I was honored when the editor of Sixty and Me asked me to share my author’s journey with the community. I have read many other articles and blogs where authors share their writing journeys, and it is always fascinating.
There are so many different motivations and paths that authors have taken in getting those novels written. Yet, they all seem to share a common thread of love for literature and a sense of joy in creating. So, without further ado, here is my story.
It Starts with a Passion
I’ve always loved to write, but life had me put it on the back burner for some time. Medical school, then residency, then working as a physician in family medicine and subsequently, transitioning to urgent care had me sputtering a few lines and ideas on my laptop as my only inkling of writing. Add raising four kids to the mix and time runs thin.
But you make time for what you love; the things that bring you joy. So, I continued to write. The process was convoluted. There were many revisions to my novel, many changes which took sharp turns from the original vision.
The Ultimate Question: How to Publish?
Plugging along with perseverance and tenacity, I finally finished my book. I submitted it to many agents and received just as many rejections.
But then, I realized I was living in the 21st century. It was and is pretty simple to self-publish. So, I did just that and debuted the novel, Still, smack dab in the middle of shelter-in-place towards the beginning of the pandemic in April of 2020.
Chasing the Thrill
I’ve always loved the thriller genre. Suspense filled stories with a dark side are so enthralling. I found I could use my medical background to add an extra layer to my book. Thus, my novel, Still, was born. It is the story of Amanda and Dr. Christopher Bennett who lead deceivingly simple lives. Questions arise from the Omaha PD that malign Dr. Bennett’s character.
As the Bennett family faces the outrageous claims, only one person has the information to set the record straight. But Amanda Bennett cannot tell the truth. This is a tale of syndicate crime and murder.
What Comes Next?
So, what do you do after you finally self-publish your dream book? Why, you write another of course. My next novel in progress is entitled Source. This tale is about a CDC physician, Dr. Chloe Richter, who has been tasked with finding the source of a deadly strain of meningitis.
In her hurried quest to identify the source of the meningitis strain and keep it from spreading, she uncovers an insidious web of deception and corruption in the Hollywood medical community. Mysterious events at the Adelinda Wellness Clinic come to light as Dr. Richter tries to find answers.
I am still working as a physician in urgent care. My children have all grown and have their own lives. I do have more time on my hands, and I look forward to spending much of it writing. The passion is in the process, not the result.
I love that I was able to self-publish my first novel, and I really look forward to finishing Source and getting that one out to the public as well. I’m sure there will be more novels to come after that also. I love writing, and I still have many obscure ideas that I hope to blossom into future medical thrillers.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What are you passionate about? What obstacles do you encounter that prevent you from pursuing your passion project(s)? When was the last time you were able to work on your passion project(s)?
