#112 Breaking Free from Silence, Abuse, and a Cult

Today, I interview Sally Lotz whose early life was marked by the strict rules and limitations imposed by her family's conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses. In this oppressive environment, she endured abuse from her stepfather, forcing her to suppress her true self and become invisible. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others. At the tender age of 15, a revelation sparked within Sally when her mother discovered her non-Jehovah's Witness boyfriend. Confronted by the Elders, she witnessed the stark disparity in how her stepfather's actions went unpunished while her innocent connection with a boy resulted in harsh correction. It was during this tumultuous period that Sally discovered her voice, her means of expression and resistance against the injustices that plagued her life. Writing became her refuge, an outlet through which she could share her thoughts and feelings without fear of retribution. Yet, even in her newfound solace, she had to conceal her writings, stashing them away in her school locker or disposing of them to avoid detection. Forced to leave home at the age of 16, Sally sought shelter with her father, where she experienced an entirely different reality. As an only child in her father's care, she finally found a supportive presence, someone who listened and encouraged her to explore new horizons. However, the trauma she had endured lingered within her, manifesting as severe anxiety attacks and depression that confined her to the confines of her home. It was during this period of struggle that Sally, now a mother herself, embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, unearthing her voice once more. Now, Sally is a writer dedicated to crafting stories for children. Her literary works bear the underlying themes of hope, purpose, and compassion, offering inspiration to young readers while championing the underdog in subtle and captivating ways. In addition to her writing endeavors, she is currently a mentor and writing coach, running a program called "Write a Book in 30 Days: No Experience Required." Sally recently published her fourth book, "The Truth Is A Lie," a fictional work that delves into her experiences within the Jehovah's Witness community, exposing the contradictions and control within the organization extending her support to women seeking to share their own transformative tales of life changes, epiphanies, and pivots. She believes that by helping others find their voice, she empowers them to overcome adversity and thrive, offering a guiding light amidst the darkest of times.__________________ Sally Lotz is a writing coach, assisting women in sharing their own stories of transformation, guiding them through life's challenges and pivotal moments. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others, offering inspiration to embrace resilience and share their unique narratives. Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with her program Write A Book in 30 Days – No Experience Required. Her 4th book, The Truth is a Lie, was recently published. She is passionate about writing and teaching other people how to create with their words. She also enjoys speaking to groups about writing, growing up a Jehovah's Witness, or having ADHD. Find Sally here: https://www.sallylotz.com https://www.facebook.com/SallyJLotz2023 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjlotz/ https://www.instagram.com/sallyjlotz/ https://twitter.com/SallyJLotz https://www.youtube.com/@howigotthere4184 Free - 6 Steps to Getting Published https://www.sallylotz.com/download Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.