Cancer - A Journey

Well done Beryl,
A powerful story beautifully written. You have amazing courage and others will surely be able to draw from you.

Jennifer McCoy

Hi Beryl,
Yes, that's what we do.
This is truly inspirational writing.
Backed with sincere regards,
Barry
Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

OK, Beryl, that is probably the most powerful opening line in any kind of book I’ve ever read:

‘In 2001 I found myself in hospital having middle-of-the-night emergency surgery for cancer.’

I read and kept reading. The sheer joy of life is very touching; the lack of self-pity; the sadness of realizing the flowers have wilted and died, but the feeling of resolution even that gives. Probably most moving for me (And I hope you'll forgive me for (unpoetically) taking bits and pieces here), was:

She was 26
She told me
Dancing around
because she wanted
to stop her system
seizing up

For hers was worse
hers was further
on the track
towards death...

...for I don’t know her
but will never forget
the look in her eyes
as she danced

The most thought-provoking verses came early on. I sort of laughed to myself when I read the following, as if I'd just come across some secret information that contained a great deal of power, which I knew I might be able to use, or pass on to others (Hopefully without infringing your copyright!), at some point in the future:

Call it ‘The Big C’
And the game’s on
As if it can be bigger than I

But cancer –
Well now, that’s another thing
Cancer is a little thing
A thing that needs to eat
From others
Lest it die

The word 'Profound' is used far too much, but the realisation of that simple fact and what it implies and the kind of hope it can give to fight back, really makes that verse profound in more than one sense of the word.

BACKED.

Im so glad you took the time to write this. As some one in the same predicament, different varation, and with not such an optomistic outlook, it helps to read something written by someone who has been there and who also uses a sense of humour to deal with it.

So glad i stunbled across this book
Backed - Clair

Beryl, powerful, real, heart felt, flowing, intimate, bare, powerful, informative. What else can I say wow and what a blessing to read such a story. CONGRATS on survival and also for a really good read. BACKED for sure. I would really appreciate you reading my book non-fiction and please give comments. BEST of luck
Denise
'The Letter'

Welcome aboard, Beryl. I'll be your second comment. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works if you just used the first sentence. For the long pitch, break it down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster. Though this is non-fiction, end it with one succinct question to pique your casual reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Dear Beryl, I love that you shared your plight with cancer - I went through it with my dad, then with my mom - but it took a year after the doctor said, "inoperable," for them to die: Daddy in 1973, then Mama in 1986 - it was tragic - I have it in my memoir. Praise God that He had more for you to do - & let the world know God's mercy & grace. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)