Madeline Sharples

Madeline Sharples has worked most of her life as a technical writer and editor, grant writer, and proposal manager. She fell in love with poetry and creative writing in grade school and decided to fulfill her dreams of being a professional writer later in her life. Madeline is the author of Leaving the Hall Light On, a memoir about how she and her family survived her older son’s suicide, which resulted from his long struggle with bipolar disorder. She and her husband of 40 years live in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Creating a Legacy for Your Children and Grandchildren: An Interview of a Family Historian

Writing life stories has become all the rage. We’re in the so-called Memoir Revolution with... >>

I Never Gave Up on My Dream

I never gave up on my dream. That is the key. All it took was... >>

No, I Didn’t Fall Apart When I Quit My Day Job

All of us suffer some kind of tragedy in our lives. When my tragedy hit,... >>

Does An Early Marriage Equal An Early Divorce?

Divorce has been on my mind lately. Two couples very dear to me are contemplating... >>

Paying Attention and Living Without Regret

The news of Nora Ephron’s death as a result of leukemia was such a shock.... >>

It’s Not Easy to Be Objective About Suicide

I have a new job on Monday afternoons and evenings. I am a volunteer administrator... >>

Madeline Sharples, Leaving the Hall Light On
Does the Stigma of Mental Illness Still Exist? By Madeline Sharples

A few months ago my cousin came to our house to review and discuss the... >>

A Tragic Loss Can Result in Unexpected Gifts by Madeline Sharples

This is the season of gift giving and receiving. And right about now I’m usually... >>

Comforting Those Who Grieve

So many people get stuck when it comes to comforting someone who is grieving. They... >>

How Writing Helped Me Survive My Son’s Suicide

The day my son Paul died I couldn’t even put my underpants on right side... >>