Taboo is an anthology that shatters societal silences, offering personal, empowering stories about resilience and the unspoken truths of human experience. What inspired you to curate such a diverse range of stories, and how did you decide which topics to include?

I shared a bit about how the book project came into being in my chapter. My daughter (8 at the time) asked me about menstruation and in the course of the conversation she also asked why the topic is so secret. My answer was that so many important life topics are taboo, and that got me thinking. If we are not discussing the most important parts of life we are doing a disservice to ourselves and one another. 

When it comes to how to choose which topics to include I learned long ago to leave it up to fate a bit. I can’t micromanage what people are passionate to write about and share. Rather When I surrender and let people share the most amazing combinations present themselves. 

How did you ensure that the contributors felt safe and supported while sharing such vulnerable experiences?

This is an essential part of all writing and even more so in this project. Being vulnerable is terrifying especially in such a public and permanent format as a published book. Learning how to claim our truth and move into a place of courage to share honestly is a fundamental part of how we support people to become authors in the first place. The taboo topics are yet another form of courage and an incredible self acceptance and personal evolution happens as a result.  

What was the biggest challenge in assembling Taboo, and how do you hope it will impact societal perceptions of these often-avoided topics?

It is not easy to find people willing to share the most hidden and judged parts of themselves. It required patience and persistence; most great efforts do.

We all came together with the faith and belief that if we could muster the strength to share our truth we could start a ripple effect getting a few more people reading, thinking, feeling, examining and sharing their own taboo stories. Eventually we can open up space for honest sharing where there previously hadn’t been. That is our deepest intention.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am personally writing a book on the cyclical creative methodology I teach to the authors in my community. I hope it will be available in Spring of 2025. 

We are curating another anthology at the moment examining Men’s Mental Health, another taboo topic, one that deserves a lot more openness and attention. We are really proud of the people we have brought on so far. We hope to have this published in time for Father’s Day.  

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