Grief and mourning during the holidays can be very draining, not only for those mourning the loss of a loved one, but for those around you also. Our friends and family want us to be happy, but at times, it seems like there's nothing that can help us lift this despair. Sometimes, all you need is someone to listen or perhaps a read from someone who has been in your shoes and understands what you're experiencing.
During this sometimes stressful period, I'd like to offer my book, "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" at an appreciable discount. My mission is and always has been to get the book out to those who really need to read it -- or get it into the hands of those who know someone that needs to read it. Perhaps you are that someone or know that someone in your family, community or circle of friends.
Please use this direct link for your discount. If you would like the book autographed, please email me at onwingspress@yahoo.com or write a short note on the special instructions on the paypal order page. You do not have to be a member of paypal, but can pay securely with major credit card.
You can go to the link on my website or the link on the right to order through paypal.
Website:
http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com/order.html
Showing posts with label A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Book Contest
Book Contest giveaway for March. Win a copy of A Journey Well Taken: Life AFter Loss by Elaine Williams. To enter, send an email to media (at) onwingspress.com with ENTER ME in the subject line.
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">
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Book Giveaway Reminder
I'm giving away two copies each month of A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss. Send an email with ENTER ME in the subject line to media@onwingspress.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
5 Star Review by Midwest Book Review
5 Stars
A story that the recently widowed will take comfort in reading. September 2, 2008
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) -
"To love someone unconditionally for over twenty years and then have them snatched away, this one of the most heartbreaking experiences life can impose upon any of us. "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" is Elaine William's reflections of her life after dealing with the death of her husbands. She deals with widowhood at a relatively young age and dealing with it through her writing, where she has done quite a few works from fiction to non-fiction to screenplays. Deftly written with an engaging sensitivity and candor, "A Journey Well Taken" is a story that the recently widowed will take comfort in reading."
A story that the recently widowed will take comfort in reading. September 2, 2008
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) -
"To love someone unconditionally for over twenty years and then have them snatched away, this one of the most heartbreaking experiences life can impose upon any of us. "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" is Elaine William's reflections of her life after dealing with the death of her husbands. She deals with widowhood at a relatively young age and dealing with it through her writing, where she has done quite a few works from fiction to non-fiction to screenplays. Deftly written with an engaging sensitivity and candor, "A Journey Well Taken" is a story that the recently widowed will take comfort in reading."
New Review at Menupause.info
"A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" has a new review at
http://www.menupause.info/archives/777/>.
Below is the beginning of the review by Ellensue Spicer: You can click on the link above to read it in its entirety.
"As a divorcee, I was under the naive impression that women who were widowed didn’t suffer the way divorced women did. After all, the person responsible for some of my pain was still walking around, often causing me more pain. At least, as a widow, there was some closure. But after reading Elaine Williams moving and courageous account of her “life after loss” (subtitle of her book), I revised my thinking completely..."
http://www.menupause.info/archives/777/>.
Below is the beginning of the review by Ellensue Spicer: You can click on the link above to read it in its entirety.
"As a divorcee, I was under the naive impression that women who were widowed didn’t suffer the way divorced women did. After all, the person responsible for some of my pain was still walking around, often causing me more pain. At least, as a widow, there was some closure. But after reading Elaine Williams moving and courageous account of her “life after loss” (subtitle of her book), I revised my thinking completely..."
Friday, August 15, 2008
Book Contest Winners!
Kay and Candice have each won a copy of "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss." I will be offering a new contest for 2 individual copies of "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" in September. If you'd like to enter, please send an email to elainewilliams@onwingspress.com with ENTER ME in the subject line.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Stages of Grief - It can be a Messy Process
From my own experience as a widow of four years, not only writing about grief the last several years but talking with others -- often times people don't understand the sometimes messy, non-linear and very individual grief process. There is no set way to do it. However, I've found the best way to "do it" is to take it day by day, sometimes moment by moment. No expectations, no hard and fast rules, just do what works to get yourself through it and into a better place emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
The Kubler-Ross Model defines the stages as follows: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Even Elisabeth Kubler-Ross stated that not everyone always experiences all of these stages nor are they experienced in a clear, linear fashion. Kulber-Ross talked about the above stages in relation to someone who is dying, and also those who have lost a loved one. However, these stages of grief can also be linked to a situation which involves a real or perceived lack of control over one's life.
In the end, it's interesting how we each handle life's "smackdowns".
The Kubler-Ross Model defines the stages as follows: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Even Elisabeth Kubler-Ross stated that not everyone always experiences all of these stages nor are they experienced in a clear, linear fashion. Kulber-Ross talked about the above stages in relation to someone who is dying, and also those who have lost a loved one. However, these stages of grief can also be linked to a situation which involves a real or perceived lack of control over one's life.
In the end, it's interesting how we each handle life's "smackdowns".
Saturday, June 7, 2008
A Journey Well Taken Review at The Light Beyond
The Light Beyond Website Mission: Helping you through grief and bereavement, one step at a time..."
Lucie Storrs of The Light Beyond has graciously posted a review of A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss. http://thelightbeyond.typepad.com/blog/
Lucie Storrs of The Light Beyond has graciously posted a review of A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss. http://thelightbeyond.typepad.com/blog/
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Processing Grief
Sometimes you just want to rush through the grief process. There's confusion, pain, fear and a pulling inside, wanting to hide. Just take it slow and let life unfold gently, doing the best you can without making yourself do anything new until you're ready.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Children in Grief
Elaine Williams copyright 2008
I have three boys who were 11, 18 and 19 when their father died from cancer. They all reacted differently to this loss, and many times I felt at a loss myself in trying to determine the best way to help them through their grief.
My oldest son moved away from home a year and a half after my husband’s passing. It was a move for the best, a need for him to establish his independence, but at the time it was very difficult for me. My son had relationship problems, moved into a dumpy apartment and associated with people I didn’t know. He fell into a drinking and partying lifestyle.
My middle son retreated emotionally, becoming distant. Even though he still lived at home, I had to wonder many times what was going on in his mind and his heart. I knew he was as wounded as I felt at the passing of his father, but he was unwilling to share even the most minute details of what he might be feeling.
My youngest son clung to me as if he were afraid to let me out of his sight. He asked me once what would happen to him if I died, as his father had died.
I calmly reassured my youngest that I expected to live a long time, I still had a lot to accomplish. But I also reassured him that his grandparents or aunt would take care of him if something did happen to me.
Being newly widowed, at times the struggle threatened to engulf me. Day-to-day living felt hard and there was no getting away from it or retreating. Frightening, hard, taxing, tiring, exhausting. In the beginning. The first two and a half years I now look back and realize yes, I came through it, as did my children, and I would never want to live through it again, but we did okay. We lived it each day doing the best we could.
We made some bad choices, but we learned and came away with something valuable. Speaking for myself, I felt ripped in two many days. When I made dating mistakes, it hurt incredibly, and yet the biggest wounds, after my husband’s death, were the wounds of my children. I felt like I could handle anything at any time that happened to me, but when it involved my children, all bets were off. I wanted to take away their hurts, soothe them over, make everything okay again. But that’s not how real life is, and indeed, it’s not how it should be.
My kids grew through their own experiences, and that’s how they learned that life does go on. Mom supports them and helps to a degree, but they have to learn to deal with their own things that come to them in life. We held together as a family and I like to think my husband is still watching over us, keeping us safe in his way, and admiring how we’ve all come through this trial of grief and loss. No one ever said it would be easy, but then again, no one every really brought this subject up before we had to experience it first hand. That’s just he way life is, sometimes it smacks you in the back of the head and you don’t see it coming, other times you see it but hope it’s going to miss you. If we’re lucky, we rise to the occasion in the best way we know how, without bitterness or undue pain.
Life wounds each of us in various ways, it’s how we come out of the wounding that tells the truest sense of who we are, or can be.
I have three boys who were 11, 18 and 19 when their father died from cancer. They all reacted differently to this loss, and many times I felt at a loss myself in trying to determine the best way to help them through their grief.
My oldest son moved away from home a year and a half after my husband’s passing. It was a move for the best, a need for him to establish his independence, but at the time it was very difficult for me. My son had relationship problems, moved into a dumpy apartment and associated with people I didn’t know. He fell into a drinking and partying lifestyle.
My middle son retreated emotionally, becoming distant. Even though he still lived at home, I had to wonder many times what was going on in his mind and his heart. I knew he was as wounded as I felt at the passing of his father, but he was unwilling to share even the most minute details of what he might be feeling.
My youngest son clung to me as if he were afraid to let me out of his sight. He asked me once what would happen to him if I died, as his father had died.
I calmly reassured my youngest that I expected to live a long time, I still had a lot to accomplish. But I also reassured him that his grandparents or aunt would take care of him if something did happen to me.
Being newly widowed, at times the struggle threatened to engulf me. Day-to-day living felt hard and there was no getting away from it or retreating. Frightening, hard, taxing, tiring, exhausting. In the beginning. The first two and a half years I now look back and realize yes, I came through it, as did my children, and I would never want to live through it again, but we did okay. We lived it each day doing the best we could.
We made some bad choices, but we learned and came away with something valuable. Speaking for myself, I felt ripped in two many days. When I made dating mistakes, it hurt incredibly, and yet the biggest wounds, after my husband’s death, were the wounds of my children. I felt like I could handle anything at any time that happened to me, but when it involved my children, all bets were off. I wanted to take away their hurts, soothe them over, make everything okay again. But that’s not how real life is, and indeed, it’s not how it should be.
My kids grew through their own experiences, and that’s how they learned that life does go on. Mom supports them and helps to a degree, but they have to learn to deal with their own things that come to them in life. We held together as a family and I like to think my husband is still watching over us, keeping us safe in his way, and admiring how we’ve all come through this trial of grief and loss. No one ever said it would be easy, but then again, no one every really brought this subject up before we had to experience it first hand. That’s just he way life is, sometimes it smacks you in the back of the head and you don’t see it coming, other times you see it but hope it’s going to miss you. If we’re lucky, we rise to the occasion in the best way we know how, without bitterness or undue pain.
Life wounds each of us in various ways, it’s how we come out of the wounding that tells the truest sense of who we are, or can be.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Upcoming Featured Author on NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com
I have been invited to be a featured author on July 31, on the blog of Rosemary Lichtman, Ph.D and Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D, at their blog http://www.nourishingrelationships.blogspot.com
As the date draws nearer I'll be posting more information about this wonderful blog. Rosemary and Phyllis' blog is by their own description, "A comfortable place for Baby Boomer women of the 'Sandwich Generation,' to share ideas and solutions as you learn to nourish family relationships without starving yourself."
As the date draws nearer I'll be posting more information about this wonderful blog. Rosemary and Phyllis' blog is by their own description, "A comfortable place for Baby Boomer women of the 'Sandwich Generation,' to share ideas and solutions as you learn to nourish family relationships without starving yourself."
Friday, May 16, 2008
Video Interview
On Monday I took the train into NYC to meet with Relentless Aaron, an author of 36 books and self-made promoter, entrepreneur and marketing whiz. Relentless is just that in his book promotions, relentless. He has sold over 200,000 of his books, hand selling them on the streets of NYC. HE currently has a multibook control with a large publisher, but he still hand sells his books. He now helps others market their books and I felt fortunate to have met up with him before he moved South, to Atlanta. I will be posting the video interview once it is available. If you'd like to check out his webpage, go to http://www.relentlessaaron.com or his myspace page with the name relentlessaaron. He has approximately 25 channels of streaming video.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
New Book Reviews for A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss by Elaine Williams
I am posting the latest book reviews for "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss." Some of them were received via email. At this point I have about 22 positive reviews on the book, which will be available June 2008.
"I enjoyed your book! It's obvious that you're a good writer and it's a heart-felt story."
Diane Brandon
Integrative Intuitive Counselor & Intuition Teacher, Speaker
Author of "Invisible Blueprints: Intuitive Insights for Fulfillment in Life"
www.dianebrandon.com
####
"The book is good and I am sure that it will be quite helpful to early/young widows.
It is also a quick read - which is also a good thing as something complex was certainly beyond me during those early years and I know this is the case for many women. As well, you do catch some of the nuances of widowhood - nuances which can only be brought to light by one who has been there. Best of luck with it."
Mie Elmhirst PCC, MBA, Widow's Life Coach
www.widowsbreathe.com
"I related to so many things you shared in your book. I'm encouraged by how you have uncovered your own inner strength through your journey. I hope and continue to pray that God will reveal his purpose for your life as well as my own. I've been drifting since my husband's death in 2004.
After, 28 years of marriage with my junior high school sweetheart I have felt totally alone and lost even with two grown children and three wonderful granddaughters. One of which was born following my husband's death in 2005 and now carries his name forward. It's just not the same. It was very helpful to know you have walked through the challenges and you are moving forward by taking new steps every day. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing with me. So, many will be blessed and encouraged by reading your book."
Karen White
Widowed 2004
######
"We have some things in common when it comes to the subject of grief and it feels as though I know you after reading 'A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss'. I admire your willingness to be open and vulnerable -- I've seen pain and loneliness in there too, and you talk about that openly."
Fred Frank, Owner Comfort Music and
www.growingthroughgrief.com
#####
Testimonials Received via email
"I just want to say that I read your excerpts of your story and I found it so touching and inspirational. I found it by accident, as if I was led to it. I lost my husband suddenly and have experienced all that you mention as far as grieving. Just recently my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, and has elected to try radiation. She is a two-time survivor of cancer. So what I've read so far, in your excerpt from your book, is very informative, and so touching. Thank you for sharing it."
Steppingstone
#####
"Thank you so much. . . it helps somehow to know what you're feeling is normal and that you're not alone with those feelings. The more stories I read the more I realize
I'm not going crazy, but that I'm grieving. You have taken so many words right out of my own mouth. Any help on healing is a welcome in my life."
Bonnie S. widow of 3 years
######
"I really enjoyed reading your book. I just wanted you to know I feel some of your pain. Thanks again for writing your book and may God bless you."
Polly R.
######
"Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are very strong and give me courage."
Nicole
######
"I was looking on the web for information to help my mom who was just widowed a month ago. I ran across your story. As I began to read it I got goose bumps. I knew your husband had esophageal cancer as soon as I read about his burping. My dad just lost his battle with that horrid disease. We also tried many alternatives because he also felt he wouldn't survive the traditional approach.
My heart goes out to you. Your husband was way too young to be stricken down by this disease. Your children should have been able to have their dad much longer. He sounded like a good man. I am sorry that you weren't able to grow old together, as I am sure you planned. My dad was 76, full of life, a great husband, father, and grandfather and interested in everything. Even though we know he lived a full life we thought he was too young, but we are all grateful for having had him that long. . . my mom misses him like crazy. Thanks for sharing your story."
Cathy B.
######
"I am a 47 year old woman and just lost my husband 30 days ago today suddenly from cardiac arrest. Finding and reading your excerpt tonight is truly a blessing and has brought me comfort in knowing that I'm not alone. What you've put into words describes so much of what I'm feeling inside. I will look forward to reading more of your journey that is only beginning for me."
Patti W., widowed 1 month
######
"I was very moved by your story. Like you, I also lost my husband suddenly to cancer and believe that although we move on and stay strong for our children, our hearts never really heal. I read the first part of your book to my best friend last night who stood with me and went with me to chemo with my husband. The tears rolled down our faces as we shared in your grief."
Miriam B.
######
"I've just finished reading your story. My Dad, my Mom's partner for 38 years, died. . . the past 2 months have been, as you can imagine, very, very difficult. I was looking online about what a person goes through when they lose their life partner. I want to understand what my Mom is going through that she may not be able to express. I also wanted to find something that would maybe encourage her, and give her hope.
Your story touched me so deeply... It brought me to tears. (I had to close my door and just take the time I needed to read your story in its entirety.) Thank you for taking the time to write your story... Please know you've touched a life today."
Jeanette P."I just want to say that I read your excerpts of your story and I found it so touching and inspirational. I found it by accident, as if I was led to it. I lost my husband suddenly and have experienced all that you mention as far as grieving. Just recently my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, and has elected to try radiation. She is a two-time survivor of cancer. So what I've read so far, in your excerpt from your book, is very informative, and so touching. Thank you for sharing it."
Anon
"I enjoyed your book! It's obvious that you're a good writer and it's a heart-felt story."
Diane Brandon
Integrative Intuitive Counselor & Intuition Teacher, Speaker
Author of "Invisible Blueprints: Intuitive Insights for Fulfillment in Life"
www.dianebrandon.com
####
"The book is good and I am sure that it will be quite helpful to early/young widows.
It is also a quick read - which is also a good thing as something complex was certainly beyond me during those early years and I know this is the case for many women. As well, you do catch some of the nuances of widowhood - nuances which can only be brought to light by one who has been there. Best of luck with it."
Mie Elmhirst PCC, MBA, Widow's Life Coach
www.widowsbreathe.com
"I related to so many things you shared in your book. I'm encouraged by how you have uncovered your own inner strength through your journey. I hope and continue to pray that God will reveal his purpose for your life as well as my own. I've been drifting since my husband's death in 2004.
After, 28 years of marriage with my junior high school sweetheart I have felt totally alone and lost even with two grown children and three wonderful granddaughters. One of which was born following my husband's death in 2005 and now carries his name forward. It's just not the same. It was very helpful to know you have walked through the challenges and you are moving forward by taking new steps every day. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing with me. So, many will be blessed and encouraged by reading your book."
Karen White
Widowed 2004
######
"We have some things in common when it comes to the subject of grief and it feels as though I know you after reading 'A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss'. I admire your willingness to be open and vulnerable -- I've seen pain and loneliness in there too, and you talk about that openly."
Fred Frank, Owner Comfort Music and
www.growingthroughgrief.com
#####
Testimonials Received via email
"I just want to say that I read your excerpts of your story and I found it so touching and inspirational. I found it by accident, as if I was led to it. I lost my husband suddenly and have experienced all that you mention as far as grieving. Just recently my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, and has elected to try radiation. She is a two-time survivor of cancer. So what I've read so far, in your excerpt from your book, is very informative, and so touching. Thank you for sharing it."
Steppingstone
#####
"Thank you so much. . . it helps somehow to know what you're feeling is normal and that you're not alone with those feelings. The more stories I read the more I realize
I'm not going crazy, but that I'm grieving. You have taken so many words right out of my own mouth. Any help on healing is a welcome in my life."
Bonnie S. widow of 3 years
######
"I really enjoyed reading your book. I just wanted you to know I feel some of your pain. Thanks again for writing your book and may God bless you."
Polly R.
######
"Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are very strong and give me courage."
Nicole
######
"I was looking on the web for information to help my mom who was just widowed a month ago. I ran across your story. As I began to read it I got goose bumps. I knew your husband had esophageal cancer as soon as I read about his burping. My dad just lost his battle with that horrid disease. We also tried many alternatives because he also felt he wouldn't survive the traditional approach.
My heart goes out to you. Your husband was way too young to be stricken down by this disease. Your children should have been able to have their dad much longer. He sounded like a good man. I am sorry that you weren't able to grow old together, as I am sure you planned. My dad was 76, full of life, a great husband, father, and grandfather and interested in everything. Even though we know he lived a full life we thought he was too young, but we are all grateful for having had him that long. . . my mom misses him like crazy. Thanks for sharing your story."
Cathy B.
######
"I am a 47 year old woman and just lost my husband 30 days ago today suddenly from cardiac arrest. Finding and reading your excerpt tonight is truly a blessing and has brought me comfort in knowing that I'm not alone. What you've put into words describes so much of what I'm feeling inside. I will look forward to reading more of your journey that is only beginning for me."
Patti W., widowed 1 month
######
"I was very moved by your story. Like you, I also lost my husband suddenly to cancer and believe that although we move on and stay strong for our children, our hearts never really heal. I read the first part of your book to my best friend last night who stood with me and went with me to chemo with my husband. The tears rolled down our faces as we shared in your grief."
Miriam B.
######
"I've just finished reading your story. My Dad, my Mom's partner for 38 years, died. . . the past 2 months have been, as you can imagine, very, very difficult. I was looking online about what a person goes through when they lose their life partner. I want to understand what my Mom is going through that she may not be able to express. I also wanted to find something that would maybe encourage her, and give her hope.
Your story touched me so deeply... It brought me to tears. (I had to close my door and just take the time I needed to read your story in its entirety.) Thank you for taking the time to write your story... Please know you've touched a life today."
Jeanette P."I just want to say that I read your excerpts of your story and I found it so touching and inspirational. I found it by accident, as if I was led to it. I lost my husband suddenly and have experienced all that you mention as far as grieving. Just recently my mother was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, and has elected to try radiation. She is a two-time survivor of cancer. So what I've read so far, in your excerpt from your book, is very informative, and so touching. Thank you for sharing it."
Anon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
