By Karen
Ingalls
From an
early age I wrote in a journal, composed poems or short stories, and when I was
an adult I wrote a novel. I did these various forms of writing to help me face
and cope with abuse, alcoholic parents, divorce, untimely deaths, or other challenges.
I did not share my writings, I did not intend to have anything published, nor
did I think I had any particular talent or gift for writing.
In early
June of 2008 my life changed in two dramatic ways. One way was when I heard the
fateful words, “I’m sorry, you have cancer.” The very large tumor in my abdomen
was malignant and now I faced the challenge of ovarian cancer, which is a too
often fatal disease within 5 years. I wrote in a small purple notebook that a
nurse in the hospital found for me while I was recovering from the major
hysterectomy and colon resection.
A close
friend asked to read my journal just while I was beginning my final round of
chemotherapy. Days later she called and said, “Women need to read this.” So
began the second dramatic event for that year as I learned about agents, query
letters, and rejection letters. An important step was when I trusted a friend,
who is a retired English professor, to read my self-edited journal and the
rough draft for the novel. She encouraged me and gave me honest feedback.
I was
blessed to find Beaver’s Pond Press in Edina, MN, which is a self-publishing
company that has many benefits of traditional publishing. They were interested
in both manuscripts, but we decided to first pursue publication of the
non-fiction. Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir is the story about my
journey with, and survival, of this lesser known disease. I share about my
coping methods, which included exercise, nutrition, meditation, humor, positive
thinking, and writing. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity to
learn, grow, and live life more fully. God’s gift to me was the ability to
write and the publication of this book is my gift to God.
I am
currently working with an editor for my first novel; I have almost completed the
first draft of my second novel; I write a weekly blog providing information,
inspiration, and a positive message; and I have been honored to write guest
blogs and magazine articles. My biggest challenge sometimes is taking the time
to write, because I let myself get distracted with the routine responsibilities
of having a home, family, and friends. I have a wonderful office, comfortable
chair and desk, and a beautiful lake to inspire me. Yet, there are times I do
best when I go to my favorite coffee shop and get lost in the storyline, not
letting concerns of my home distract me.
If you
dream to be a published author, “Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from
traveling the sometimes bumpy, difficult, and very rewarding road to make your
dream come true.”
__________________________________________________________________________________
Karen
Ingalls, RN has a Master’s Degree in Human Development; author of Outshine:An Ovarian Cancer Memoir; recipient of 1st Place at the Indie
Excellence Book Award for the “women’s health” category; does presentations to
medical personnel, service organizations, churches, and the general public
about ovarian cancer and healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges; and has a
weekly blog about health/wellness, relationships, spirituality, and cancer. All
proceeds from the book go to gynecological cancer research.
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