Jim,
I can't wait to read your book!!
My process was different. I did not initially "leave" because of problems with doctrine. It was over 10 years after I became inactive and 4 years after I made the "break" in my mind and heart that I even started learning about all the doctrinal problems. Lack of love in the congregation and the ridiculous way in which my unbaptized daughter was dealt with in an "ambush" by 3 old men in my living room drove me away.
Breaking with the doctrine itself WAS vital, though, to my finally finding a faith I could embrace. This forum and the people I have "met" here have been greatly instrumental in both parts of this step -- breaking with the doctrine (how could I have believed all this nonsense?) and finding a faith (the Catholic faith, as it turns out).
I continue to find so many "eggshells in my omelet" as I call them -- leftovers from the lifetime of JW teaching. But as our friend Tom says, as long as I know they are there, they won't really do me any harm and I can deal with them one by one.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom.
Ruth