Piata Wormald’s Journey to Writing a Book: A Testimonial

In today’s interview, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Piata Wormald, one of the incredible writers in our book programme. Piata has been on a transformative journey, not only as a writer but also in terms of personal healing, and her book is a testament to that growth.

Discovering the Book Writing Programme

Piata first joined the programme last October, at a time when she was exploring therapy options to process her family’s trauma. Writing had always been a way for her to make sense of the challenges she faced, particularly as her family had endured significant grief and trauma. However, as she considered therapy, the opportunity to write a book presented itself.

“I had been considering writing a book,” Piata shared, “and I’d kind of almost started, but with no guidance, it was just blurting out everything that had happened to us over the last few years.”

She realised that structured guidance was exactly what she needed, and the programme provided her with the tools to channel her story into something that not only helped her heal but could potentially help other families going through similar experiences.

The Book: I See You

Piata’s book, tentatively titled I See You: A Mother’s Story of Whole Family Complex Trauma Healing After Bereavement by Suicide, is an intimate account of her family’s journey.

At this point, Piata’s children are her first beta readers, and their input is critical. As she explained, it’s important for her to ensure they’re comfortable with sharing such personal details. Her daughter, who recently graduated with a first-class honours degree in English, is helping her edit the manuscript, but Piata is mindful of not rushing the process, prioritising her family’s healing above all else.

Navigating the Writing Process

Piata had originally hoped to publish the book on World Trauma Day this year, marking exactly one year since she started the programme. However, she’s come to appreciate that healing and writing aren’t processes that can be rushed. “I started this to nurture myself, not to punish myself,” she says. The journey has been slower than expected, but it’s also been deeply fulfilling.

The support of the programme has played a significant role in helping Piata through this process. She credits the succinct and clear training sessions, peer support, and connections she’s made with other writers as invaluable to her progress. In particular, she has formed a strong bond with another participant, Maddie, who is also writing about her healing journey after bereavement by suicide.

The Value of Support and Accountability

When asked whether the programme has been beneficial, Piata is unequivocal in her response. “I don’t think I would ever have got to this point without the course and training,” she says. Having a structured programme, along with deadlines and accountability, gave her the motivation and confidence she needed to finish her first draft.

For those considering writing their own book, whether it’s a personal story or a business-focused project, Piata offers this advice: “Without the support of a group and a structured programme, I don’t think I would have ever finished it.”

What’s Next for Piata?

Although Piata’s book is not yet published, she has already seen the fruits of her labour. Writing has brought clarity, and she’s now applying for grants to run family groups as part of a broader mission for family healing. Her book is also serving as a platform for this work, and she hopes it will inspire and help others facing similar challenges.

Piata has created a Facebook page called Connected Living for Wellbeing, which complements the private group she runs, supporting whole family complex trauma healing. Her group welcomes families who have experienced various forms of trauma, including but not limited to bereavement by suicide.

“I’ve also set up a separate Facebook group about my book writing journey, and I’m sharing updates there. I’ve got a Substack, and I’m on Instagram too, so people can follow my journey through those platforms,” she explains.

Reflections on the Programme

Piata has been an engaged and active member of the programme, regularly asking questions and absorbing as much as possible from the training sessions and support groups. Her willingness to dive into the process has clearly paid off.

“I think the programme held me accountable to my writing,” she reflects. “It’s tested how much I can share with the book, and maybe I overshare sometimes, but it’s all part of figuring out what’s right to share and what’s best to keep private.”

From her perspective, the guidance and support she’s received have been instrumental in turning what might have been an overwhelming task into an achievable goal. The sense of community has been especially valuable, and Piata encourages others to consider investing in The Author Advantage course if they are serious about writing a book.

“I made a contract with myself that this is a year I’m giving to myself to write this book,” she says. “The support I’ve received from the course and the peer group made it feel realistic and achievable.”

Looking Ahead

While the publishing date has been pushed back, Piata is confident in her progress and happy with where she is in her writing journey. She is not rushing the process, choosing instead to embrace the slower, more reflective pace as a part of the healing journey she and her family are on.

For those eager to follow Piata’s journey or learn more about her upcoming book, you can connect with her on Facebook via Connected Living for Wellbeing. She’s also active on Instagram and Substack, where she shares updates on her writing and her work with families affected by trauma.

We are so excited to see Piata’s book come to fruition and look forward to the day when she celebrates her publication. Her dedication, resilience, and passion for helping others make her book one we’re certain will touch many lives.