What's New, Now, and Next
- Ash Patton
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
A new newsletter? Yes please.
I hope this finds each of you enjoying wherever you are and whatever you doing as the Summer comes to an end, bringing us the beginning of a busy time of year. If you have kids starting school or college, may it be stress-free time!
Me? I’m trying to find my balance that exists when there’s a book to market and translate, blogs to write, and the next book to consider, along with just regular life things. Some days are easier than others, but isn’t that the case with all of us?
In this newsletter, I want to lead with what’s in front of us.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
It’s an important time, because there are so many people who are affected by suicide and/or suicide ideation. During this month, we speak honestly about the loss, fear, and challenges that exist for so many.
With sadness, we acknowledge the empty seats at the table and the loved ones who carry on. If this is you, know that we see you and send you our warmest embrace.
With fear of the unknown, we acknowledge those who live among us with the idea in their minds (ideation), sometimes daily, sometimes on a rare occasion. Regardless of where you or your loved one fall on that spectrum, know that there is help out there, and you do matter. If you think you are alone, believe that you are not. There is love in this world for you and your presence.
With love, we acknowledge the advocates, counselors, doctors, and more who spend their days caring enough for the person across from them or on the other end of the phone who is truly invested in your life. There are not sufficient words to thank that legion of people for the work they do and the love they give every day.
If you or a loved one are struggling in any way, please make the call. 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or 988. If you don’t feel this one is right for you, on my website you will find a comprehensive list of crisis resources that offer support for multiple populations, including LGBTQIA+; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; Teens; Veterans, and more #MakeTheCall #YouAreNotAlone #SuicidePrevention
October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a societal scourge that has harmed people worldwide for generations, and folks, it is not getting better. DV is defined by the Department of Justice as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over their partner. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, technological actions or threats of actions, or other coercive behavior. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.” Please note that sexual assault and rape can and does happen in intimate relationships.
It can happen to anyone, and it is never the victim’s fault.
Ever.
For more information on DVAM, to learn more about domestic violence, find helpful information on developing a safety plan, or to locate a domestic violence crisis intervention center near you, I encourage you to visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
In states like Oregon, who have lost vital funding that provides services to victims and survivors, we will soon begin seeing the devastation wreaked by that loss. Victims and survivors should never be political tools or fodder. This should never be a political or partisan issue, and it is absolutely a travesty that this is what it has become. If every January you, like me, choose one or more non-profit organizations to donate to, I hope that in the future you will choose your local domestic violence crisis intervention center as a recipient. They and the victims in your community need your support.
Helpline 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
#itisyour business #DVAM #StopTheViolence #SpeakOut
News of my book:
On a lighter note is news of my book Broken in the Stronger Places: From Resilience to Resourcefulness.
Many survivors have shared with me that this book is not only relevant to them and their experiences, but that they are deeply moved and grateful for it. I am thrilled to report that In November, it will be available to a far larger audience.
As you may recall from the last newsletter, there are 477,000,000 native Spanish speakers in the world. Sadly, violence against Latina women continues to grow, making resources such as my book more valuable and useful. The book is set for Spanish translation for a November release. Keep an eye open for news of that here and/or on the website. I can barely put into words how very excited I am for this phase of the book, and I hope you share my excitement.
I have thus far raised $915 of the $3,000 necessary for translation. I am allowing an additional $1,000 for Marketing and promotion, but the translation is my priority. If you would like to support the translation, you can donate on my Go Fund Me Page. Every penny raised goes to the translation first, promotion and marketing second. #brokeninthestrongerplaces
What can I do for you?
I have been thinking of what I can do for you and others, and so you will be seeing some changes on the website. It will include additional resources that can be printed out and used both personally and professionally by anyone interested. Some have already been added, so keep an eye out for future changes and additions. If you notice something missing in resources or have a suggestion, please feel free to contact me.
Additionally, I am going to transfer my blog to my website from Medium. I hope to begin this transition over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, marketing the book has kept me busier than I would like, so I have not been writing much. But, my goal is to set aside time each week to write. Keep an eye on the website for updated information!
Finally, events!
I have added a few book events, which you will be able to see on the website. If you are on FB and have not liked my page, Broken In the Stronger Places, I invite you to do so now. I always post my events there first.
New events are added as they come up, available on my Events. If you are interested in me speaking at your event (or doing a virtual event), please complete the request on the Engagement Inquiries page.
Finally, thank you for your support and your purchase of my book. If you enjoyed the book, I would sincerely appreciate you leaving a rating and review or product review video on Amazon,, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads. Feedback is truly helpful for authors and helps more readers discover this work.
Take good care,
Liz


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