Today we’d like to introduce you to Stepanie Strickland
Hi Stepanie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always dreamed of being a writer, author a woman who wrote stories that would inspire other women. I grew up reading books written by Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Nikki Giovanni just to name a few. I would sit for hours reading their books and the books of other authors. I was and I still am attracted to of books poetry, and personal memoirs written by women. My goal as a young girl was to be just like them. But at the age of fourteen, I became a teenage mother, and by the age of twenty-one I had three kids, and I found myself in an abusive marriage. My dreams of being a writer became a distant memory buried deep inside of me. For twenty-six years I stayed in this marriage, and at the age of forty-five, I found the courage to leave. Once I left, I began the healing process, and it was during this time, my dream of becoming a writer/author was unburied and brought to the surface once again. Just like the inspiring stories I read written by other women, I decided that I would write a memoir and share my story, hoping to inspire those who read it. I released my debut book in March of 2022, and in March 2023 I was a recipient of a Christian Literary Award in the “Break-Through Category.” Since the release, I have appeared on podcasts, and in magazines. I have also been a guest speak at women conferences all over Texas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a survivor of abuse and an advocate for women of abuse has not been easy. I’ve been called a liar; I’ve had people to doubt my story. I’ve had to end relationship with people, including family members. Once I started on this journey I had to rebuild my circle of influence and support. No one wants to be associated with or talk about domestic violence. No one wants to bring light to such a dark topic. The shame of abuse keeps a lot of women quiet. For survivors like me who are not afraid to use their voice, who are unapologetic, we are considered angry. What I share with women is that by not talking about, by keeping it inside they are still being controlled by their abuser.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I first consider myself a writer/author, so I am currently working on a book, which will be more like a workbook for women who have endured abuse. In 2025 I will hold workshops in person and virtually, where I will help women identify the types of abuse. Abuse is more than physical. In these workshops, I will teach the signs of abuse, what steps to take when a woman is ready to leave. I will coach women on how to rebuild their self-worth by sharing the healing methods I used and still use to navigate through life after abuse. I am also considering hosting a weekly podcast. What sets me apart from others is that I am a survivor of abuse. I know what it feels like to feel alone, to have people doubt you. I know how hard it is to shift your thinking from victim to survivor. Also, I am not afraid to use my voice to help other victims and survivors.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that people might not know about is that I love to dance, and I always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance. Something else people might not know is that I love to pole dance, it is an AMAZING workout and great for building your confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniedstrickland.com/
- Instagram: @iamsdstrickland
- Facebook: @StephanieDStrick
