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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, Lynn Forney talks about being inspired to write about surviving an attempted murder in her new book, Choosing Survival: How I Endured A Brutal Attack And A Lifetime Of Trauma Through The Power Of Action, Choice, And Self Expression.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Lynn Forney about her life and career, the experiences that inspired her to start writing, and the work that went into her new book, Choosing Survival: How I Endured A Brutal Attack And A Lifetime Of Trauma Through The Power Of Action, Choice, And Self Expression.
I’ve always loved to perform and had a propensity for movement. I started taking dance lessons at 8 years old and it’s been a part of my life ever since. I have a BFA in dance and continue to choreograph and perform to this day. I started acting later in life which has led me to writing, directing, and starring in multiple short films, as well as being represented by an agent. I also love to scuba dive. I’m a Pisces so I feel at home in the water.
I had the idea to write this book shortly after a major traumatic event happened in my life. When talking to people about it, I would often find myself saying, “I know this is so crazy, I should just write a book.” That event took place in 1998.
This is an interesting path. I started singing lessons with a coach whose passion is to help people find their voice through singing lessons. She held a small group coaching session (which didn’t involve singing) that included the use of an app called Voxer. I wrote a poem and my husband encouraged me to read it to the group. The response I got was beautiful and encouraged me to continue writing. The next passage I read to the group was the first chapter to my book.
Well, the idea to write this book had been floating around in my head for around 23 years! Once I wrote that first chapter, it took close to year to complete it and get it released.
My ultimate hope is to help people. If my story can help others feel seen, less alone, and to advocate for themselves, then my heart is full.
I knew I was going to have to become very vulnerable-sharing things about myself and my life that still feel scary; feeling truly exposed and having no control over how others would react.
I had to look back at my medical records, as well as articles written about my suspected assailant. I also made sure to find resources to back up any facts I printed.
I honestly didn’t plan too much. I knew there were key parts of my life I needed to include, but others flowed out as they came to me. At one point, I made a list, and added as I wrote each chapter. I wrote them all out of order. It was stressful at first, trying to determine how they would all fit together, but I kept trusting they would.
I hired an editor and had her go through the book twice. I also had a few friends read through it and point out any grammar/spelling errors that they noticed. I was pleasantly surprised that, overall, there weren’t tons of errors!
This may sound simple, but just start. Everyone has their own path and writing style, so what works for someone may be different than what works for you. It’s easy to get caught up with “what works” and get all up in your head. If it’s something you truly want to do, then you’ll find a way to do it.
I have no idea! The next project I’m planning is a dance on film based on one of the poems in my book.
Saying I’m proud of myself doesn’t come easily to me, but I am proud of it and it was worth it.
Instagram: @choosingsurvival
TikTok: @choosingsurvival
My book can be found on Amazon.com
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