BrookLyn's Journey

My book will be released this summer! Brooklyn's Journey by Stacey aka Coffey
Brown will be available in July 2012. Are you ready for this LGBT YA fiction story?

Upcoming book release

I am a jack of all trades and soon I can officially call myself an author. I'm due to release BrookLyn's Journey. It's a YA LGBT book that tells the story of  high school senior, BrookLyn Scott, and her unexpected coming out story. It tells of her struggles and the love that comes of it.

I'm writing under the pen name Coffey Brown... Summer release!!

Thanks for your support, Stacey AKA Coffey Brown!

F is for FAITH!!

Every step of my life has been guided by faith. Recently I have embraced blind faith. It is so strong that I feel sometimes like I can see what God has for me before it comes my way. I have never experienced a faith like this but have always wanted to. This faith led me to encourage my partner to sell the house and move to NC like we had been talking about for three years. 


This faith allowed us to sell our house in a bad market and get what exactly we wanted. This faith allowed us to pick out land and build a home before either one of us had job. Now we have jobs and are approaching a closing date. This faith has just been all over our life, and we are so grateful. It has been like flowing water…

There is nothing to me greater than faith. My fears have been replaced by faith. There is nothing I can’t do with faith like this. 

E is for euphoric, elated, and ecstatic!

I'm on a natural high today because my book is closer to becoming a reality. I have always wanted to be a writer but never had the courage to share my ideas. Life took me on a journey that directed me to tap into my writing, which is one of my greatest loves...

A few manuscripts and a few ideas later, I am closer to being published than I have ever been before. My editor will be sending my manuscript to me tomorrow. I'll make revisions where needed and embark on a marketing plan that I've outlined.

Today I stand poised and prepared to do something that I've always longed to do. To me, it’s extremely amazing! My word for tomorrow is going to be faith and that's because each step I've made has not been without it.

Elated. Ecstatic. Euphoric. Exhilarated. Yeah, that's me!

Insecure Writer's Support Group post...

I just signed up for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I will add more in the post next month. I don’t have a theme and think I will just freestyle. My ideas develop best when I am not actually thinking about things. I generally come up with an idea and run with it. That always worked best for me. I am too old to try something new.

One thing that I can say about my writing is that I need to become more descriptive. I try not to be too wordy, and I don’t always think I am describing the scene as vividly as I could. I am working hard to do better.  I know it will come easier with practice, but right now, it doesn’t. Diligence and persistence, as well as the guidance of my editor, will help me a great deal. I think it will. [Insert shrug here]

So… I will write more next month being that I just signed up half an hour ago. See you then my insecure friends! I love networking with you all...

D is for diligent, driven, dreams, and dinner!!

D is for diligence. However, my favorite D word is actually dinner. LOL! Being diligent is something that has kept me focused on all of my goals. That along with faith, and Determination, has led me to where I am. Being diligent allows for success even when those around us discourage us. Diligence must fuel your Drive to achieve what you have set out to do.

Sometimes life becomes overwhelming and our Dreams may be set aside. However, as long as we stay focused, diligent and faithful, we will achieve our goals…

C is for Charlotte!

C is for Charlotte! We recently relocated from Bucks County, PA to the Charlotte area. After years of working and living in the NY tri-state area we needed a slower place. I really like NC even more than I expected. We no longer have New York City within reach but it’s just a 90-minute flight if we need a fix. There are many new sights to see which I am looking forward to enjoying this summer.

I like the idea of having so many new things around offering new experiences for us. It could be simply turning down a different street and seeing a new beautiful neighborhood or the many restaurants that aren’t up north. A lot of the people living here are from NY or NJ. However, they have become acclimated and have the calming spirit that most southerners have. We moved here for peace and we found it!

I must say that I have only a few complaints.  The complaints that I have are: 1) I have to pump my own gas unlike NJ, 2) the streets aren't wide enough, 3) it takes me 45 minutes to go less than 20 miles to work, and 4) the groceries costs $3-4 more than we're used to paying. Nothing else. Living in the NY area, as much as I loved it, I could create an abundance of things that I disliked.

Charlotte is a great place to work and live. There is always something going in one of the many neighborhoods here. If you’re looking for a place to visit, I think you should put Charlotte on the list. It’s a city with a small town feel. And no, I don’t work for tourism. I just know a great place when I see it.

B is for Believing... Day 2 of the A to Z challenge...

B is for believing! It's important to believe in your ideas even when others try and encourage you to walk away from them. Sometimes the discouragement you hear is the fear others own regarding the goals they have set for their lives. Its sort of like that old saying, “Misery loves company.” Some people love to snatch your dreams since they haven’t breathed any life into their own…

When you have dreams that have been lying dormant because life got in the way, they are still within reach. They continue to live inside of you waiting for the right moment for you to focus on them. Believing allows you to create the impossible making extraordinary things quite possible. 

When you wake up everyday put your dreams into action. Don’t just sit at home thinking about what could be, when you could be out doing what you have dreamt for you. Never give up on your dreams…

Believe that you can do anything because you really can!

Too many characters...

What do you do when you have so many characters floating around in your head? It's crazy! Each time I start working on a project another idea comes along. I am not sure what's the best way to deal with it. What I have done thus far is at least type the initial ideas down. I don't want to forget certain ideas the characters stir up. I try focusing on one manuscript completely but that's never worked for me. For many years, life distracted me from writing. Since it was stirred awake around 2006, I have been unable to rest. Not that I want to necessarily but it has become a larger part of my life than it had been. Every waking moment almost becomes an idea. [Insert an eye brow raise here.]

One of my projects is a story that's been stirring inside of me for years. I'm not sure if it will ever reach the world beyond the computer screen. However, I have to write it. It won't let me rest. So, I set a daily writing goal of 2000 words. Not on each project per day, but on whichever one I am working on that day. Isn't this what an aspiring author does? Why am I complaining? I'm not really.

Then the lyrics. They invade my thoughts too. I could be walking to get the mail, or on the treadmill, and lyrics pop into my head. My cell phone recorder has become my best friend. Sometimes its easier to just sing the lyrics into my phone so I won't forget the idea or the melody. Minister Steve told me to just keep writing them down and when we're ready, they'll be at arms length. So... each moment, every hour, ideas flow inside of me. I look like I'm listening to you, but I think my ideas have me a little distracted. Ha!

I apologize in advance because YOU might be one of the next character's in my book... Just kidding. Am I?

A to Z Challenge...

I have never been involved in blogging events but decided to join an event held by Alex J. Cavanaugh and a few others. I think its important for me to read other blogs especially since I want others to read mine. I know that by reading the other blogs I will learn how to make mine better too. I will also become more committed to my blog. I enjoy networking with good people and this seems like a great group to interact with. I look forward to reading other blogs and have already read some that I probably wouldn't have without stumbling across this challenge. It sounds like I am in a win-win situation. I'll be starting on April 1, 2012 beginning with the letter A... cool!

Whitney Houston... God Bless You!

When I was a young girl singing in the choir at Union AME Church in Warwick, New York, I heard this voice hit the airwaves that stopped me in my tracks. That voice came out of Newark, New Jersey and belonged to Whitney Houston. I was in love with that voice and the spirit of the woman that it belonged to. I never stopped loving her and love listening to all of her music.

I took a few days off of Twitter and have deleted some "friends" from Facebook. They said too many negative things when talking about Ms. Houston's death. I didn't know her personally but I took it personal. She was like a sister to me and I was proud of all of her achievements. I wasn't raised to spew hate and not see the good in people. I was raised at a time when we actually loved each other and helped lift each other up. The world has changed, and people love to knock other's down. That both saddens, and angers me.

We all have issues in our lives, but unfortunately hers were made public. How many people take prescription drugs when they shouldn't? There are people that sip on wine or take pills nightly to sleep. Addiction is addiction. That's the bottom line. Not one of us is better than the other. And yes, all of us have a few skeletons residing in the closet. I wish people would stop crucifying her before the cause of death has even been stated.

We live in a society that loves to focus on negativity. I am one of those rare individuals that doesn't. I try to be a light in someone's life daily and can't do that if I surround myself with negativity. I don't retweet stories that I don't feel should be shared. In a world with so much pain and suffering, why must we add to it? Remember this.... A daughter lost her mother and a mother lost her daughter. Don't they deserve our love and support? You would want that from your friends and family. They deserve that too.

When I die, I want to be remembered for the good that I have done, and not for just the mistakes that I have made in life. I am sure that others would like to be remembered for the good they've done as well. I will remember Ms. Houston's voice as one that will never be duplicated. I will remember her also for the music she blessed us with, and a spirit that shined bright in spite of those that attacked her character. Her addiction, like her blackness, was a small part of who she was. It was not who she was.

I can't change the world. I wish I could. I would like to get people to pause and think before their "social media courage" posts something unfair, judgmental, and cruel. I just want others to respect people, instead of judging them solely based on a small part of their lives. I know Ms. Houston is in Heaven, although others have condemned her. How fitting that the last song she sang prior to her passing was, "Jesus Loves Me." In the end, that's all that matters. She was a child of God and now she is singing with the angels...

Isn't it great that there is only one judge? And He doesn't have a Facebook or Twitter account.

Rest in peace Whitney Houston. I love you...

Why did I start writing?

I started writing as a teen. I had a good childhood but I wasn’t one that shared my feelings with others. I was extremely quiet. I started writing so I could express the way I felt about things I went through as a teen. I grabbed notebook after notebook jotting things down. From that I began writing short stories and poetry.  My stories came out of real events but I enjoyed writing them like short stories instead of like journal entries.

During my adulthood I continued writing in journals and creating poems and lyrics. Around 2006, I started writing my first manuscript and then a few others followed. In 2011, I decided to work toward publishing some of my work. In 2012, I am actively working toward bringing my manuscripts to life. I write both adult and YA fiction. A number of friends asked me to write an inspirational or motivational book. I am hoping to bring that to life soon as well.

Writing began as a way of coping with events that I experienced in life. When I publish my work, I hope to bring a voice to people who have difficulty expressing what they feel. I write almost everyday and have no idea what I would do if I didn’t write… I love it!

Writing, writing, and more writing...

I wonder what I would do if writing and music didn't exist. I love both of them tremendously. What else would I do during my free time? I would probably sit staring at a computer doing nothing after hours or surfing the internet, or watching television. I finished another manuscript last night. Then I sat thinking, what am I supposed to do now? I have two manuscripts that need to be brought to a clear end and one that needs to be edited by me. However, I wanted to work on a new one.

I looked through my word documents and found an adult fiction manuscript that I had started last month. I was excited that it was there so I could start writing again. I know that it won't take much to bring the other two manuscripts to an end. I will work on them next. The funny thing is that I said that before I started writing the one I just finished.

I have a habit of working on more than one project at a time. I have never been able to focus on one project without having others lingering around waiting for my attention. I will get to the other two manuscripts after this one. I have to because it doesn't make me happy to have unfinished projects sitting around. For now I will continue working on the one I just started yesterday while waiting for my young adult manuscript to come back from the editor.

I am excited that my manuscript is in the hands of someone that isn't family or a friend. I trust their opinions because we don't support something that we know is not going to be received by others as good. For example, I refuse to encourage someone to sing in public if I know they can't carry a tune in private. My family is the same. We are honest even when it hurts. Still I am anxiously but eagerly  waiting to see what she thinks about my writing style.

As I wait to hear back from my editor [ah, that sounds sweet!] I will remain faithful and diligent. I plan on working on my manuscripts and Minister Steve's two albums we'd like to release in the Spring of 2012. I can't wait until the manuscripts turn into books and the lyrics, melodies, and his vocals, evolve into a completed Gospel CD. And I will write, write, and write until my fingers refuse to punch the keys.

What's your writing style?

Yesterday I watched a snippet of an interview with the graffiti artist that made millions after he spray-painted the walls in the Facebook office. At one point he said that he, I am a paraphrasing, took the paint can and just painted. Basically, he doesn’t always plan before hand what he is going to draw or paint.  This resonated within me because I had recently explained my writing style to someone. I sit in front of the computer with a basic idea, sometimes. On most occasions I sit down and just start typing. I have never understood how it works but it works for me. Even when I have an idea or topic, I don’t necessarily have a plan.

I was born before computers were invented. I grew up without a computer or word processor. I actually had to write things down, which is almost foreign today. When my writing tool was a pen and paper, my writing style was the exact same. I opened up my notebook to a blank sheet of paper, and let the tip of my pen create whatever it was I wanted to create. It has always baffled me because I never sit down with a plan that has a beginning, middle, and end. I type and the story takes on a life of its own.

I am not sure if my writing style is unique. I am not sure if it’s a common practice. I just hope that it is successful. Even when I do my motivational status updates, I just type and my fingertips create my update for the day. I have never understood it but have always accepted it. I haven’t taken writing classes. I never knew how to explain my writing style to others, especially a teacher. [Insert smile here]

Whether I am writing lyric, a poem, or a manuscript my writing style is the same. I sit in front of the computer with headphones on blocking out the rest of the world, and am always amazed when a story evolves out of such chaos. When I was in college, and even in graduate school, I did the same thing when I wrote my papers. Having complete quiet or the voices on the television in the background is extremely distracting to me. The soothing voices and melodies playing in my headphones are not. It touches something deep within allowing my creative juices to flow.

I don’t give all of the credit to my fingertips and pen. I know I am a participant. It just interests me that sometimes I don’t quite feel like I have been. I can see or hear something that inspires me to develop something. It’s quite interesting and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I will keep blasting my music while creating and completing projects. It's just what I do...

What’s your writing style?

Get Your Book Professionally Edited, PLEASE!!

I often wonder what an author thinks of their project and reader when they don’t take the time out to have their work edited. You have one shot to get things out to the public the right way. If you don’t think enough of your book to put out a copy that is done well based on both editing and content, why should I read it? I don’t care if the book is free. I don’t care how great the cover is. If you don’t try to put out the best product you are doing your readers a great disservice. Not to mention, you will lose potential readers along the way.

I saw a book on Amazon that was missing the basics and I was offended. I felt like the author had a story to tell but didn’t care how it was delivered. This isn’t the only one I’ve seen but this one truly bothered me. I couldn’t clearly see the content because I was focused on her basic mistake. I did read the sample pages because I hoped that the author had made a mistake that was corrected on the following pages. I realized that she hadn’t. I couldn’t buy the book despite my desire to support as many self-published authors as I can.

Even more, she had two reviews that didn’t mention the mistake at all. I think I was more baffled by that. You can acknowledge that it was a good book, and explain nicely why it wasn’t a great book. It’s no different than knowing your cousin can’t sing but you encourage him to audition for one of the reality singing shows. You know he can’t carry a tune but encourage him to follow his dream. Really? I want to be an author. We all can’t be. If someone was honest and suggested I try something else, I would appreciate that more than being lied to by everyone. Be gentle, courteous, supportive, but mainly honest if what you have read isn’t up to par. It’s unfair to the author to believe they've done something that they haven't.

Here is my example of what I saw. Where her characters interacted and were in a conversation, she didn’t add commas. Instead of, “I hope that you don’t publish a book without using an editor,” I said. It read like this “Hi, I am not using a publisher. I don’t care enough about you” she responded. Can you see it? I am not an editor but I know that you can tell me exactly what I see.

I agree that editing is costly. However, I strongly feel that it will kill your book if its not done. In the end, it will cost you more than the initial editing costs. You will lose sales, and possibly have to redo your book. It is imperative to pay for someone to professionally edit your work. We have the stories but they know the style that it should be written in. I look forward to reading your book, and will give an honest review. FYI... reviews matter!!

I am an aspiring author but I am a reader first. Please, think of me and other possible readers, before you publish your book without editing it. Authors need to have respect for their products and an unedited book tells me that they don't. A number of self-publishers have had their books picked up by traditional publishers. I bet their books were edited professionally.

Self-published shouldn’t equate to less than. You have a story and I want to read it. PLEASE, do your part and myself, and other readers will support you! Edit, edit, edit, please, edit your book...

If I missed something in English or writing class let me know. Maybe I made the mistake. I hope I am wrong and she is right!! She is the one published. Me, I am currently getting ready to have my manuscript professionally edited. [Insert smile here...]

I Took A Big Writing Step!

My writing journey has taken a great turn. I mentioned previously that I might have found a copy editor. I am proud to announce that I have sent one of my young adult manuscripts off to a very talented editor. I am thankful that gifted author, Russell Brooks, introduced us. I am not sure how long the process will take to publish my book, but staying focused brings it closer to fruition. I am one step closer to publishing in 2012. Check.

A superstar doesn't become a star sitting around waiting for the right moment. A superstar ceases the moment. Be unprepared doesn't allow us to move quickly when the opportunity arises. I am not comparing myself to a superstar. I am just making an analogy. Am I a superstar? Ha! I just want to be published. Then I will embrace what comes after that even if it's superstardom. What's the point in dreaming small? I dream BIG. (Insert laughter here.)

I spend a great deal of my free time writing. I consistently say that I just want to be ready. I have planted the seed and each day that I type, I am watering those seeds.  Whether I am writing lyrics for Minister Steve's music ministry or completing manuscripts, I write every chance I get. I am focused on my dreams and know that I must remain diligent and faithful. If you're wondering what I'm doing when I don't call, I am watering my seeds.

Be on the lookout for my next post regarding my book. I am so excited to be moving in the right direction. I am filled with joy. Writing it my passion so hopefully my editor will think my projects are worth sharing. Keep your ear to the ground and I will keep you updated. Pray for me!

Make sure to go to www.russellparkway.com and check out Russell Brooks' thrillers.

Dealing with every day things...

During my life I have learned that my feelings are best expressed in writing. When I am at a loss for what to say, I just grab a piece of paper and a pen. It comes out better that way for me. I have been doing this since I was very young. Jen's Nana had a stroke in April 2011 and I have been amazed at how quickly her life has changed. It has affected us as a result and me more than I expected it to. I pray for her daily and  in every interaction I am reminded just how fragile life is. After visiting her one afternoon my heart was heavy and this is the result...

My Nana. My Friend...

My heart cries for you as I watch your memories fade away

Now confused by simple things like the time of day

You used to read books at the speed of light,

Now you’re sleep before the sun sets at night.

You’re able to recall the lyrics of your favorite songs

It helps us keep hope and it’s how we remain strong

To watch you shimmy as the melody hits the air,

It’s the sway of your shoulders that keeps us right there.

Hanging onto your every word

Looking for a sign that we’ve been heard

Making new memories while holding onto the old,

Enjoying the new connections with you that we hold.

The light in your eyes comes back now and again

Somewhere lost in there is my Nana, my friend.

The joys you’ve owned aren’t lost in the past,

We’ll cherish these days for as long as they last…

SLP~ 

(C) 2012 by Stacey Pierce

My Warmest Winter Ever... 2012!!

This time last year we spent hours shoveling in a winter storm that hit us right after Christmas. It was horrendous. My neighbor somehow ended up putting some of his snow on our driveway, which made something as simple as pulling into the driveway a slippery situation. I worked in Monmouth County who decided not to plow the roads including the streets near the hospital where I worked. It did give me two paid days off because my journey on 195 came to a halt when I couldn’t drive on the snow and ice any longer. For the weeks that followed the trip to work was painful! Parking at the hospital was even worse because there were mountains of snow everywhere. It made turning the corner almost impossible. Once they decided to plow they managed to put snow on the corners of most of the streets in Long Branch and surrounding areas. There was snow everywhere for months. 

This year, my winter has been the exact opposite. I have worn t-shirts and have not put on anything heavier than a sweatshirt. My winter coat hasn’t been removed from the box it was packed in prior to us relocating to North Carolina. The temperature has been cold at times but nothing like what I’ve experienced living in the New York tri-state area. I grew up in upstate New York. I know cold. I know snow. I also know it snows in North Carolina but there won’t be 20 inches of snow in one storm. I like to throw on a sweater or sweatshirt without wearing a jacket. I can do that now. And it is amazing to me! It’s a small thing to some but when you’ve been through a few dark valleys it allows you to embrace even the smallest of things. Today when we go out I will be donning a sweatshirt in forty-five degree weather. And there will be no snow on the ground. That to me is priceless in the middle of January.

While basking in the amazing weather I have continued working on my goals that I have carried over from 2011. I have been writing as much as I can. I am working on a few projects that I am looking forward to publishing this year. I may have acquired a copyeditor that was referred by a friend. That is the biggest step for me right now. When I review or simply read books it bothers me when people don’t get their books properly edited. I initially judge a book by its cover but then it’s judge by its contents. I strongly feel if an author doesn’t feel that their project is important enough to be copyedited that I shouldn’t feel it’s important enough to read. My manuscripts are my prize possessions. Once I see finish projects of some authors, I don’t feel they see it the same way. I know its costly but it costs the author more in the end. The biggest cost is lack of readers. I don’t want that to happen to me.

I have narrowed it down to two book cover designers. I am hoping to go with a friend of mine. Through the guidance of another friend I will be bringing my books to life first through e-books, and then I will make them available in paperbacks. I enjoy reading on the iPad and my Kindle. To me, there is nothing like turning the pages of a book. Maybe it’s my age and the fact that owning a library card was important when I was growing up. In the age of digital everything I still love touching the spine of a book. I am so excited about sharing my fiction novels and my motivational books with everyone. I am taking my time to bring them together professionally. I don’t want to disappoint. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thank you so much for your continued support.

Stay warm…

Almost the end of the year...

I can't believe that it's almost 2012. So many changes have occurred and I welcome all of them. 2011 has been a wonderful year and I know that 2012 is going to be even better. I am so excited to see the things that I know are waiting for me. I am ready to embrace it all.

I am still writing diligently but due to a few things I've modified some of the goals on my list. I set goals for being published in 2011 but that will not happen until next year. I am not disappointed because I know it will happen when God says so. All I want to do is write and I'm doing that as much as I can. I will be ready when it happens because the manuscripts are complete. I love also that ideas are still flowing for new stories. I can't write fast enough. LOL! Moving to NC was my focus this year and it has been the best move for us. Each day that I wake up in NC I am reminded of how once you set goals for your life, they do happen. It took some time and life changes for us to get here, but we made it. Ain't God good?

I am still working with Minister Steve as he completes his album, "Acoustically Anointed," which will be released on our label, Soulful Soundz Music Group, LLC early next year. His voice blends with the amazing music ability of Martin Dominguez Ball. The marriage of the two (his voice and Martin's musical composition) is insanely magical. We'll be releasing another single, "I Surrender All," soon. We have also established some great connections to help us get his music ministry to the next level. Minister Steve will be working on his sophomore project and it will be a blessing to your spirit, as his first one will be.

I am still doing book reviews so contact me if you'd like to discuss your need for a review. I'll review most genre including those I don't generally read.  However, I don't read anything that promotes any of the  isms... racism, antisemitism, etc. I do reviews on e-books and traditional books. I look forward to hearing from authors.

Again I say that I'm truly amazed that 2011 went by so quickly. However, I'm standing tall waiting to see the blessings that are going to rain down during 2012. "When you believe you shall receive..." These are the words I now live by. Until next time my friends... SHINE!!

This story left me breathless... FIVE stars indeed!!

K.C. Marshall

Publisher: Xlibris

Published: 2009

ISBN: 9781436325684

Pages: 192


This book displays the courage of three African-American women traveling along their journey through life. These women own similar characteristics that hinder success—self-destruction, self-hatred and substance abuse. These three characteristics cripple a soul forcing the negative self-image to prevail planting the seed in the cycle of poverty. This book left me breathless but refreshed on some level. The issues the author addresses are some that I feel personally affect the current status of African-Americans in our society today.

If one doesn’t own self-love they will not succeed. In order to become successful one must first believe that they are worthy of success. I found myself getting lost in each page holding my breath at times waiting for the outcome of each woman’s journey. I also became angry at how real each story was. We, in the African American community, hinder our success and the success of others by continually owning self-hatred. When we place value on the color of skin or hair texture rather than on character and integrity the results are disheartening resulting in violence, poverty, substance abuse, etc.

Each character faces racism in the larger society but also within their communities and families. However, they all become empowered and succeeded despite their circumstances. The author allows the reader a brief glimpse into life behind the walls at the Whittenhall. The characters and the baggage—stories--they come with are very real. Ms. Marshall paints a clear picture of how things are and what is expected behind the Whittenhall Wall. In our society, life for some begins and ends behind a wall similar to the Whittenhall as they feel they deserve nothing more. They don't acquire the necessary strength to tackle the walls placed in front of them. Whereas in other cases, people use all of their power—education, desire and will—to climb out of their situations creating a better life for themselves. These three women did just that.

The veil is a metaphor of the importance of knowing your true worth and value. When you believe that you come from greatness then you believe that you deserve the best that life has to offer. I highly recommend this book for all people, however, feel it will have its greatest influence on young women despite the color of their skin. When we teach young women to love and respect themselves they end up demanding it in their lives. This book is phenomenal and I hope the author gets the praise that she deserves for addressing serious issues in such a gripping way.