Dear Reader,First of all, I want to tell you that I was born in a small country in Europe, the Netherlands, in 1987.It all began many years ago when I was just a little girl, seeking solace from the tumultuous atmosphere that filled my childhood home. The constant arguments and yelling created an overwhelming storm that I longed to escape. In those moments, I discovered the refuge of the written word. With a pencil in hand and paper as my canvas, I embarked on a journey into a world of my own creation.Writing became my sanctuary, a haven where I could pour my emotions onto the page and find solace in the characters and stories I crafted. It was through this process that I discovered the power of words to heal, to transport, and to transform. Each sentence, each paragraph, held the potential to create a reality far removed from the chaos of my everyday life.As I grew older, my love for writing deepened. It became more than a mere escape; it became an addiction—a beautiful obsession that consumed my thoughts and fueled my imagination. With each passing day, the desire to share my stories with the world grew stronger, but fear and self-doubt held me back. I questioned whether my words held any value, whether they were worthy of being read by others.However, life has a way of teaching us resilience and instilling within us a determination to overcome our fears. One day, amidst a personal struggle, I made a promise to myself—a promise that would become my driving force and my guiding light. In the depths of my recovery, I made a solemn vow to publish my first book within the first year of my journey towards healing.With newfound determination, I immersed myself in the craft of writing. I honed my skills, sought guidance from mentors, and delved into the world of self-publishing. It was a journey of self-discovery and growth—a path strewn with challenges and setbacks, but also with triumphs and small victories.The day finally arrived when "Butterflies and Guitars" emerged from the depths of my imagination and found its way onto the pages of a book. It was a labor of love, a testament to my resilience, and a celebration of the strength I had discovered within myself. I self-published it, taking control of my destiny as an author and embracing the freedom to share my words with the world.The response to "Butterflies and Guitars" was beyond my wildest dreams. Readers connected with the poetry, the emotions, and the stories woven within its pages. Encouraged by this outpouring of support, I embarked on my next venture, "Stripped Naked." It was a journey into vulnerability, exploring the raw truths of the human experience. Once again, I self-published, determined to remain true to my vision and to connect with readers on a profound level.Becoming a self-published author was not a destination but a beginning—a stepping stone towards a future filled with endless possibilities. The road ahead may be uncertain, but armed with passion, determination, and the love for poetry, I march forward, eager to weave more tales that touch hearts and ignite imaginations.I share this story with you, dear reader, as a testament to the transformative power of the written word and the strength that lies within each of us. It is a reminder that amidst the darkest storms, we can find solace and create something beautiful.These days I am divorced and a loving mother in recovery of addiction. There isn't a thing in the world I wouldn't do for my son. He is the true reason I get up everyday. He is the reason for my succes. He is the one giving me the courage to write. To break the cycle in which I was forced to grew up in. May you too find the courage to chase your dreams, to write,Sincerely, StephanieRead more about this authorRead less about this author