We tell ourselves stories in order to live.
Publications and Contributions
My work centers on the transformative power of writing—how expressive, reflective, and creative writing can serve as powerful tools for personal growth, healing, and academic development. Below is a curated collection of my publications and contributions, which illustrate my ongoing journey as a writer and researcher dedicated to exploring the intersection of writing and wellbeing.
Writing is more than a creative outlet; it is a pathway to understanding and personal transformation. Through my research, I aim to shed light on how writing can support self-discovery, emotional healing, and growth. These publications reflect my commitment to integrating writing for wellbeing into personal and professional settings.
Writing for Wellbeing: Theory, Research, and Practice
One of my most significant contributions to date is the chapter titled “The Self as Chambered Nautilus: Discovering the Healing Power of Writing as a Graduate Student,” published in Writing for Wellbeing: Theory, Research, and Practice by Routledge. This chapter explores how writing can facilitate self-transformation, using the metaphor of the chambered nautilus—a symbol of growth and expansion.
Chapter Overview
With reference to Dialogical Self Theory (DST) as a framework for understanding the multiplicity of our identities, my chapter considers how individuals can support their healing journey, foster academic growth, and enhance personal development through writing. My reflections as a graduate student, where I engaged with themes of chronic illness, caregiving, and trauma, serve as a foundation for this chapter. The chapter advocates for the integration of personal writing into academic curricula as a means to foster critical thinking, creativity, and resilience among students.
How to Access
- Writing for Wellbeing: Theory, Research, and Practice is available through Routledge. This comprehensive volume is an essential resource for anyone interested in the intersection of writing and wellbeing. To purchase a copy or learn more about the book, visit the Routledge website.
- An overview of my research is available in this article about presenting at the 2023 Creative Bridges Conference.
Additional Publications
As part of my graduate program, I explored the field of writing for wellbeing and the use of expressive, reflective, and creative writing to support self-development, career development, and healing. Some of my academic and creative publications are outline below. Each of these publications represents a facet of my exploration into how writing can be used as a tool for self-development, career growth, and emotional healing.
- The Heart Split Wide, 2023 Stroll of Poets Anthology
- The Spiral of Increasing Self-Awareness: Creative Writing for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse, LIRIC Journal, 2(1)
- These Roots that Bind Us: Using Writing to Process Grief and Reconstruct the Self in Chronic Illness, British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 49(6)
- An overview of my research on writing and non-death loss is available in this article about presenting at the 2021 Creative Bridges Conference
- The Pall of a Past World (Short Fiction), Coffin Bell Journal, 4(1)
- Then Beggars Would Ride (Short Fiction), Voice Magazine, 18(5)
- Best of 2008: Do Not Go Gentle (Non-Fiction), Voice Magazine, 17(1)
- Do Not Go Gentle: My Grandmother’s Rage (Non-Fiction), Voice Magazine, 16(4)
- Poetry Feature, Voice Magazine, 15(9)/14(30)/14(3)
Writing is not just about words on a page; it is about discovering the depths of our inner selves and sharing those insights with the world. My publications are a testament to this belief, offering readers a glimpse into how writing can be a powerful catalyst for change. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, academic insights, or a deeper understanding of yourself, I invite you to explore these works and consider how writing can transform your own journey.