It’s been six years today since my husband, Paul, passed away suddenly, and my world crashed to a jarring end. From that day until today, I have traveled a path I didn’t even know existed. I’ve been bumped around, worn myself to the bone, lost pretty much everything I knew, got lost more times than I can count, and eventually, discovered a new road I could have never imagined.

In six short years, I have transformed into someone infinitely stronger, more compassionate, more creative, and more confident than I ever thought I could be. It’s been exhausting.

But I can’t say it hasn’t been interesting… Where I have been, what I have learned, what I have gained: there’s a story in there somewhere. But try as I might, I haven’t been able to organize my thoughts long enough to be able to share more than the highlights.

Until a few months ago, when I woke up with the realisation that my story is actually a combination of every attempt I’d made to tell it. And when I took all of the pieces, the best of every version, and brought them together, they fit as if they’d been looking for each other the whole time.

The result is a novel. One where I created the main character (I think.) I gave her my circumstance. And then I sat back and wondered what she would do in my place. Much of what she’s been through is my experience. But most of her story is her own. I have come to know her pretty well now, and I care as deeply for her as I do all of you. When she hurts I hurt. I have laughed with her until I cried, and I have cried with her until I couldn’t cry anymore.

Like mine, her story is one of transformation. She experiences an entire evolution of self. From scared and weak and broken, to recovery, discovery, and re-creation. She uncovers the secret to overcoming the worst thing that has ever happened to her, only to realize that it’s also the best thing that ever happened to her.

Our stories are intertwined. The same and different. Profound. Emotional. It’s time to share.

The manuscript is almost done. I’m aiming to have a copy of the book in my hand for March 31, 2019. And in the meantime, I’d like to invite you to follow along with my process of telling a tale. I’d like to share some of my methods with you: how I write, where it all comes from, why it is what it is, the magic that happens when I least expect it.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Ask questions, let me know what you think. Keep me on track. I’ve heard writing is a lonely life. I’ve never thought so; I have so many imaginary friends. But it would sure help to keep one foot rooted in reality.

Welcome! We’ll talk soon,
Alex.

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