In conversation with Alyssa Waugh

LJS: When I was in college, I found myself in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. This piece is about how one of my friends, Erin, tried to help me get out, and how I wasn’t ready to.

AW: What inspired it?

LJS: The I AM STRENGTH collection isn’t just about one women’s strength, but also about how we make each other stronger. This piece was inspired by how my friend’s strength eventually gave me the courage to leave my abuser.

AW: Female friendship is such a divine sisterhood! Why did you feel it was important to submit this?

LJS: There are so many women who share my story, who are living my story. I hope this piece sparks a conversation on how we can provide better support, resources, and education to help women get out of bad situations, and how bystanders can intervene.

AW: This issue is SO common, and the things you’re trying to call attention to are critical. Anything else particularly interesting or important about this piece you want readers to know?

LJS: I’d like readers to know help and hope are out there, but your strength will always come from within.

Preorder I AM STRENGTH: True Stories of Everyday Superwomen (e-book) here.

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Lauren J. Sharkey is currently Managing Editor and Marketing & Web Development Coordinator for Kaylie Jones Books, an imprint of Akashic Books, Executive Assistant of the James Jones Writers Workshop Retreat, and Creative Nonfiction Editor at Reservoir Journal. Her creative nonfiction has appeared in Dear Adoption, and her debut novel, INCONVENIENT DAUGHTER, forthcoming in 2020, is based on her experience as a Korean American adoptee. Lauren J. Sharkey – theljsharkey@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @theljsharks, Website: ljsharks.com