NOTE: Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival is NOT a cozy, feel-good book. It is a true story of extreme child abuse and my struggle to survive. It contains adult language to put a sailor to shame and heartbreaking graphic content. This story was my life.

Although unnerving, Bitter Memories is a gripping account of the extremes a child can undergo—and survive. Written from the heart, taking on a life of its own, I relived those memories of heartache, sadness, extreme hunger, and intense fear in hopes of helping other adult survivors find a path toward healing their “hidden” scars.

My story deals with explosive topics that former child victims of mental, physical, and sexual violence will understand, but in order to help other child abuse survivors I had to tell my story, uncensored.

I had to talk about all those bad things that happened to me as a child after being kidnapped by my father, living a life on the run, hungry, abused, and terrified.

While writing this book I had to actually relive years of feelings and all the sorrow felt so I could deal with my own heartbreaking, painful memories that had kept me in a mental prison of hell for so long.

I managed to do it because I am a survivor! From this book came three more in the series, listed below with a very short bit about each one.

I am currently working on the fourth in the series; dedicating book four to my brother.

Book 1 - non-fiction:
Bitter Memories: A Memoir of Heartache & Survival is the true story of my life after being kidnapped by my father, then for six years living a life on the run, hungry, abused and terrified...so terrified that I split into multiple personalities in order to survive...strong adult language and content. VERY graphic!

Book 2 - creative non-fiction/crime fiction:
Trophy Murders delves into my vivid “where did that come from” imagination to deliver an action-packed crime story about a gang of serial killers; mixing in more truth as I continue the journey after going to live with Uncle Henry (the cop) and his heavy-handed wife, Olivia. A life, by the way, I wouldn’t wish on any kid!

Book 3 - psychological thriller/crime fiction:
Cutter’s Revenge brings a man believing he has amnesia, a sadistic serial killer, and more secrets revealed. This book was fun to write while it provided me with the perfect opportunity to get “revenge” against a few who made my life hell. Mixing truth with a ton of suspense to get the heart racing, my imagination runs as rampant as the stalking serial killer bringing terror around every turn! Although pure fiction on the revenge it does make for a pulse-pounding, sit-on-the-edge-of-the-chair thriller. You’ll be listening for strange noises and things that go bump in the night should you — Enter Cutter’s World...

Trophy Murders and Cutter's Revenge are loaded with action, suspense, drama, secrets, a love story, and so much more. And, my fictional crimes are a bit twisted and sadistic. I hope you’ll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing these two books.

Book 4 - memoir (currently being written)
After Midnight is the title I've decided on. This book continues parts of my story left out from the other books in the bitter memories series, and I expect, like the other three books, this one will also take on a life of its own before finished. After Midnight delves more into my involvement with my mother’s alcoholic sister and also my big brother who, in the other books I had not yet met. This is all I can tell until finished.

Book 5 - non-fiction (not part of the bitter memories series)
From The Heart: A Collection of Poems and Stories, is a book written from low points in my life while searching for peace. It seems I can’t write poetry unless depressed, but my poems are thoughtful, not depressing. They are actual feelings from these times with short stories about what inspired each poem. Truly written “from the heart” I expose feelings never shared with another person until this book. Also available in audio. To hear my written words spoken by Beth MacEwan who narrated is totally awesome! I highly recommend the audio for a breathtaking experience.


If you'd like to learn more about my personal story in the bitter memories series; surviving extreme child abuse , and also my book of poetry, please visit my website:

http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen