Arlington author details abusive childhood in book

ARLINGTON — Jackie Morgan knew the consequences of writing a tell-all book about her abusive childhood.

But the Arlington resident had a story to tell, so after taking a few English classes at Everett Community College, she began to write.

Now five months later she’s officially an author.

“The book is about how you may be brought up one way, but that doesn’t mean that you need to carry on that lifestyle and abuse,” Morgan said. “I wanted to expose that part of my family and help my mom. One of my sisters just cried after she read the book and said ‘thank you.’”

The first-time author’s autobiographical book, “Buried,” was published in February. The 180-page soft cover book details Morgan — the 11th of 13 children — growing up in a physically and mentally abusive household.

The book describes Morgan’s childhood in Sedro-Woolley from age 5-13.

Morgan said her original inspiration to write the book came from within. She said she had always wanted to write a book, but didn’t have the writing tools or direction to pursue her goal.

She decided to go back to school to pursue an anthropology degree while continuing her job as a secretary at Pioneer Elementary School in Arlington.

After starting college, Morgan fell back in love with writing, and began writing the story that would become her book. She said she gained confidence in her writing skills through the research and thesis papers she completed in school.

Morgan said she kept her writing process private, with the exception of her close friends and family.

“Once I started typing, I just kept going,” Morgan said. “It started out as just a project for myself. I thought it would be a bonus if anybody read it.”

The book was published by Kentucky-based Wasteland Press.

“They helped me every step of the way,” Morgan said.

As the book neared completion, the Arlington author decided that she wanted to use a pen name. She eventually settled on J.K. Morgan — her middle name is Kaye — because she liked the way it looked.

“I wanted it to be more attention-grabbing,” she said. “I sign my name Jackie Kaye Morgan, so I figured people might remember J.K. Morgan better.”

Morgan said she hasn’t ruled out writing another book, but said if she does she would like to write a novel.

“It was initially a one-time deal,” she said. “I don’t have anything else in mind, but I enjoyed it so much that I haven’t ruled it out.”

For more information on “Buried,” visit www.wastelandbooksonline.com.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.

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