Welcome to the next stop on Diane Chamberlain‘s blog tour! To find out where the next stop is, please click here. The first chapter of her latest novel, The Good Father, is being revealed a bit at a time during her tour. Make sure you follow the links to get the chapter!
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How has rheumatoid arthritis affected your writing?
In the mid nineties, I worked out every day and was in the best shape of my adult life. I was also newly married and a new stepmom to three teenaged girls. I had published seven novels by then and life was looking good–until I noticed a twinge in my left foot. The twinge was the start of Rheumatoid Arthritis—a serious chronic disease that can affect internal organs as well as the joints. Within a few months, I couldn’t walk without excruciating pain—pain that quickly moved into my hands. In a few more months, my ankle and wrists fused as the cartilage disappeared. It was a frightening time, filled with uncertainty about the future. My days of working out were over. The most I could manage was hobbling to the mailbox. Worst of all, I couldn’t type. I had a story inside my head and no way to get it onto paper. It never occurred to me to quit, though. I was a writer and if I gave up my writing, all those ideas inside my head would have no place to go. So I bought voice recognition software and wrote all of my eighth novel by narrating the story aloud–and cussing at the software when it stubbornly refused to understand my New Jersey/California/Virginia accent.
Everything changed when the new generation of medications came along. In a remarkably short time, I could type again. I still have trouble walking (I wear a brace) and my wrists will never bend, but I can type nearly all day, which is a joy I will never take for granted.
The most profound impact of having RA, though, didn’t take place in my body but in my spirit. Being seriously ill made me see my life in a new way—a way filled with gratitude and acceptance. It also influenced my writing, as I better understood the struggles of my characters. Don’t get me wrong—I would have loved to come to these realizations without getting sick, but I’m not sure it would have happened. Sometimes, a hardship can truly be a blessing in disguise.
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Thank you for sharing with us, Diane!
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of The Good Father. contest ends 5/12 @ 11:59pm. US only. Please note: You must include a valid email address with your comment to be eligible.
Don’t miss chatting live with Diane May 31st!
And don’t forget to check out the next stop on the tour!
This book is available from Mira. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Thanks for not giving up! I enjoy your books.
kissinoak at frontier dot com
Oh wow. Thanks for such an inspiring post! I have such deep admiration for you… obviously you have a strong and cheerful spirit and it’s inspiring how you didn’t let this “beat” you. Best of luck to you and I wish you strength and good health!
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
It is amazing that Diane didn’t give up and was able to keep writing.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Sounds like such a different book. Would love to read it.
gmapeony@yahoo.com
gmapeony
I have been hearing a lot about this book. It sounds wonderful, and I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Such inpspiring and wise words! Would love to read Diane’s new book!
Diana
ISRAEL2 at hotmail dot com