WRITING IT RIGHT – an inspiring memoir about the transformative power of writing.
“I conceived of this book as a way of keeping my mother alive...” Thus begins author Coleen Paratore’s account of the year she and her mom, Peg Murtagh, wrote themselves better
Frightened that her 75-year-old mother would not survive a darkest-ever bout with depression, and personally still grieving the end of her 28-year marriage, Coleen suggested they meet regularly to read short pieces they’d written about good things in life – a self-help writing club of sorts.
They promised to write and share every week for an entire year.
Meeting for lunch at various restaurants in their beloved hometown of Troy, NY, each read aloud a brief essay or poem. They wrote about faith, family, food, friends, teachers, books, baseball, birthdays, holidays, music, meditation, neighbors, Oprah, the ocean, the Adirondacks, parks, pets, gardens, gratitude, road trips, recipes, surprises, Sunday mornings...
As the months pass and the experience benefits them in profoundly positive ways, they come to believe that their journey might be a useful model and gift of encouragement for others.
“The pen is mightier than the sword, perhaps mightier than medicine, too,” Coleen says. “There is great power in writing about our lives-- pouring out pain, planting seeds, giving wings to wishes with concrete plans. Pick up a pen and write it right. It’s easy and it’s free.”
About the Authors
Peg Spain Murtagh is a life-long resident of Troy, NY, mother of six adult children and grandmother of eight. She is a gifted writer and poet and a self-described “competent public speaker.” She has used her skills in over 40 years of volunteering including church work, peace and justice efforts, women’s equality, Literacy Volunteers, and at Joseph’s House & Shelter since it’s opening where she also served as Director for a brief period. Writing it Right is Peg’s first published work.
Coleen Murtagh Paratore is an award-winning author, writing teacher, and inspirational speaker, best-known for her 1⁄2-million selling debut novel, The Wedding Planner’s Daughter, which sparked the beloved “Willa” series. Writing It Right is her 20th book. www.coleenparatore.com
