Aug. 8, 2025 - The Elephant in the Room

Today I’m going to talk about the elephant in the room. The fact that I’ve self-published several non-fiction books. The fact that for a number of years I was the square peg trying desperately to fit into the proverbial round hole. Why, you ask? Because I made a death bed promise to the love of my life. Paul Couvrette was the first recipient of a medically assisted death in the province of Prince Edward Island. Moments before the procedure he asked his doctor and I to use his name to educate others about end-of-life choices. In order to carry out his dying wish, I wrote a book, specifically at his request, about our experiences.

I also wrote one about chronic pain, my constant companion, and a book of poetry and photographic art which I gave him for our 10^th wedding anniversary. These non-fiction books are available through a print on demand company called Blurb.ca. My pages start here: https://www.blurb.ca/b/9288918-maid-musings . If you scroll down the page you'll see my bio and more books. I haven’t ever attempted to market them, nor have I ever approached an agent about representation. These books were done as reference materials and published under a tight time line for presentation at conferences and our anniversary. For many years I’ve been an advocate and activist for those with chronic pain and those who are making end-of-life choices. I’ve even researched, written the script and delivered a series of 6 videos on YouTube Called THE END-OF-LIFE JOURNEY and testified before the AMAD committee of the Federal Senate on behalf of my community of those of us who are physically handicapped. I’ve served as a volunteer with several not-for-profit organizations in a variety of capacities including writing for the blog at DWDC and newsletters for the National ME/FM Action Network.

Being physically handicapped has presented some challenges which have actually helped me pursue my writing and illustrating. My chronic illnesses, of which I have a number, generate a lot of ongoing pain. One of the ways I survive the constant threat of situational depression from the continuous pain is through distraction. My writing and art provide unlimited hours of relief by diverting my attention into productive, positive directions. I usually have two or three different projects on the go so I can switch between the writing and the illustrating which allows me to move around and change positions.

Now you know why I’m already a published author with no agent representation and very few book sales.

Since learning my cancer and diabetes are in remission late last year, I’ve decided to step away from the end-of-life and chronic pain arenas and lighten things up. Now I spend my days doing things I love – things that bring me joy. Since learning of the improvements in my health, I have gone back to school to learn about writing and the publishing industry. I had no idea how complex the journey from writing the book to getting it published is! I’ve thrown myself into the process, joined several professional writer’s groups, taken numerous short courses, watched an endless number of YouTube videos and expanded the number and type of projects I’m pursing. I’m loving every minute of it!

If you suffer from chronic pain and mental health challenges, I’d love to hear from you. Please drop me a message in the comments section. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes always…

Best wishes always...

P.S. Welcome to my blog! My intention is to keep followers up to date on my latest writing adventures. My current focus is on fiction genres including children's picture books and YA/NA historical romanticies. I'm also preparing to write an epic fantasy for the young adult audience. As a debut author I face all the challenges of breaking into the traditional publishing market. I need your interest and support to do so! Please consider following me here and on other social media platforms, which you can access on the Home page of my author's web site. I'll be adding more in the weeks to come so please check back from time to time. Thank you so much, in advance, for following my blog. You are potentially helping me enrich the lives of future readers. I just need this break to attract my first agent representation! Your efforts will make all the difference! Thank you once again.