it was, and I understand why. I could not give in to changing the reality, so I decided to do it on my own. I learned so many things along the way, as a new author. I was excited to help create the cover of my book (which is haunting and very telling), and I learned how to market myself in a very competitive world of books!
I made my mistakes along the way, but that is to be expected as a first-time author. I own my mistakes, and I feel so much more accomplished because of them. My story is still selling seven years later, and it has traveled the world. Such an amazing thing to say out loud. We are all connected by that common denominator - abuse - trauma - sexual abuse - neglect abandonment. As this is a sad statement to make, the truth is, abuse happens every single day all over the world, and by raising awareness, we can help break down those high numbers, and help those in need.
I am a voice for the voiceless, and I will never be silenced again. I stand for all who cannot say those horrendous words out loud.
Now, moving forward I am about to embark on a new journey. I just finished writing my mother’s story “The Book of Joann”, and it will be officially published very soon. We just finished the final drafts. This is a complete novel of her journey in life from birth until death and everything in between. Joann traveled a treacherous road, battling sever mental illness. Her story is powerful, and it shows how mental illness doesn’t just affect the person struggling, but all of the people around them. As her faithful daughter I traveled that dark road with her. I promised her I would share her story to help others understand the darkness and pain someone goes through, and just how difficult that battle could be. (UPDATE - The book of Joann came out on January 28, 2024) - Grab your copy today!
I will use her story as another tool to advocate for mental health and child safety. They go hand in hand. My mother and I fell through the cracks of a flawed system riddled with silence, deception and the sign of the times. Mental Health is still a taboo subject that we need to overcome, so that we can have a better understanding of the true struggle.
When we share for purpose, amazing things do happen. It may not be over night, but over time changes does come. I am so proud of this work, and I cannot wait to share “Joann” with the world, she will make a difference.
Please remember moving forward that kindness does matter, because you truly never know what someone is internally struggling with.
The Book of Joann has been released, January 28, 2024. You can find her on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Are you ready to walk the path with her? Get to know Joann and the struggles she has been through. You will learn so much by connecting. Awareness- Understanding - Compassion - Education.
It is a powerful journey.
Embrace the Journey & God Bless,
Lisa Zarcone
Author - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Social Media Influencer - Public Speaker - Blogger
2023 Recipient - Woman of Impact - Business West Magazine
Massachusetts National Ambassador - Naasca (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse)
WE ALL HAVE A STORY
Author Lisa Zarcone