In today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discovering the Book Writing Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Piata first joined the programme last October, at a time when she was exploring therapy options to process her family\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI had been considering writing a book,\u201d Piata shared, \u201cand I\u2019d kind of almost started, but with no guidance, it was just blurting out everything that had happened to us over the last few years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Book: I See You<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Piata\u2019s book, tentatively titled I See You: A Mother\u2019s Story of Whole Family Complex Trauma Healing After Bereavement by Suicide<\/em>, is an intimate account of her family\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, Piata\u2019s children are her first beta readers, and their input is critical. As she explained, it\u2019s important for her to ensure they\u2019re 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\u2019s healing above all else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigating the Writing Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s come to appreciate that healing and writing aren\u2019t processes that can be rushed. \u201cI started this to nurture myself, not to punish myself,\u201d she says. The journey has been slower than expected, but it\u2019s also been deeply fulfilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Value of Support and Accountability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked whether the programme has been beneficial, Piata is unequivocal in her response. \u201cI don\u2019t think I would ever have got to this point without the course and training,\u201d she says. Having a structured programme, along with deadlines and accountability, gave her the motivation and confidence she needed to finish her first draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those considering writing their own book, whether it\u2019s a personal story or a business-focused project, Piata offers this advice: \u201cWithout the support of a group and a structured programme, I don\u2019t think I would have ever finished it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s Next for Pi<\/strong>a<\/strong>ta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Piata\u2019s book is not yet published, she has already seen the fruits of her labour. Writing has brought clarity, and she\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Piata has created a Facebook page called Connected<\/em> Living for Wellbeing<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve also set up a separate Facebook group about my book writing journey, and I\u2019m sharing updates there. I\u2019ve got a Substack, and I\u2019m on Instagram too, so people can follow my journey through those platforms,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n