Writing Through Grief and Sorrow

Hello Everybody,

My name is Suze Allen and I am an author, writer, editor, writing coach, life coach, dramaturg, director and teacher. My company is Manuscript Mentor. Please look at my website, www.manuscriptmentor.com, to give you an idea of the kind of work I do and the creative and life-affirming classes and services I offer.

 

Like so many people, my work took a big hit due to the pandemic and this fall, I also transitioned from being a married woman and mother of two to a single empty nester striking out on my own. Gulp. In my determination not to let fear stop me from doing what I feel I am called to do but rather take a deeper dive into service and work that has meaning and a wider outreach, I decided to set up this GoFundMe.

 

I turned 60 in January and took a huge leap of faith by living on a Casco Bay island in Maine this winter so I could write and commit full time to my company, work on two memoir style books that I think might be helpful and/or inspirational to readers who have struggled with or are in the grip of overwhelming grief or the ravaging effects of substance abuse and undiagnosed mental illness in their families and those of you, like me, who are charting a courageous new path. I feel called to reach a larger audience with my life coaching, LiveWriteNow and for my Writing through Grief and Sorrow and All In ~ for Authentic Communication & Creating Community (taught by me and my colleague and best friend of 40 years, Lisa Stathoplos) workshops and Memoir - the Art of Legacy Writing classes and retreats.

 

I believe in the healing power of shared stories. They help buoy us up, find common ground, build empathy and know that we are not alone in our struggles and inspire others with our discoveries, solutions and our joys. Telling our personal mythic journey propels humanity forward while honoring its history and setting up markers so we do not repeat behaviors that hurt us, close-mindedness that keeps us stuck rather than evolving and heading toward a better world, a healthier planet and a more meaningful existence.

 

I am looking to reach a larger audience of people who need to tell their story and those who are desperately looking to find an outlet and a container for their grief or struggles. The money I raise will go toward publishing my two books and outreach for Writing through Grief and Sorrow and All In workshops and my Memoir - the Art of Legacy Writing classes and retreats, so I can keep my prices low and keep offering scholarships while still making a living.

 

In deep gratitude,

Suze