Northampton writing project planted a seed for memoir - years later
A writing project at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery planted a seed for Judith Morris that would remain with her for years before she eventually self-published her memoir.
In 2006, Judith took part in Old Treasures – New Voices, an Arts Council-funded writing project at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. The resulting exhibition, which ran from 30 September to 10 December that year, gave Judith her first experience of having her writing shared publicly and planted a seed that would remain with her.
Judith continued to write in the years that followed, but it was not until 2019, when she began writing about her profound connection with nature, that her writing eventually led her into memoir.
“When I began writing in memoir form, it just flowed,” says Judith. “I wasn't setting out to write a book. I was simply following where the writing took me.”
What emerged was an unexpectedly personal journey into childhood memories, healing and experiences that had remained largely unspoken. The result is Stepping out of Silence, from shame & anxiety to becoming the real me, a memoir about moving from a difficult and restrictive childhood towards self-discovery, self-acceptance and finding her voice.
Judith grew up in Market Harborough and has lived in Daventry since 1989, but Northampton has also played an important part in her writing journey.
At the age of 10, Judith had promised herself that one day she would write a book.
“I am honestly amazed that at ten years old I knew what I needed to do,” she says.
Judith hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to explore their own silences, listen to their inner voice and perhaps discover that it is never too late to fulfil a childhood ambition.
Stepping out of Silence is available to order from Judith's website: