Behind the Poetry
Listen as Cristie Schwan shares the deeply personal story behind Chaos In My Head—and how private words written during one of life’s hardest chapters became a published message of healing and hope.
Press the large play button. The interview begins automatically at 2 minutes and 5 seconds, bypassing the opening announcements.
Writing Through The Storm
During the emotional aftermath of an abusive marriage and divorce, writing became Cristie’s private place to process feelings that were difficult to say aloud. Poetry gave those emotions somewhere to live—and eventually became a path toward recognizing her own strength.
In this conversation, Cristie discusses how those personal writings grew into Chaos In My Head: Surviving Divorce and Moving Forward, and why she chose to share her story with readers who may be navigating storms of their own.
Sometimes the words we write simply to survive become the same words that help someone else feel less alone.The heart behind Chaos In My Head
An Honest Discussion About Healing
Writing as an Emotional Release
How personal poetry became a safe outlet for processing pain, confusion and the emotional reality of leaving an abusive relationship.
The Unexpected Secondary Losses
The heartbreak of changed friendships and support systems—and the loneliness that can accompany divorce beyond the relationship itself.
Finding Tools to Move Forward
The role that support, DivorceCare and intentional healing practices played in rebuilding confidence and creating a meaningful new beginning.
Continue Cristie’s Journey
Experience the deeply personal collection of poems behind the conversation.