“Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’s Story” Lynn C. Tolson blog

About author Lynn C. Tolson, in her own words:

“First I lived my story. Then I was numb to it. Then I was in denial. Then I suppressed it. Then I remembered it. Then I regurgitated it in therapy. I examined and felt it. Then I wrote about it.

When I was in my twenties, my therapist told me I had a story to tell that would help others to find hope. However, it was not until my forties, when another therapist offered the same suggestion, that I took it seriously. I wrote what has become Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’s Story.

Overall, it took me twenty years to write my story. The book began when I put pen to paper in journal writing sessions. The conversations with my counselors were available from early diaries. Journal writing was a cathartic experience. Themes emerged regarding the ramifications of sexual abuse, like drug addiction and suicide attempts. Writing a book was difficult because I had to find the courage to face my fears: What would others think? What would my family think? My conviction to tell the truth became greater than the difficulty of writing a personal story. I realized that I was writing about personal yet universal issues. Eventually, a story of transformation to wholeness evolved. My desire to encourage others to seek healing became greater than my need to remain private.”