Interview with Kimberly Kearns, Author of On The Edge of Shattered by Kimberly Kearns

As this is your first book, can you share a bit about what led you to sit down and write your story? Why was now the perfect time to share it?

I was a creative writing minor in college, so I always enjoyed expressing myself in words. I hadn’t been able to do so in many, many years though. So when I stopped drinking, it was as if the floodgates opened. The words just poured out of me. I finally had something to say, after years of hiding and numbing myself with alcohol.

How did the writing process work for you? Did you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?

I started by journaling on my blog in the beginning of my sober journey. Eventually, I began writing about deeper issues and content that eventually became my book. I would write every morning early when the kids were still in bed, when it was dark out, with a cup of coffee and the light of my laptop. I worked whenever I felt the words coming out of me, which was fast and frequent in those early months.

 
What about the writing process came easiest for you? What was the hardest - your biggest challenge?

Writing was easy. It just flowed out of my onto the keyboard. It was as if my body had been begging for this for years. It had been trapped inside of me, along with so much else. Processing the emotions was tough and facing the traumas of my past was terrifying.

It had to be difficult to go back and relive your dark moments as you wrote? How did you deal with the emotions that arose? When you walked away from writing, how did you leave it behind so it didn't follow you through the day?

Writing about these events was actually very therapeutic. Being able to put each event down on paper and release it from my mind and soul was cathartic. I always say that putting these dark moments down in writing is like letting them go inside a balloon and watching them float away into the sky. I imagine the pain flying high above the trees and far away, until they are tiny red specks rising up into the clouds.

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Sobriety isn't easy, but you managed to change direction on your first try. Amazing! Can you share some thoughts on what most helped you stay the course for those who are struggling with their sobriety at this moment?

I did it on my first try - this is true, mainly because I told my husband, friends and journaled about it. I joined a sober support group right away. I poured out all of the alcohol in the house. I found a therapist. I dove in headfirst and did everything I was supposed to do. I wanted to change and fix myself, so that was the biggest difference for me. I had the desire. I had people (and my blog) holding me accountable. If you are struggling, reach out for support. And if you need someone to talk to - I can be that someone! But you have to want it in the first place. No one can tell you to do it and it has to come from you.

What would you most like people to take away from reading On The Edge of Shattered?

This is an excellent question. If you are struggling with alcohol, I think it is important to not only know why you want to quit drinking, but you may want to look at why you are drinking in the first place. What are you trying to numb? What are you looking to avoid and escape from?

If alcohol is not a problem for you, then I would like for others to consider what vice they may use to avoid feeling. What mask do you wear or how do you keep secrets from the ones you love? Or perhaps you have a loved one that is hiding from you? Why is that? How might you all benefit from showing a little more vulnerability in your life?

What's next for you? Will there be other books in the future?

I am working on turning this book into a narrative podcast for the Webby Award Winning podcast: F*cking Sober: The First 90 Days. It is a really exciting project in which sound production plays a key role, beyond the written word. Stay tuned!

I will continue with writing my blog for now, and I have a feeling this is the first of many books. I think I have a lot more to say. I can’t wait to keep going.

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