They say losing your hearing is like losing a limb. For me, it was like my limb was slowly getting shorter. I lost most of my speech recognition starting in my teens and up to my forties. I have a rare disease called Treft Syndrome that affects your vision, hearing, and balance, but the worst came to my hearing. 

I’ve spent decades trying to come to terms with my hearing loss. Hearing aids make my hearing worse. Sign language is difficult with my vision. It wasn’t until voice to text technology came about that I could have a decent conversation. I’m forever grateful for that, but the psychological implications of my hearing loss are still there, which is why I wrote Without Words. 

Many authors use writing to cope with trauma. Without Words is a historical fantasy novel that I use to explain what I’ve gone through and how I live. It’s about Cassandra who becomes hard of hearing when a stranger touches her. She searches for a cure for her hearing and will stop at nothing to be herself again, but what she doesn’t know is that she’s developed witch powers in exchange for her hearing.

Her journey is an uphill battle. She must betray her fellow witches to find her cute. Ultimately, she comes to terms with her hearing loss and gains acceptance from the other witches.

Sometimes trauma is easier to explain through fiction. Metaphor is a powerful tool often employed to address difficult subjects. It was easier and more entertaining to deal with my trauma through fantasy. I gained acceptance at the same time as Cassandra.

Writing can be used to cope with otherwise painful situations. It’s a proven tool in therapy and a useful way to explain your thoughts. Sometimes I’m unaware of the emotions I’m dealing with until I get them out on page. If you ever feel troubled, down, or even happy, writing is a great outlet.

I’d like to believe my book will help someone the way it has helped me. At least, the reader can enjoy my fantasy world of witches.