Manistee author Sierra Ronning shines light on addiction with new book

MANISTEE — Sierra Ronning, a 25-year-old author from Manistee County, has recently released her debut book, "Beyond the Scars," which tackles the challenging and often sidelined topic of addiction.

Ronning, a lifelong resident of the area, draws on her personal experiences in "Beyond the Scars," which explores the emotional impact of loving an addict.

"As an adolescent, my feelings were always guarded, shut down or kept a secret from anyone with the means to help. I've always been filled with anxiety, stuck in a state of survival," she said.

Writing poetry became an outlet for Ronning, allowing her to express complex emotions without fear of judgment.

"The spotlight, sympathy and understanding are usually for the addict, which leaves the victims left hushed and voiceless. I too am a victim," Ronning explained. 

This desire to give voice to the often-overlooked side of addiction helped motivate her to tell her story.

"Addiction is real — real for the addict and real for those impacted by it," she said.

The title "Beyond the Scars" came naturally to Ronning. 

"The title isn't just about the initial 'wound,' the direct pain, if you will. It's so much deeper than that — it's about the effects, the reflections and the growth that comes from pain," she said.

Writing the book proved to be a cathartic, yet challenging, process.

"I had to put myself back in a fragile state, revisiting things I thought I was over. It was a lot of sad songs and venting until I found the right words to create a poem," she noted. 

Initially planned as a nonfiction piece, she altered her approach after facing challenges with publishers who suggested modifications that did not align with her vision for the book.

"In the end, I wrote something that tells the story I wanted to tell," she said.

While the first-time author is uncertain about writing another book, her current work, "Beyond the Scars," has been made available in a number of local venues. The book, officially released on Sept. 5, can be found at Onekema, Manistee and Ludington libraries, Casman Academy, West Shore Community College, Manistee Middle High School, Staircase, local county jails, and Hoot and Honey Bookstore in downtown Manistee.

Ronning expressed her hopes for readers: "I hope it's emotional and they are left speechless, craving more."