New Memoir, Worthy, by Local Author Announced

PublishAmerica on Thursday announced the memoir of Orlando author, Julie Gaskins. The book, entitled, Worthy: Drinking Hope from a Well of Despair, will be released on September 7th.

From Worthy:

“The worst thing about prostitution,” the blogger poses, “is that it is illegal.”

I feel the ire begin to build inside of me. How could he say this? I want to ask him, “How do you know how a prostitute feels?”

What I write instead, is “The worst thing about prostitution is that it’s so often a result of child abuse. Abused children grow up feeling ashamed, and are far more likely to let themselves be further exploited. Prostitution is a very natural step for them.” But there is a troubling word, at the end of my statement… “them,” as if I am speaking about others. That’s when I realize that I need to disclose my own truths. If the shame must be eradicated, it must begin somewhere. Perhaps it can begin with me. I begin to pen an essay, which takes on a life of its own…

Gaskins has been writing since kindergarten, about her small world, and later about her hopes and dreams. These days, she writes to share a wealth of life experiences with kindred souls and other readers, in hopes of shining light in the dark places of shame, fear and misunderstanding.

In 2006, she found herself, for the first time in her life, having time on her hands, and the bits and pieces she had written over the years began to intertwine and grow, the drive taking on a life of its own.

Julie’s work is of a personal nature; she writes it in an effort to understand, and shares it in an effort to be understood.  She shares her life in Florida with a man who supports and encourages her work. Between them, they have three grown children and several grandchildren, two cats and a Yorkshire Terrier.