Brooke Shields, the mother of a nearly 1-year-old daughter, Rowan Francis, is writing a book about postpartum depression. Hyperion plans to publish Down Came the Rain in the spring of 2005.

"By sharing my experience, I hope to shed light on a real, yet often hidden or ignored problem that affects women of all walks of life in varying degrees," the 38-year-old actress said. "I also hope that by being honest about the fear, shock and shame I felt, it will help others avoid the pitfall of postpartum depression and open up a community of support."

Shields, who is married to writer-producer Chris Henchy, gave birth last May.