Mary Ellen Soroka, a resident of Orion for 20 years, has experienced a lot of crises, shake-ups and turmoil in the past few years of her life.
She has lost people she loved and experienced a life-threatening accident. But one thing has helped her cope ? writing.
‘Writing was very cathartic for me in order to heal from everything and everyone I had lost,? Soroka said.
Her writings, Reflections from the Grieving Pool, appear with the prose and poetry of 11 others in Freefalling, Writing with Limits, compiled by award-winning author and editor Margo LaGattuta.
The collection features stories and poems of 12 writers, plus writing and editing tips for readers who may be aspiring writers.
‘I’ve believed for a long time, since I began teaching writing workshops, that everyone has a story to tell and needs a safe place to tell it,? LaGattuta said.
LaGattuta selected the authors from her creative workshops.
‘We’re just 12 writers, ordinary people, that took her classes,? Soroka said of the group. ‘A lot of work, a lot of time is invested in this.?
Soroka said that she wrote about the events surrounding death, having experienced the unexpected death of her mother and father. Her writing also reflects on what she calls a ‘bruise on the brain,? a serious head injury she experienced in a car accident.
According to Soroka, her viewpoint changed with the help of her ‘renewed faith in Catholicism and writing.?
‘It helped me move on with my life,? she added.
Other Freefalling selections cover a wide range of themes from the recollections of World War II secret agent to the memories of a fourth grade teacher, the celebration of family to remembering victims of Hurricane Katrina, biking across America and much more.
The book also features writing assignments and tips to help inspiring authors.
‘Each writer explained their writing process,? Soroka said.
‘Sometimes, people get in their own way,? she added, in regards to people’s writing abilities, ‘but I think this book would help them free it.?
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Orion Township Library will be hosting the Freefalling writers from 1-4 p.m.
There will be readings by some of the authors, food, music and books for sale for $21.95.