I started writing Bitter Sweet: A Closer Look at the War Within because it was cathartic. All the memories that haunted me at night, the cringeworthy images that flashed before my eyes … to put that all on paper, I thought it would help me to let things go. At first, writing just made me relive everything over again. It made me feel those emotions as if I had felt them for the very first time.
Then I switched my perspective, and instead I focused on what I wanted to achieve with my story. I wanted to show people that I had been through some pretty messed-up situations, but I turned out okay. What I experienced was not a sunny day in paradise every day, but I still believe in happy endings.
The Covid-19 lockdown was the perfect time to work on this project because for once, the world was quiet. I did not have the luxury of working from home, so I got to see firsthand the fear and hopelessness in the community.
All I thought was, “After this is over, what can I say I did with myself other than gain 30 pounds?” My goal was to inspire others to share their stories. If we get the communication flowing, we will surely find some common ground to make this world a better place for everyone.
The feedback I have received so far has been very insightful. Many can relate to scenarios in the book, and others feel as though I am speaking directly to them. It has been very positive, and I was happy that the book made the Top 10 on Amazon three days in a row. So, if you have not already, grab a copy of “Bitter Sweet: A closer look at the war within” and let me know what you think.
The author Labeehah Hall in Homestead.
Photograph by Martha Rial
An excerpt from Chapter 3:
“I get hurt in the field, déjà vu with the cast and all, and realize that these females I'm about to go to war with are amazing. Society will have you believe that women are usually cutthroat towards each other, can't work together, and always allow secrets, lies, and jealousy to destroy their friendship. However, this particular group of successful, career-minded young ladies defied those stereotypes. We cooked together, saved money together, prayed together. And when I was injured, they never let me feel alone or struggle for one minute. We got into trouble for just being friends. All of us had some personality traits that made the crew gel. Imagine that. Minority women bonded together, helping each other to succeed instead of trying to pull each other down. Wow, what a concept. So, while we were training, we came up with a name for our crew - The Mistresses.”