Ann Bennett Cookson

I am a Maine native living in midcoastal Maine who has authored two books. Secrets: A Story of Addiction, Grief & Healing and a story for children titled, A Magical Adventure into the Forest. Secrets, a memoir, was written shortly after my daughter, Sarah, who struggled with opioid addiction, fatally overdosed. Using Sarah’s journals, I intertwined her words with mine, creating a powerful narrative of a struggling young woman, family dysfunction, heartbreak, and grief. Writing this story strengthened me to begin the process of healing from child loss. Grief has no timetable; it involves acceptance of circumstances and of self while opening oneself to love and light rather than endless sadness and grief. I strive to write from the heart, to be open to all possibilities, and to be curious about everything! I have always had a strong, intrinsic urge to put pen to paper. Crafting poetry and prose allows me to channel my creative energy while also providing a framework for processing my innermost thoughts and emotions.

I have a BS degree from the University of Maine, studying Special Education, Speech Pathology, English, Creative Writing, and Library Science, not necessarily in that order! I have studied, practiced, and believe in the power of self-healing using mindfulness, and the natural elements to achieve mental and emotional wellness, focusing on positive energy and light, and am actively involved in grief support and advocacy.

Writing a children’s book was something I had aspired to do for a long time. This book is loosely based on my childhood. I grew up in Winthrop, Maine, a small town nestled among lakes, hills, and forests near Maine’s capital city, Augusta. An apple orchard grew behind our house just beyond a rock wall, where I and my brothers spent hours playing. and exploring. Surrounding our home were forests, which I and my siblings explored, becoming lost and then finding our way home again, helping me create the setting for A Magical Adventure into the Forest! I am inspired by the strength and resilience of individuals facing challenges surrounding grief, loss, and recovery. The resilient spirit realizes where there is darkness, there is also light, that love nurtures our soul, and hope gives us strength to accept and continue our life journey.