Why I wrote SOMEONE'S DAUGHTER

Ever since I can remember, from a young age in fact, I have wanted to write a book. Growing up, I dabbled a little in poetry, tried my hand at short story writing, and even succeeded in publishing a small snippet in Readers' Digest, but a book remained my number-one aspiration.

I started a novel several times, but for some reason always ran out of inspiration and was never able to finish. It was only when I learned of my adoption and embarked on a search for my birth-mother that I knew I had finally found the subject of my book.

Writing Someone's Daughter has been one of the most difficult projects I have ever undertaken. It was so easy to say 'I am going to write a book about my experience'; little did I know of the discipline, perseverance and emotional energy it called for.

Truthfully, I did not enjoy writing Someone's Daughter. Recalling each emotional event and transferring it to paper was extremely painful and many times I put the manuscript aside, often for weeks, until I could summon the strength to continue. Yet, despite these temporary halts, the compulsion to write and complete my book never diminished. I was driven by the knowledge that there are so many other adoptees like me who are also struggling and I wanted - indeed, needed - to share my healing experience with them. But I was glad, and not a little relieved after I had typed the closing sentence and could finally say, 'It's done'.

Has the writing experience been cathartic? Most definitely.

Would I recommend that others who have experienced similar trauma to do the same? Absolutely.


Surprisingly - for me, that is - my most healing moment has been the announcement of Someone's Daughter's publication. I like to think of it as my "coming out" declaration - holding my head up high while announcing to friends, associates and complete strangers that I'm adopted, and here's my story...