Doing Something I Loathe Doing

As many of you know, just before Christmas, my first book was published by Lucky Bat Books. It is available through links on my website and here on my blog. There are two reasons I have not done much, if anything, to get it out there. The first was just the busy-ness of my life these past few weeks, but the second is more ingrained in my personality. I do not like to or know how to self-promote. Many of you know that I was a nun for many years and self-effacement was (supposed to be) the name of the game.

And so I’m turning to you for help.

Winter is Past is the story of a woman who has dealt with a subtle fear throughout her life. She’s unaware of the reason behind her anxiety but when she’s faced with her best friend and kidney donor’s health crisis–cancer in her remaining kidney–she must uncover and deal with her fear of loss.

The book will appeal, for the most part, to women and to those who read authors such as Jodi Picoult or Nicolas Sparks, to health care providers and those dealing with issues related to organ transplantation. It is written with an eye to stimulating discussion in book clubs and similar formats  (there are questions for that purpose at the end of the narrative). While it is not Christian fiction, it will speak to those who read that genre (my first agent wanted to market it as such). It has a message of hope and survival. Perhaps, even if this is not the type of work you would enjoy, you know someone (wife, girlfriend?) who might like to read it.

Here is a heart-warming comment from a friend who began reading it yesterday:

Last evening I began your novel, at chapter 12 I made myself stop reading. I wanted to save what was coming next, like you put away a last piece of chocolate to savor later on…

You have a WONDERFUL way with words my friend. Having visited Reno many times to see John’s parents I could visualize the Truckee rushing its banks, and see the pictures you pointed so clearly with your dialogue. I LOVE your book!!!. Your characters are real and believable, I already have a dislike of Lauren!! And Helene needs to stop being so cranky!!

Yesterday… we went full tilt for the whole day!! Settling down with your book was my reward. I’m looking forward to what will come next.

Joan

If you do buy it and can write a review on Amazon.com or on Kindle, I’d be most grateful. And I hope it will be a satisfying read for you. Thank you so much.

The Gift of an Organ Transplant

In 2001, I was blessed with the gift of a kidney transplant. As I had no relative able to donate, a co-worker stepped in and offered to be my donor. We matched in two out of six antigens. Paula had to go through a battery of tests to show that she was healthy enough, emotionally stable and not acting out of some less-than-selfless motivation. She moved to another state before I needed the kidney and I thought that I would have to wait until someone died to receive a transplant.

Several months later, Paula called to let me know where she was and to assure me that she had called the transplantation center in San Francisco to let them know she was still available. When the time came, we brought her back to Reno then drove to the Bay Area for the procedures.

Throughout this process, my greatest fear was the possibility that something would happen to Paula or that, down the road, one of her children might need a kidney. When I asked her about it, she said simply, “I have to believe that if God is putting me here for you, if my children need my help, someone will be there for them.” I think of this often and although we’re not in constant contact, she’s always present in my prayers, my gratitude and in my living.

My novel, “Winter is Past,” began with this question: “What if something happened to my donor–who would be there for her?”