“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou
Every person has a profound story to share, often birthed through the most intense experiences.
Visionaries who have overcome extreme traumas often report that, miraculously, those experiences actually served as inspiration to create innovations or develop inventive methods for healing.
“All the best stuff I have received has come at the worst moments of my life. Time and again, I see that when life is fine, we just don’t have the motivation to move fearlessly. Shake-ups move us. Deeply seeking while in a state of sorrow brings us into surrender, and in surrender, we are open to receiving something new.” —Kimberly Marooney
As we journey from trauma to tranquility, we carry our most beloved dreams and visions of what could be. These are often activated by encounters with the divine, fearlessly transcending our limitations, or experiencing miraculous, undeniable healing. Others may look at us and have no idea of the depth of the misery we have endured and how we triumphed over adversity. We might hide our struggles well or never dare to speak of our experiences. Our trauma may have been brutal, but somehow we emerged wiser. Looking back, it may feel like those events happened to someone else or in another lifetime because we have changed so much.
Today, we share a lot about our lives through social media. Looking back at our timelines, we reminisce about family events, remember loved ones we’ve lost, and cherish other special milestones. Whether intentionally or not, we create a persona on social media representing only a part of our story. Many people tend to post in a way that either portrays them in a positive light or, on the other hand, as rebellious or unique. Truthfully, we know there is so much more to our lives than what we present online or share in casual conversations. We selectively reveal parts of ourselves to others, showing them only what we want them to see or feel safe to share.
What is your real story? Are you brave enough to share it honestly?
Perhaps a moment of synchronicity occurs to remind you of your true calling. You might find yourself inexplicably drawn to a stranger and engage in a conversation where you discuss your trauma. Bravely, you choose to be open and share your story with this complete stranger. To your surprise, your words bring them comfort and healing. You may even feel goosebumps and a sense of awe at the soul-felt connection you’ve made. I can imagine you leaving that conversation feeling inspired and encouraged to take the step of writing a book to share the valuable lessons you’ve learned, knowing that you can no longer stay silent.
The Story by Brandi Carlile
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I’ve been
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don’t mean anything
When you’ve got no one to tell them to
It’s true… I was made for you
I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you
Oh, because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do and I was made for you
I have helped many people share their stories. As a mentor, I’ve walked alongside visionary writers, guiding them through the spiritual and emotional challenges of writing and publishing their books. I’ve published the works of numerous visionaries and have witnessed the awe these writers experience when finally seeing the finished copy of their books. Now I am in their shoes in a state of awe! I have a proof copy of my very own book. What once felt surreal is now undeniably real! Now it’s my turn to make an announcement! Today, January 9, 2025, my book is launching!
Ja-lene shares the proof copy of her book with her parents
Brandi Carlile’s lyrics resonated with my soul as I finished my book, “But these stories don’t mean anything if you’ve got no one to tell them to,“ and gave me the courage to persevere through the final stages of writing and publishing. Those lyrics encouraged me to delve deep and be brutally honest about my experiences, insecurities, and what I learned over three decades during my journey from an aspiring writer to a master of publishing. My stories and insights are now part of my book, The Journey of the Visionary Writer: The Five Phases of Experiential Writing. (Click here to read The Five Phases of Experiential Writing.)
The Journey of the Visionary Writer defines for the first time the special path of visionary writing. This is a rare and potent guidebook in its description of the essential and sequential steps needed to navigate the road to publication and bring forth one’s unique message to the world.
Publisher and author Ja-lene Clark presents her own life experiences as writer, designer, and editor, providing a fascinating entry to the complex and intricate world of book publishing, including her own experiences with visionary bestsellers. She also shares both the heartfelt and harrowing events that have layered her journey to success.
Clark’s insights into the five phases of experiential writing hold the promise of life-enhancing breakthroughs for every writer. Filled with suggestions, instructions, and deep wisdom, The Journey of the Visionary Writer offers profound reflections for those of us called to the written word to help expand humanity’s potential.
—Jo Ann Deck, former Vice President of Ten Speed Press, Publisher of Celestial Arts and Crossing Press
Many writers host book signings to celebrate their publications. In Phase Five: Tranquility, I explain how life continues after publishing. It is important not to obsess over who is or isn’t reading our books; we must keep moving forward. So, instead of a traditional book signing, I am celebrating the launch of my book at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, alongside my husband, Tom. Today we walked the path of the Oracle and brought the proof copy of my book to this iconic, legendary location. I am in awe of the fact that I am literally walking the same path that some of history’s greatest philosophers once traveled to celebrate the publication of my book. I am praying that as my book goes out into the world, it will provide direction, understanding, and encouragement to visionaries as they bravely share their stories.
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