"Housewarming"

Focus and intent:
Housewarming is a romantic drama that offers an inside look at the harm caused by verbal and emotional abuse against a backdrop of a variety of home improvement projects and relationship-building. A bittersweet ending emphasizes the challenges of recovery from this insidious form of abuse.

The storyline:
Trish, a divorcé plagued by years of emotional abuse, meets Del, a contractor, at a home improvement store.  A business arrangement to help each other with home-based projects begins a seemingly safe friendship between them, and Trish begins to let her guard down.  As their friendship deepens and Del confesses his growing affection for her, Trish is suddenly overwhelmed by the anguish of her past and instinctively pushes Del away.  Although safe, she finds herself torn; Her fear of being hurt again is all-consuming, yet her feelings for Del make it hard to let go.

Meet the Author:  Cindy A. Burrell

The author has been writing for more than 20 years.  Her work has included short stories and essays, two full-length non-fiction publications, as well as several songs.  The author currently works professionally for a State Senator performing in-depth research and writing.  She has worked for the California Legislature in various capacities for 24 years.  She was married for 20 years to a man who became an emotional abuser. Divorced in 2003, Cindy recently re-married. 

What emotional abuse may look like:
Humiliation...control...domination...intimidation...threats...monopolizing...manipulation...shame...
"crazymaking"...isolation...silent treatment...terrorizing...destruction of property...rage...blame...name-calling...sarcasm...ridicule...emotional cruelty...confusion...profanity...

Considerations:
Various forms of emotional abuse are largely un-addressed in the major media markets.   For this reason, the story blends entertainment value with a vital message.  The storyline would be ideally suited to a contemporary song and music video.  The subject matter would provide substance for radio and television interviews.  Magazine articles and public speaking engagements would add to its potentially far-reaching impact.  The do-it-yourself backdrop could also yield sponsorships from prominent decorators or home improvement companies.

To make an inquiry regarding "Housewarming," please contact the author at cindy@hurtbylove.com.  Serious inquiries only, please.