General Information: Role Reversal: Turn Pain Into Power is the second of two poetic autobiographies by Candie Ferald. It is a collection of individual poems woven together to tell a story. This is similar to getting two books in one...the story when read from cover to cover and the individual pieces the reader can select depending on their mood, the day or the situation. Brief Summary (from the author): In Role Reversal: Turn Pain Into Power, I not only deal with the issues I confronted in Candidreams, I also uncover and face deeper and more hidden pains. It was not enough for me to only conquer my own demons, the strength and fortitude I gained through my battles compelled me to use my life an an example that the devil is a liar and that God's love still prevails. In Role Reversal, I write about being in the fire, being strengthened by surviving the fire and ultimately coming out of it with my weapon, my ink pen, in my hand. Back Cover Information: Turn your pain into power Manage its caustic showers From its duress dare not you cower For you know who's waiting to devour Souls that by suffering have been soured -excerpt from title piece Role Reversal: Turn Pain Into Power In Role Reversal, author Candie Ferald, fearlessly depicts the intimate and sometimes sordid experiences that led her to seek solace in a lifestyle that nearly destroyed her. Knowing the devil gains ground in our human shame and silence, Candie does not shy away from her own role in her downfall. Instead, she bravely uses her journey to illustrate the empowering fact that even the most unlikely can reclaim their life through faith and fight. She relays her story in vivid and breathtaking poetic form. I called and asked my mom, explaining the thoughts wouldn't go away, She was shocked and saddened to hear I had any traces of that day. -from 6ooooh9 There is nothing that is good for you that will cause your dreams to die, There is nothing that is good for you for which you must constantly lie. -from The Recount
About the Author: Candie Ferald is the author of two unique and powerful poetic autobiographies, Candidreams: I Remember the Beginning and Role Reversal: Turn Pain Into Power. Candie was born, raised and educated in Southern Virginia. Her family prioritized church and education and they lovingly demanded that Candie do the same. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Psychology where she was inducted into the Golden Key Honor Society. She continued her education by earning her M.S. in Education with a specialization in College and Community Counseling from the then Longwood College. After spending so many years focused on academics, Candie began to explore facets of herself that were overlooked in the classroom. Drawn by its reputation of culture, diversity and opportunity for upward mobility, Candie relocated to metro Atlanta. During a pivotal period of reflection, growth and decision making, she came across an old yearbook and noticed an entry by her 11th grade English teacher. The teacher had instructed Candie to never stop writing. That edict, combined with her empowering experiences in metro Atlanta, spurred Ms. Ferald to to renew her passion for writing. Candie Ferald currently resides in Richmond, Virginia. After years of waiting tables as she wrote and nourished her craft, Candie finally decided to publish her first and second books. She also recently formed her own production company, Little Girl Productions, LLC. The name was inspired by the strength and purity of childhood dreams and the desire to nourish those dreams in others. She is currently working on several projects and is anticipating completing her third novel in the fall.