There seems to be a lot of notice being given to depression on the internet, some of them through different professional articles. I would caution that feeling 'depressed' due to loss of a loved one, is different from other forms of depression. For some, getting through the grief process can take time. It is a process unique to each individual and not to be rushed. However, having said that, there is nothing wrong with getting help to get through the rough spots in life. Sometimes we need a little something more than what we can do for ourselves. Sometimes all we need is an ear or a shoulder, so don't be afraid to seek professional help, if life is getting you down.
I've also been exploring other healing methods, and I'm currently working with Janet Greene of Greene's Release at http://www.greenesrelease.com/"> to explore her method of healing ourselves and finding the real you. It involves methods to heal through traumas and loss that have occurred in each of our lives. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Interview Wednesday with Melanie Anderson
Melanie Anderson, romance writer, is interviewing me at her blog tomorrow. Melly's tongue in cheek humor is sure to be a hoot.
http://authormelanieanderson.blogspot.com/">
http://authormelanieanderson.blogspot.com/">
Another lovely day by the Sea
I usually take a short vacation after working all summer in the heat. It's the best time of year, the Fall, as far as I'm concerned, to be by the sea. I love the sounds, smells and charm of the ocean. It just pulls me back every time. This year I got together with two writing friends I met by the sea last year, but a little further south. We decided to hang out for a week at this quaint little home on the ocean, so close to the waves the first night it was a bit intimidating to see them crashing just below my balcony. Oh, but to fall asleep each night with the sound of the ocean, there's nothing like it.
I spoke with my kids today and apparently there was 8" of snow with another foot or so expected before tomorrow. Brr. It's early for that, not even Halloween. So I sit here typing and writing and looking out my balcony at the cloud studded sky, and I'm thankful for what and who I have in my life. It's absolutely perfect.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
November Author of the Month at Women and Hope
I just received the wonderful news that I will be November's Author of the Month at the Women and Hope Website http://www.WomenandHope.com/hope/author.html">.
"Women & HOPE is all about women coming together from all over the world with a selfless spirit to support one another in achieving their goals so that every woman is successful in every aspect of her life and is living her best life." Women and Hope Founder, Dr. Deitra C. Payne Ph.D.
"Women & HOPE is all about women coming together from all over the world with a selfless spirit to support one another in achieving their goals so that every woman is successful in every aspect of her life and is living her best life." Women and Hope Founder, Dr. Deitra C. Payne Ph.D.
Help For Widows Who Suffer Alone During The Holiday Season
Press Release
2008-10-25 15:27:27 -
Award winning author and contributing writer Elaine Williams understands the pain of being left alone during the holiday season. Her book, A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss, offers a message of hope that is particularly needed by many left alone during this time of year.
'For most people,' stated Ms. Williams, 'holidays center around family and celebrations. For widows, especially new widows, this time of year is one of the hardest times to get through. After the loss of your partner there is nothing quite as painful as feeling alone during these special times.'
According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are approximately 700,000 new widows every year. Widows and widowers are not the only ones who suffer during this time of year. Surveys and studies also illustrate that a staggering 10% of all marriages end in divorce. The emotional problems that affect those experiencing widowhood or divorce can be overwhelming. These feelings are exacerbated during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's seasons.
32% of women aged 55 and older live alone, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss addresses the important issues involving loss created through death or divorce and offers real hope to those left alone and those left behind.
'I personally don't see much difference in dating after loss or following a divorce,' stated Ms. Williams, 'as both occurrences involve a major life change, subject to emotions of loss and anger or perhaps betrayal and abandonment. At no time do these feelings surface more strongly than during the holiday season. Some who have lost a spouse may argue that death is worse, being final and out of your control -- while divorce is a choice. I disagree. If the spouse you love has divorced you, the choice has been taken away from you, similar to losing someone to death. You also have an added complication of perhaps feeling as if you've been thrown away, an understandably devastating experience. I have experienced both divorce and death, and the aftermath in each instance is neither pretty nor painless.'
'Does the death of a partner hurt more than divorce? When you lose the person you love, regardless of how that occurs, it is a permanent wound on the heart. Loss of any kind is never easy. It can be especially difficult during the holidays,' stated Ms. Williams, 'but try not to totally isolate yourself during moments of stress; instead allow family and friends to help you get through difficult times. You can be alone with your thoughts to sort through your grief, but also remember to allow those who care about you to help you on your journey.'
A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss is a finalist in the USA Book News Best Books Awards for 2008. The book has received a 5 star rating from Midwest Book Reviews. Copies of 'A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss' are available at her website. A portion of the profit from each book is donated to charity. Ms. Williams is available for media interviews by contacting her at the address below.
Contact
Elaine Williams
On Wings Press
Phone: 518-589-6229
Web: http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com">
Email: onwingspress@yahoo.com
2008-10-25 15:27:27 -
Award winning author and contributing writer Elaine Williams understands the pain of being left alone during the holiday season. Her book, A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss, offers a message of hope that is particularly needed by many left alone during this time of year.
'For most people,' stated Ms. Williams, 'holidays center around family and celebrations. For widows, especially new widows, this time of year is one of the hardest times to get through. After the loss of your partner there is nothing quite as painful as feeling alone during these special times.'
According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are approximately 700,000 new widows every year. Widows and widowers are not the only ones who suffer during this time of year. Surveys and studies also illustrate that a staggering 10% of all marriages end in divorce. The emotional problems that affect those experiencing widowhood or divorce can be overwhelming. These feelings are exacerbated during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's seasons.
32% of women aged 55 and older live alone, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss addresses the important issues involving loss created through death or divorce and offers real hope to those left alone and those left behind.
'I personally don't see much difference in dating after loss or following a divorce,' stated Ms. Williams, 'as both occurrences involve a major life change, subject to emotions of loss and anger or perhaps betrayal and abandonment. At no time do these feelings surface more strongly than during the holiday season. Some who have lost a spouse may argue that death is worse, being final and out of your control -- while divorce is a choice. I disagree. If the spouse you love has divorced you, the choice has been taken away from you, similar to losing someone to death. You also have an added complication of perhaps feeling as if you've been thrown away, an understandably devastating experience. I have experienced both divorce and death, and the aftermath in each instance is neither pretty nor painless.'
'Does the death of a partner hurt more than divorce? When you lose the person you love, regardless of how that occurs, it is a permanent wound on the heart. Loss of any kind is never easy. It can be especially difficult during the holidays,' stated Ms. Williams, 'but try not to totally isolate yourself during moments of stress; instead allow family and friends to help you get through difficult times. You can be alone with your thoughts to sort through your grief, but also remember to allow those who care about you to help you on your journey.'
A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss is a finalist in the USA Book News Best Books Awards for 2008. The book has received a 5 star rating from Midwest Book Reviews. Copies of 'A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss' are available at her website. A portion of the profit from each book is donated to charity. Ms. Williams is available for media interviews by contacting her at the address below.
Contact
Elaine Williams
On Wings Press
Phone: 518-589-6229
Web: http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com">
Email: onwingspress@yahoo.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
2 Winners of A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss and NEW CONTEST November
October contest winners are Ellen G and Linda B. Thanks for entering. Anyone wishing to enter for the November contest, please send an email to media@onwingspress.com with ENTER ME in the subject line.
Finalist USA Book News - National Best Books 2008 Awards!
One of my first emails I received this morning was exciting, in that I was notified by USA Book News that my book, "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" had finaled in the Health:Death and Dying category of their National Best Books 2008 Awards. The winning book in the category was awarded to a book by New Horizon Press, Voices of Strength: Sons and Daughters of Suicide Speakout by Judy Zionts Fox, RN.
I was quite excited to find myself honored by such an award. It just proves the book is needed and will end up where it needs to go, and in whose hands it needs to be.
"USABookNews.com is the premier online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year's contest yielded an unprecendented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists." (www.usabooknews.com)
For information on this award, please visit: http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2008.html">
I was quite excited to find myself honored by such an award. It just proves the book is needed and will end up where it needs to go, and in whose hands it needs to be.
"USABookNews.com is the premier online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year's contest yielded an unprecendented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists." (www.usabooknews.com)
For information on this award, please visit: http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2008.html">
International Women Writer's Guild in NYC
On Sunday I rode the train into NYC Grand Central Station and went to a writer's conference sponsored by the International Women Writer's Guild. They had agents on hand to meet and talk with about your writing projects. It was a wonderful experience and definitely time well spent. I have several agents who requested more information on my book, A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss.
All in all it was a very enriching experience. It was also the first time I had the opportunity to do a pitch to several agents at once.
All in all it was a very enriching experience. It was also the first time I had the opportunity to do a pitch to several agents at once.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Mental Health Radio Interview
The days have been so warm, almost balmy this last week. It's incredible to think we're into fall already, and winter soon will be upon us.
I've been listening to various blog talk radio shows lately and they've got some really wonderful speakers and topics. Everything from spiritual awareness to book talk. I've been on several shows myself and it's usually a pretty easy format. I have a radio interview coming up tomorrow, Thursday, on Mental Health Radio with Jacqueline Foreman and we'll be talking about "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss." You can listen live at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth">
I've been listening to various blog talk radio shows lately and they've got some really wonderful speakers and topics. Everything from spiritual awareness to book talk. I've been on several shows myself and it's usually a pretty easy format. I have a radio interview coming up tomorrow, Thursday, on Mental Health Radio with Jacqueline Foreman and we'll be talking about "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss." You can listen live at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yourmentalhealth">
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Book Review, White Feathers by Pamela Jouan
"White Feathers," by Pamela Jouan is an eloquent, moving tribute to her parents. As a widow, I know from personal experience there is no measure for grief when a spouse dies. I identify fully with the emotional turmoil you describe following this devastating loss, and also the chance to find joy in life again." Elaine Williams, author "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss."
The author, Pamela Jouan writes, "I wrote a book for my mother last year that I just self-published. It was originally a gift to her for what would have been her 40th wedding anniversary on that Easter Sunday. I have since published it with all proceeds benefiting cancer research. My father passed away from cancer 3 years ago this September...I have been getting tremendous response from widows who identify with the story.
White Feathers is the story of what would happen if we were given one more day with someone we had lost. The main characters, a couple called Charles and Ruby, are modeled after my parents—most of the details of their lives are all based in fact, as well as a few extraordinary points. Needless to say, my book weaves faith and hope into a tale about lost love and dealing with that loss.
In an effort to do a little more, I decided to publish my book and contribute all proceeds to cancer research. It is currently available through www.amazon.com for purchase. I created a web site http://www.pamelajouan.com"> that talks more about my book and has a list of questions to base a book club discussion on."
The author, Pamela Jouan writes, "I wrote a book for my mother last year that I just self-published. It was originally a gift to her for what would have been her 40th wedding anniversary on that Easter Sunday. I have since published it with all proceeds benefiting cancer research. My father passed away from cancer 3 years ago this September...I have been getting tremendous response from widows who identify with the story.
White Feathers is the story of what would happen if we were given one more day with someone we had lost. The main characters, a couple called Charles and Ruby, are modeled after my parents—most of the details of their lives are all based in fact, as well as a few extraordinary points. Needless to say, my book weaves faith and hope into a tale about lost love and dealing with that loss.
In an effort to do a little more, I decided to publish my book and contribute all proceeds to cancer research. It is currently available through www.amazon.com for purchase. I created a web site http://www.pamelajouan.com"> that talks more about my book and has a list of questions to base a book club discussion on."
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Change of Pace
Recently I went to visit my oldest son in Maryland. We had a wonderful time, when the weather finally cooperated we walked around the inner harbor and through festivals and events they had going on throughout the city. It was a great time and nice to catch up with my son. I was a little nervous just before I flew, as I always get that way just before I get on the plane. I don't fly enough to be comfortable with it. My son also drove us to Annapolis and we walked around that historic and very beautiful town. It kind of reminded me of the narrow, one way streets of Marblehead, Mass, a small coastal town I lived in back in 1978.
I am going on a writing retreat next month to a lovely beach house in North Carolina. I am very excited about that. I'm meeting two friends there that I met last year at another writer's retreat in South Carolina. Kim is flying in from Iowa and Anna is driving up from Georgia. It should be so cool. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and be warm, sunny and no tantrums. I'm working on a new story and intend to get a good head start. I really get a lot of inspiration being by water.
I am going on a writing retreat next month to a lovely beach house in North Carolina. I am very excited about that. I'm meeting two friends there that I met last year at another writer's retreat in South Carolina. Kim is flying in from Iowa and Anna is driving up from Georgia. It should be so cool. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and be warm, sunny and no tantrums. I'm working on a new story and intend to get a good head start. I really get a lot of inspiration being by water.
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