About Me — Barbara J. Martin

Independent, self-reliant, animal lover, passionate writer, and outdoor adventurer.

Find me on my YouTube channel, ‘Solo in the woods!’

'Sixty-Nine Year Old Me'
By Barbara Martin

I’m a sixty-nine year-old independent lady who lives off-grid in my cabin by the sea with my two dogs. When I found Medium by chance, I was thrilled. There are so many stories I plan to write and read!

Although I care little for the word “survivor,” that is what I am, having survived a torturous childhood with narcissistic parents. My low self-esteem sent me into a tailspin of adult failures, choosing abusive husbands and unfulfilling careers. Yet, being strong-willed and determined, I not only survived but came out the other side stronger than ever.

I had always loved to write, but never pursued it. Yet deep inside, my life story was burning to be told. Finally, in 2016, I set out to write a memoir. It took me five years to write it on my own.

Many times I cried from frustration, tossing down my laptop and telling myself, “I can’t do this.” But the next day I’d pick it up and keep going, unsure if anyone would find value in my story.

I was not only shocked but pleased as reviews revealed my memoir affected readers. They seemed captivated by my…