Authors On Fire
I was interviewed on the Authors on Fire podcast and was humbled by the experience.
Talking to a vast audience of 80 million people on every podcast channel made me nervous. The topic of my husband and parents’ deaths was emotional. I cried at times, but I also had joyful moments. I felt that my message reached everyone who needed it. The book is not only about my grief but offers hope and suggestions for surviving this brutal reality. The reader is taken on a journey to learn how to survive devastating loss.
I hoped to find a different way to look at death. It’s not the end, and the boundary between Heaven and our world is thin. I wanted to give hope to those who were grieving that their loved ones had not left them. I also tried reassuring them that everyone has a heavenly team helping them since birth. I offered examples of how my husband communicates with me and comforts me from beyond the Veil.
After the interview, my book was submitted to a committee of judges. They consisted of published authors, editors, owners of publishing houses, librarians, audiobook producers, and writing professors. The judges are also a diverse group of humans and represent a cross-section of ages, cultural heritage, races, religions, genders, and experiences.
I received “First Place in Grief” and “Second Place in Dying” from The International Firebird Book Awards in 2024! Wow! I never thought I would receive recognition for my manuscript- my original intent in writing about my loss was to help people, and I was.
Behind The Words
After reading my book, Whoever Dies First….. Wins, Nora D’Ecclesis, contacted me for a Behind The Words interview.
She is an American best-selling author and award-winning poet. I was shocked that she would find an interest in my manuscript but embraced my writing and helping others with the grief process. She wanted to highlight me on her channel, and I was honored and humbled.
Nora presented me with the questions to be asked, and quite frankly, I was worried that my answers would not suit her. I was new to the game and not sure what she wanted. However, I sent her my answers without any edits, and she was pleased. Happy! Happy Joy! Joy! She suggested a couple of edits, which I made.
In retrospect, approaching agents to get my book in front of a publisher took a toll on my self-esteem. My book was borne out of anguish and angst, and I knew it would help everyone who was experiencing suffocating grief. Being told “No” was destructive, and finally being acknowledged and valued was glorious.
I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about her experiences in education, writing, and her current projects.