So, You’re Really Writing a Book About your Childhood Trauma, Huh?

By Michael McConnell

If you know me, you know I’m not your average dude., or at least that's what my momma says. I’ve got stories for days, wild adventures, hanging with hippies in Mount Shasta 8,000 ft in the mountains, becoming the president of a motorcycle club, helping pioneer mobile fundraising in 2008 and partying in NYC’s nightlife scene and a lifetime of lessons, and enough lived experiences to rival 100 lifetimes. And for most of those stories, I’ve got the receipts: photos, videos, and friends who’ll back me up. But there’s one story I’ve never told the right way, the story of my childhood. It’s far from the glamour and glitz of my life's work and adventures but something I’ve kept in out of fear.

My early years were filled with pain, struggle, and trauma. These experiences shaped who I am today, but for the longest time, I didn’t know how to fully share them. I’ve scribbled bits and pieces of my memories in the Notes app on my phone and even shared with friends late night in Pizza shops in Manhattan, after a night of partying, tears in my eyes. I’ve talked about it in therapy. But I’ve never truly shared my full testimony, until now.

For 46 years, I’ve kept this story inside, downplaying it to survive, to keep my sanity intact. But now, I’m ready to release it. I’ve spent years advocating for men’s mental health, building support groups with close to a hundred members, and helping create citywide mentoring programs for NYC’s youth. I’ve done a lot of work for others, but this? This is for me.

My story, Inner Warriorship: Memoir of a Latch-Key Kid  isn’t just another book, it’s my offering to anyone who’s ever struggled with self-worth, anyone who’s felt stuck in the shadow of their own trauma, or anyone who knows what it’s like to carry the weight of pain that came from your own home.

This is the most personal thing I’ve ever done, and if you’ve ever been through something life-altering, something that tried to break you but didn’t, this book is for you. As I write it, I’ll be sharing pieces of my story here on this blog, giving you a glimpse into my world.

So, we're doing something ambitious!

• We’ve launched an Indiegogo campaign to support the publishing process, with signed advance copies and exclusive perks available for supporters, sidebar I’m also planning some awesome book signings

• We’re also producing a 10-part podcast series called Inner Warriorship. Each episode will feature inspiring conversations with people who’ve overcome unimaginable challenges and transformed their pain into purpose.

  
  

I’m beyond excited for what’s to come and honored to bring you along on this journey. I would truly love your support on this endeavor. 

Visit the Indiegogo link, support the book, and join me in this mission to heal, inspire, and share what it means to be a true inner warrior.