"Writing is like therapy; it reveals the soul and heals the heart." — Holly LaBarbera In this episode of "Uncorking a Story," Holly LaBarbera, an accomplished author and psychotherapist, takes us through her fascinating journey from childhood letter writing with her grandmother to becoming a published novelist. She shares how her career as a therapist intertwines with her love of storytelling, revealing deep insights into the human experience. Whether you're an aspiring writer or someone who appreciates the transformative power of words, Holly's story will inspire and enlighten. Key Topics The Power of Letters: Holly began her writing journey through heartfelt letters exchanged with her grandmother, laying the foundation for her passion for storytelling. Therapeutic Writing: As a psychotherapist, Holly discusses how writing can be a powerful tool for therapy, helping individuals process grief and trauma through journaling and letter-writing exercises. Overcoming Rejection: Holly candidly shares her experiences with numerous rejections from agents and traditional publishers and how she turned to self-publishing to bring her stories to life. Balancing Dark and Light: In her book "All I Know," Holly explores heavy themes such as trauma and mental health with a balance of hope, humor, and resilience, aiming to provide an honest yet uplifting narrative. Inspiration and Resilience: Holly emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks, both in her writing career and in personal growth, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions despite challenges. Authentic Storytelling: Holly's approach to storytelling is deeply personal and authentic, drawing from her own life experiences and her work as a therapist to create relatable and meaningful characters. Community and Feedback: Holly highlights the value of a supportive writing community and constructive feedback, sharing how her connections with other writers have been instrumental in her creative process. Buy All I Know Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LkH0ct Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798989492909 Connect With Holly Website: https://hollyclabarbera.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollytellsatale/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084384496084 Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #Storytelling #HealingThroughWriting #AuthorJourney #MentalHealth #TherapeuticWriting #SelfPublishing #Inspiration #UncorkingAStory #HollyLaBarbera #PodcastLife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.