From Junkie to Judge to Published Author with Mary Beth O'Connor, Former Judge, Recovery Advocate, and Author

CW: drug use, abuse, and assault

So many of us are moved to write books or create other works of art because of a traumatic life experience that we've suffered through. But when those experiences also carry a stigma, it can be tough to navigate the feelings of shame, self-protection, and privacy issues that come up. How do you free yourself to share your story when you're worried that it might affect your reputation or your career? My guest today knows all about it, and she's here to share her insights.

Mary Beth O'Connor is an addiction recovery advocate who's been clean and sober for nearly 30 years. But in her teens and young adulthood, Mary Beth was addicted to methamphetamines, shooting up daily for years. It nearly destroyed her life. Yet after getting clean, she put herself through law school, became a lawyer, and eventually a federal judge. She chronicles her journey and offers hope to others seeking to break free from addiction and level up their lives in her memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How writing the book helped restore her self-confidence and self-compassion.
• How she transformed herself from just a legal writer with no experience in creative writing into an award-winning author. (Hint: Lots of reading, writing classes, and workshop groups were involved!)
• What her process of getting an agent and publishing deal was like.
• How she handles criticism from the public.
• The doors that writing a book can open for you—from media appearances to speaking engagements at conferences and events.

For more, check out:
junkietojudge.com
maggielangrick.com
wonderwell.press

And follow:
twitter.com/MaryBethO_
instagram.com/maggielangrick
instagram.com/wonderwellpress
instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast