When Writers Can't Write

First of all, this post is not about writers' block.

Instead, I'm going to write about those times in all writers' lives when LIFE gets in the way of our writing. Raising small children, caring for an elderly parent and moving to a new home to name a few. The list goes on and on. Many times, we’re able to continue to write in spite of our circumstances. But, even if we can’t, we know that things will eventually turn around and we’ll get back to our writing.

But sometimes that's not what happens. Sometimes, our inability to write is permanent, which is what this post is really about. 

There’s no other way to say this so I’ll just say it. I have cancer and my oncologist told me in mid-January that my condition is terminal. There’s nothing else medical science can do for me. He gave me “months” to live. A hard pill to swallow.

 I had plotted my tenth book, the fifth in my Small Town mystery series, and written several chapters when I got the news. After the initial shock of my diagnosis settled down a bit, I made up my mind to make the most I could of each day I had left and to continue to write -  my way of taking a break from reality. But, after several tries, I realized that I had to accept the fact that it wasn't going to happen; I wasn't up to it physically or mentally. That, unless God granted me a miracle, The Legend would be the last book I would ever write. Another hard pill to swallow.

Because being a writer is who I am. I don't write for money or fame. I write because my books aren't just mysteries to me; they're family sagas with what I consider to be important messages. My goal has always been to entertain, educate and, hopefully, enlighten readers. Every author hopes that their books will live on long after they're gone and I'm no exception.

My fervent prayer is that God will grant me a miracle. But, even if He doesn't, I accept His Will. I have had a blessed life with family and friends who've always loved and supported me. I've traveled to every place I really wanted to go and, although my dream was to become the author of one mystery novel, I've published nine. I couldn't ask for more than that and I'm truly grateful. 

So, even though I'm not able to work on my book, I continue to take things one day at a time and to do my best to make each day the best day I can make it. Some days are easier than others. I ask that you please include me in your prayers.