My mother's first depressive illness occurred when I was seven years old, and I felt it was my fault.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Trauma'

In January 2011, when my 9-month-old son, Ronan, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, an always-fatal illness with no treatment, I needed a way to give order to my rage, confusion and despair, all of which compelled me to write.

WSJ: Emily Rapp: Writing About Grief | Word Craft