First I had the experience. Then I was coaxed and encouraged to write my book. Then I interviewed cancer patients and doctors. I did research. I assembled notes. I wrote a stream of conciousness. I delayed writing because I developed survivor's remorse. Then realized living and sharing the tips and lessons that had been shared with me was my responsibility to those that no longer could share their own story.  I detoured my attention for a while writing other people's books. This was a privilege and pleasure. 

I used the write board to create an outline. Finally I used my calendar and all the information I had gathered and wrote my book. Then there was the multiple re-writes and edits after reading it over and hearing it read out loud.

I am blessed that volunteers are reading the preliminary manuscript and offering their opinions and review.

Every writer has their own way of working. I like to write my book longhand first and then storyboard it on the walls and door so I can move my chapters around.  Others use software and dictate their book into the computer. Some use yellow legal pads. Some even use typewriters. 

It has been said writing a book is like an elephant giving birth. You have a prolonged gestation period followed by the creation of your baby.

My doctor read the preliminary manuscript of the book I wrote about my cancer battle. He sent me his review.

"Thank you for sharing your book with me. It gives me a refreshed sense of what it is like to be a patient. Sometimes we forget what it is like on the other side of the exam table. I look forward to your publishing it. I think patients will get a lot from it. Would you mind if I shared it with my wife and family? I think it would mean a lot for them to see the other side of the pager so to speak."

I am thrilled and so happy that he felt what I wrote will be of benefit for other women who are diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I wanted so much for my book to be informative, upbeat and filled with hope.

I am forever grateful for his medical expertise, his surgical skill, his coaxing and encouraging me to write about my experience and now his kind words.

While I was writing in the Barnes & Noble in Clearwater, I lost my keys. I didn't go anywhere else and even after scouring the store, retracing my steps and having the staff look - no luck.  I even went through the trash cans.  Thankfully, no one used the beeper to find my car and steal it.

David came to my rescue with the extra key. Unfortunately it cost $50.00 to replace the fob required to get into the lobby of the condo.  It cost $6.00 to get keys made for the mailbox and my front door. And $40.00 to replace the key to my car. Ouch!

I decided that I needed to copy everything that is in my wallet just in case I lose that next. I need a beeper on everything, my shoes, my glasses, my keys, my purse and most especially my mind.

Hope you don't lose anything!  Scratch that, we should all lose some of our inhibitions and dare to take risks and have fun.