5 minute read
From the Ashes, a Debut Novel by Sara McGee
By her super proud former teacher, K. Coats
Writing to decompress is a common activity. People have journals and blogs aplenty these days. But for local author Sara McGee, it became a way of survival and healing. In her debut novel, From the Ashes, McGee explores the dynamics of breaking the cycle of domestic violence through her character Jordan Collins. Jordan struggles against her abusive ex-boyfriend while also fighting her own personal demons of alcoholism and suicide only to learn the relationship has resulted in a pregnancy. As she journeys through the loneliness and terror of domestic abuse and learns to navigate her new role as an expectant mother, Jordan shows all of us a resilience that can only be forged through fire. And from the ashes, she gains a strength that changes all those around her.
Sara McGee graduated from South Gwinnett High School in 2009. Her teachers remember her wry humor fondly. She would go on to Gwinnett Tech where she focused on English and Business Management. And even though her debut novel is this year, McGee has been writing for most of her life. “I wrote my very first book a little over ten years ago,” she explains. “I never thought to publish it. The publishing industry was so different back then. For now it’ll just sit on my laptop.” But now that she’s gotten started, McGee has big plans to keep up the momentum. “Well, I have five more books outlined,” she says, “so I plan to publish two more novels this year and hope I can keep the pace of at least three novels a year.” But the role her writing will play has to change when it comes to long-term plans. “With my debut series, I never set out to make a living off of it,” she explains. “I wrote them to help fellow domestic violence victims know that they’re not alone, but also so that their families and friends can better understand the situation they’d found themselves in.” She then adds, “The rest of my books need to pay some bills, though.”
For her first publication, McGee dug deep into her own personal experiences. “From the Ashes is mostly based on my past experiences,” she remembers. “Last year, I was once again entering into a depressive episode triggered by a trauma anniversary. I found that writing everything down rather than bottling it all up was for the best.” But she did more than write it down. In her struggles, McGee decided to reach out to others through her writing. And while it was difficult having to way, are the people who protect and support me in one way or another.
OTG: How do you give back to your community?
ED: Professionally, I serve in the capacity of Associate Municipal Court Judge in Lilburn and Chamblee. I also serve as a defense attorney on the Indigent Defense list, and as an advocate for clients with Special Needs, Mental Health issues, and Veterans. Personally, I serve as an active member and volunteer in several non-profit and civic organizations. I also serve as a board member with the STRAP Mentor Program where I have been actively involved for over ten years.
OTG: What things are you most excited about in the future?
ED: It is exciting to see what GOD has in store for me next. I’m excited about serving in the capacity of a State Court Judge!
More information at www.EricaDove.com
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Because the SE Co-op is located in Grayson, the activity immediately caught the attention of the city government and community. “I wish I had the words to describe what it was like assisting in delivering supplies and meeting approximately twenty Ukrainian refugees – several of them children – and learning what they went through to get here,” says Amanda Leftwich, City of Grayson Community Development Director. “My heart is both full and broken at the same time. I do know this – Grayson, Georgia is the most giving city there is.”
That giving spirit caught on with an initiative to provide the children with the happier things that help make a childhood joy-filled. “The first time we were there,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson, “we noticed that they didn’t have any toys. Obviously, when you can only bring two bags with you, toys are not high on the priority list. So, we have taken on this mission! Through some amazing help, we have purchased five bikes and helmets and five dolls.” The families have 18 children between the ages of 2 months to 7 years. Those who wish to help, please donate through Grayson’s City Hall.
Between the Lilburn Russian House of Prayer, SE Gwinnett Co-op, Peace of Thread, and the Grayson and Gwinnett Communities, there is hope for these refugees. These humans, fellow faithful humans who have their families together, but lack the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter, will emerge from this huge change with the help provided.
“The biggest challenge will be housing,” says Denise. “All housing has jumped in price along with inflation, and it is difficult.”
Keeping newly arrived refugees in close proximity with one another increases their ability to become a part of their new home because, like all people, they have support from people who share their experience.
More information at https://www.segwinnettcoop.org or www. Peaceofthread.com/donate (select Ukraine Refugees).
Perimeter Cares pays off unpaid lunch debt for elementary school students. We have paid off over 60 schools and plan to take care of all elementary schools in the state of Georgia.
perimetercares.org
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