Each chapter presents a new topic, including first-person stories from formerly abused women, together with a guided writing exercise intended to stimulate creativity and help the woman explore specific issues. Issues include grieving and letting go of the old relationship, staying emotionally and physically safe after leaving the relationship, establishing a new network of friends and supporters, recognizing and nurturing new relationships that are healthy and satisfying, and setting and achieving new life goals. The author is the former program director for a county-wide domestic assault prevention program and has taught creative writing workshops to help women use writing as part of their process of healing from abusive relationships. List of suggested readings and telephone number of national domestic violence hotline