My thirty years of writing in journals, creating poems and healing from childhood traumas was my decision to take the road less travelled to save my life. Scott Peck’s book was my first awareness that I may be able to understand my reality.
Unknowingly, I have been writing my story of finding my voice for thirty years. I was unaware my journey would lead me to read “The Soulful Child, connect with Chloe Gallaway and make a very huge decision to attend her first “Women Who Are Finding Their Voice” writers retreat. Chloe’s life experiences and her ongoing determination to be a genuine vessel for other women’s emergence from darkness into the light makes her unique and special to me. Her writing tools for writing my memoir vary from what we learned we will author for Voices at the writers retreat. Nurturing micro-nutrient meals, early morning yoga (for those who wanted to participate), serene New Mexico ranchland that hosted the largest labyrinth I have ever walked, three daily writing classes holding time to write filled our entire day. Five amazing women from early 40’s to myself at 76, wrote, read, laughed and cried to support one another. We were often led by Spirit to grow and enhance our Warrior Woman Voices. You will read our stories, as well as those of Chloe’s Sedona Writer’s Retreat event being held in January 2019. This book, (which will be published May 2019), will contain our individual story written in a 20-30 page condensed theme and outcome. You don’t have to be an acknowledged writer. If you have a desire to share your story, join our voices in January.
Joan Teagle Brumage, LCSW, LISW, CACII - La Luz, New Mexico
I have worked with Chloe before, read her first book, and am impressed with her desire to assist women in getting their VOICES heard.This was the second retreat I attended with her and it exceeded my expectations; it assisted me in narrowing down my story from many potentials. It additionally helped me to see the specific "gold" at the end of my Heroines journey!Chloe works first from emotions and then to organization. This method allowed me to deepen my connection with myself and the story antagonists; my emotions were indicators of what was most important. Doing this work in a group was helpful in addressing fears of speaking my truth. There is no belittling in Chloe's writing groups, just very supportive suggestions.Connie Cox, LCSW
I can remember my first-grade teacher saying, "Ildiko, I can't wait to read the first book you publish!" I knew writing a book was something I wanted to accomplish, yet the thought of it was daunting to me. If I had started writing my book in the way that is my natural preference, I would have come up with an outline, started fleshing out the outline, and then proceeded to write systematically every day. And my book would have put people to sleep!
Chloe's intuitive approach made all the difference in the world to writing my book. During our sessions she gave me writing prompts that drew out the very best of me, and helped me to connect to my story. She also helped me with the craft of writing and provided encouragement and support along the way. Before I knew it, I had a rough manuscript ready for the next step in the editing and publishing process. The essayist, short-story writer, and editor Joseph Epstein wrote "81 percent of Americans feel that they have a book in them — and should write it." If you're one of that 81 percent, then having Chloe in your corner will help you get there!
Ildiko Oravecz