This is the description of the episode:

On this episode of the Hidden Gifts of Loss podcast, Phyllis Unterschuetz shares her story of hidden grief and healing. At 21, while in France to do service for her religious community, Phyllis found herself unexpectedly pregnant. Faced with overwhelming shame and fear of disgrace, she opted for an illegal abortion and suppressed the experience for years. The buried grief led to various emotional struggles throughout her life. It wasn’t until a breakthrough with a therapist that she began to acknowledge and form a relationship with the lost child, named Ruhi. This journey also led her to reconnect with her younger self, significantly aiding her healing process. Phyllis is now writing a memoir to share her story and inspire others to confront and process their own hidden grief.

Phyllis Unterschuetz was selected from eighty applications received from writers across the U.S. and overseas. This fellowship had to be historically accurate, and tell a compelling story, could take a variety of forms, including memoirs, autobiography, biography, history, journalism, and even drama and poetry. Phyllis will receive a two-week residency at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow.

Linda Leavell, the sponsor and one of the judges said, “The judges for the fellowship were unanimous in their enthusiasm for Phyllis Unterschuetz’s application. Her autobiographical writing sample is a superb example of narrative nonfiction. It tells a poignant coming-of-age story that is vivid with sensual detail and emotional candor..”

Phyllis’ residency will take place September 9 – 21 and will include a presentation for residents of Eureka Springs. For more information, visit the Colony’s website

“And the Trees Shall Hold You” is a gorgeously written, vivid lyric essay! . . . I teared up a bit! We all loved it! You’re a talented writer and this piece in my heart forever.”

Interview by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

Congratulations to Phyllis Unterschuetz of Lithia Springs, Georgia and to all of the other contestants and winners of the WOW! Women on Writing Quarter 1 2024 Essay Contest!

Today I’m excited to interview Phyllis Unterschuetz. Before we get to our interview, make sure you check out her essay, “And the Trees Shall Hold You.” Then come on back!

WOW: Phyllis, I loved your essay submission but even more so I enjoyed an opportunity to get to know you better! You are so open and honest – qualities I admire in a friend! I’m sure readers will agree, you are a gem! Let’s get down to it; what were you wanting readers to gain from “And the Trees Shall Hold You”?

PHYLLIS: I hope my readers will think about how they might tap into the power of connectedness when they find themselves in challenging situations. I believe we humans are dual-natured beings—souls who are temporarily associated with physical bodies. We thrive when we are able to draw strength from our connections to each other, to the earth, and to Spirit, including the souls of those who have passed on to the spiritual realm. My experiences at the cemeteries felt magical and mysterious, but they were also very concrete. I grew physically stronger when I imagined myself connected to the trees’ root systems. I’d be thrilled if my readers can have similar experiences.

Read the full interview here

The first round of reading for the International Amy MacRae Award for Memoir has been completed, and the longlist is here! These 33 writers have been selected from the 330 stories that were submitted to the contest.

Lorna Crozier, our 2023 judge, will read these longlisted stories and choose a shortlist and a winner. We will announce the shortlist in early October and the winner at the end of October.

Congratulations to EVERY writer who submitted work to this contest — and cheers to our longlisted writers!

“A simply wonderful and difficult piece, this is the definition of personal essay. It’s done what great CNF does to me, and has made me think about it a little bit every day ever since I first read it. Truly remarkable.” ~ Chris Sowers, Publisher

Read her story here.

Phyllis’ story was included in a collection of essays, entitled Tell Your Story, published on August 6, 2023