Did you know that in the U.S., 16,787 people have said that they were abused as children by priests between 1950 and 2012? (Read more about this here.) That’s a shocking statistic.
In light of this, author and poet, Jessica Bell, has written and published SHE (a short story in verse), and—until the end of 2014—has decided to donate 100% of the profits made on SHE to ISPCAN.org. SHE is only $0.99 cents on Kindle. The cost of a few sips of coffee.
If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle Reader App onto your computer or your Android phone, tablet, iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows 8 PC or tablet, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone.
I hope you consider purchasing and spreading the word.
EASY TWEET:
SHE by @MsBessieBell—an exploration of religious institutions & #ChildAbuse—100% profits go 2 @ISPCAN. $0.99 #poetry http://ow.ly/z1YWz
About SHE:
Note: This short story is an experimental work of fiction written in verse. Page count: 30. Word count: 1500.
A girl’s brief encounter in limbo, following a suicide attempt, after being sexually abused by a priest. God in limbo is represented by She. She has been misinformed about how faith is advocated on Earth, and sends the girl back for another chance at life, in the belief that she must repent for her sin.
*Disclaimer: This story is not in any way a direct criticism of religion, or a representation of the author’s beliefs, but simply a creative exploration of the concept.
BIO:
Jessica Bell, a thirty-something Australian-native contemporary fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter/ guitarist, is a the Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal and the director of the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop on the Greek island of Ithaca. She makes a living as a writer/editor for English Language Teaching Publishers worldwide, such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, MacMillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning.
Connect with Jessica online:
Website | Retreat & Workshop | Blog | Vine Leaves Literary Journal | Facebook | Twitter
Friends, as mentioned earlier, please help bring awareness to Jessica’s work and this cause by purchasing and sharing. You can forward this post to Twitter or Facebook, or if on WordPress, consider reblogging it. Thanks.
Peace,
ML Swift is a writer of Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult fiction, although he dabbles in many genres.
An Alzheimer’s caregiver for the past ten years, he has published several articles on The Alzheimer’s Reading Room, the largest online website catering to that community, and plans to write a novel about his experience in caregiving.
He resides in Florida with his dogs, Rameses and Buster, attempting to reclaim his side of the bed.
M.L. Swift, Writer 
Michael, I appreciate this more than I can possibly express it! Thank you! ❤
It’s an honor and a pleasure.
She appreciates you spreading the word!
SHE’s definitely worth it, Alex!
Haha, I do. Thanks, Alex!
Hi Michael and Jessica,
I shall most certainly spread the word. The impact and ripple effect of such outrage is far and wide. There have been some high-profile cases in England in regards to celebrities who sexually abused vulnerable young children.
In peace and hope,
Gary
Gary,
So glad to see you, especially for this topic. You’ve always been one to advocate for causes…thanks for spreading the word. You and Penny take care!
Thank you, Gary.
Mike, I’m always happy to see a post from you, especially one on such an important issue. I will go check out SHE now. Thank you!
Hey Liz! Thanks for swinging by and for checking out this ebook…it’s only 99¢ and definitely worth it! 🙂
Thanks for checking it out, Liz!
A tragedy and a travesty that the church is not able to hide anymore. So glad to see She out to add to the public outrage.
Thank you for dropping by. 🙂
When voices are heard, changes happen. Thanks for coming over, Lee. 🙂
Mike, that’s a staggering statistic for which I had no idea. That’s completely amazing and terribly sad. Of coure, we always hear about the church/priest scandals, but I had no clue the numbers were that high.
Jessica, I admire your donating profits to the cause. You are truly inspiring.
What’s almost as bad as the act itself are the cover-ups, with priests remaining in positions to work with kids. And isn’t Jess’s act selfless? Wonderful and inspirational.
Thank you very much, Demetria. I appreciate the kind words!
Wow, Swift… what a great highlight. I’ve seen Jessica around forever and her work has always looked amazing. It’s definitely time for me to dig in and read!!!!
Crazy stats. Great cause. Fabulous talent. Love.
Hey, Red!
Jessica is a pro at this and it’s a pleasure to help her with such a worthwhile cause. All profits go to Int’l Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. What’s giving up an extra cup of coffee one day?
Good seeing you.
While it’s an unsettling topic, it’s good to be spreading the word and actively doing something about it. A respectful nod to Jessica for doing this. And, as always, Mike, you’re awesome.
I know, it’s a topic you wish didn’t happen because it questions supposedly safe havens, shaking them—and you—to your very foundations. Jessica appreciates your support!
And thanks from me, as well. 🙂