Cover Reveal – The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival
.
Early this month, in a comment, Diana W. Peach asked me if I kept a secret about my new book.
Not really.
I’ve been writing my book about my cancer journey since 2016. I kept organizing, reorganizing, writing, rewriting, editing, and reediting. I posted tidbits here and there but the story was still brewing. It is not a secret but it becomes normal for me to keep working on it until I call it done.
Well, my writing group at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University, Fullerton, has been extremely instrumental in helping it to come into shape with clarity. I’ll introduce this group of retired professionals to my blogging community later.
Today, I’m grateful to reveal my Cover, the Foreward, and the Blurb.
The book will be available on Amazon later in the summer. I’ll let you know when I have a date.
Foreward
You know the ending before you read the story because I’m here to tell it to you. The journey was long and dark, but I survived. The ending is an important part of a story, but the process gives it meaning. At many points during this cancer journey, I felt death was teasing me. I lost most of my muscle mass, lost 20% of my blood, and almost all my energy. Yet, I was breathing. It caused me to ponder. What is life?
I had an active and productive life up until the point when I had cancer. When I couldn’t lift my feet to walk, being productive was thousands of miles away from my thoughts. Family and friends became the only value in my life. In fact, they carried me through this journey.
Life is precious, and it’s worth fighting for. If I died, my pain went with me, but I would leave pain with my loved ones. My life is worth living. I want to enjoy the beautiful earth and everything that lives on it. I want to emerge in the blessed and loving relationship between family and friends.
I’m grateful to be alive, to give to others, and to receive from them.
Blurb
In the summer of 2008, Miriam Hurdle was diagnosed with melanoma-a dangerous, aggressive, and invasive cancer in her internal organs. The survival rate before 2008 was low. Besides risking harsh treatments for a slim chance of survival, Miriam had hoops to jump through. By the time she received the treatments at the beginning of 2009, her cancer progressed from stage II to stage IV. It was a rough and upward winding road. But alongside her was support and encouragement. Accompanied by the love of family and community, this is Miriam’s journey of faith and miracle. It is a heartwarming story of resilience, courage, and the will to live.
.
Thank you for letting me share this cover with you. Now, I have to get the ball rolling!
.
.
.
The Showers of Blessings 
Beautiful cover, Miriam! I am so glad that you are here to tell your story. I wish you all the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Mark! I’m grateful to be alive to tell my story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your cover is beautiful, Miriam! I am thankful that you are here to tell your story. It has been great connecting and learning to know you and reading your beautiful blog of strength and hope! Wishing you many more blessed years!
dwight
LikeLike
I agree with the rest of the readers that the cover is awesome. Such courage but I believe really hard for you to write about this. But your story will definitely be an inspiration to many.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Miriam. I really like the cover and look forward to reading your book when it’s released!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words, Debra! I’m waiting for my final editing to come back. I hope to have it on Amazon before the middle of August because we’ll go see the grandkids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can only imagine how heart-wrenching it was to write this story, Miriam- you lived it. (Key word- LIVED)
I’m sure this will be an inspiration to anyone going through a similar journey.
Beautiful cover. {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jacquie! I think we don’t know the kind of strength we have until we need it. I can’t believe I LIVED it. A friend had breast cancer and was scared. She said she remembered what I went through and was encouraged by that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Which underlines how important your story is to share {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jacquie! ❤
I've been looking at some places to visit in Victoria. It must have been 20 years since our last visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Butchart Gardens, for sure. Craigflower Castle, Fort Rodd Hill Lighthouse, The Empress Hotel & grounds, whale watching tours, https://www.abkhaziteahouse.com/
Here’s a few to start, lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful suggestions, Jacquie! I had Butchart Gardens and Craigflower Castle and Empress Hotel. I’ll add Fort Rodd Hill Lighthouse. We’ve been to a couple of whale watching tours. But the whales travel north and it may have a better chance seeing whale up close. Have you heard?
LikeLike
The Tea looks lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam
Congrats on such a beautiful cover!
I absolutely love that cover
And as I rash about how you pondered and took your time with this – and got feedback – well I have a feeling that this will just make the end product even more special!
-/
☀️😊☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
*rash was supposed to be admire
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you, Yvette! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked the cover, Yvette. It conveys very well the way I felt about the journey. It was hard but hopeful. Thank you very much for your lovely comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard but hopeful is a good phrase
–
Now the good news about your coming book is also kind of related to sad news – and that is because cancer is so prevalent -(sad but true) many folks will need and a enjoy a book like this because it could help them in their trying time
Best wishes with the final phases
📚❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind words, Yvette! There are quite a few people in my fellowship group are dealing with cancer right now. One person, after two+ years of fighting, decided to quit the treatment and go into hospice care. It’s sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that is sad
And my neighbor was diagnosed last august with cancer and then passed away the following January – his widow is doing okay – but I guess another reminder to embrace each day because we never know what will unfold.
One day at a time…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still can’t believe that because I saw him and his wife last Sunday. He was going up and down for two+ years. He had multiple conditions, heart problems, prostate cancer, kidney problem. Probably he was tired dealing with them.
Another friend’s mom fell on a Thursday and passed away on Sunday.
You’re right, Yvette. We must treasure each day because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.
Have a wonderful week! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Miriam – the fall on Thursday and gone on Sunday? Ouch !
–
And getting back to your book and the potential comfort it can bring – reminds me that when my father n law passed away / he had a copy of a book (indie author ) from a guy from our church and the aide said my FIL thumbed thru that little book every evening – I told the author and he was touched! And his book was just a positive fiction – so how much more comfort can exude when you share parts of your story!
I already know I am ordering a copy to give to my neighbor
📚😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truck you, Yvette. I started working this book as a family legacy to pass on to my generations to come. I posted some tidbits on my blog and some people said I should share. I submitted one chapter at a time to my writing group for feedback and comments, the more they read, they more they thought I should share. One person got choked up because he it reminded her what her late husband went through. She said her husband couldn’t describe how he felt but my writing helped her understand.
I have been writing since 2016. With all the encouragement, I now made it public. I’m glad you’ll get a copy for your neighbor. I’ll give some free copies to some of our church people who are dealing with cancer right now. 😊📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes as you do the final stages
☀️😊📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m patiently waiting for the final editing to come back. The formatting will take time. 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
☀️😊
LikeLike
Hi Miriam, your cover is absolutely beautiful, and your foreword is so moving. Your words took me back to 2009 when my husband was diagnosed with melanoma. Your love for life, your spirit and faith are inspiring and I look forward to reading your story. Hugs 💗
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, Lauren. I didn’t know your husband had melanoma in 2009. How did it turn out. Did he have it in the visible skin? I hope he is cancer free now. Hugs 💖
LikeLike
You are an indeed an inspiration, Miriam. 💕✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Alethea! I waited for ten years to make sure cancer didn’t come back before I was serious about writing this book. I appreciate your kind words. ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Miriam, a beautiful and uplifting cover that captures your positive spirit and strength, encapsulates the beauty and wonder of life, highlights the winding upwards battle with your cancer. This sounds like an incredible book and you do right to complete it in your own time and I am deeply touched that you share your experience. Your forward moves me to tears, having had family with cancer I know they felt for the pain they would leave behind them, saw their unbelievable courage and strength every day. A time when the smallest of activities became a victory, where every day of living was a day of celebration. Love & hugs xx ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like how you described my cover. That’s exactly the message I want to convey. I searched for the images off and on for two years. I didn’t like the dreadfully looks. I wanted to show an upward battle with cheerful encouragement along the way. At first I thought this image was too cheerful but I was drawn back to it again and again, and finally realized this represents how I felt.
Thank you very much for your encouraging words and support, Annika. I’m anxiously waiting for my final editing to come back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Miriam, it must’ve been so hard to put down the details of this excruciating experience but I am glad you chose to share it. Looking forward to its release. Wishing you all the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true, Balroop! My writing group is very good. They didn’t let me hind anything. If I just described the situation, they would say, “How did you feel?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on bringing your book through to publishing, Miriam. It can’t have been straightforward to write or revisit over such a period of time. I’m thankful through your tenacity and faith that you are here to share your story, and to enjoy sharing life with your family and friends. God’s abundant blessings be with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so sick and didn’t know what was going on most of the time during the treatments. I saved all the emails because when I felt better, I sent out email updates. I also tried my best to write the journal when I felt better. Yes, I read them again and again to make sense out of them when I wrote.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a better day today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must have been unimaginable. What a perseverer you are to have got through all of that. It is incredible how the body just focuses on the job at hand and everything else just waits unacknowledged by the mind. Such protection. It can’t have been easy going through all the detail, but also a celebration of all you overcame. What an incredible story. I still struggle to look at medical notes/letters etc. Filed away, knowing where they are if needed. And my pleasure. Your joy of life is tangible in your writing. And thank you, it’s slow going, but I’m used to that and thankful for our coping strategies & pleasant room to rest in. Have lovely weekend, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad your loving husband is attentive to you and doing things to brighten your day, Penny! Knowing someone cares makes a big difference. The love from them is an important motivation for us to keep going. Have a wonderful weekend, Penny! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m glad I asked the question and that this, in a way, is your reply. Congrats, Miriam. I’m so happy that your book is coming together. Beautiful cover that conveys your journey. Please use your name in the blurb, my friend. That makes it so much more personal, and it’s a personal story that you’re sharing. Now, get back to your computer and keep going. Huge hugs. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You made me giggle, Diana! Sure, with your nudging, I’m going to use my name in the blurb! ❤ I'm still waiting for the final editing to come back. There are things I can do in the meantime. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried to respond to your last comment but hit the wrong button and sent your comment to the spam folder. I tried to find it, but there’s 10K+ spam! I gave up. Just want to say thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My spam is like that too. And it takes a long time to empty it! You’re welcome. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried to empty it but WP says it empties itself eventually so I don’t do it now. But it must be doing it too slow.
Your artwork for the new release is beautiful. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I didn’t know it empties itself. I try to stay on top of it. And I don’t try to dig things out of spam anymore. There’s just too many!
Glad you liked the artwork too! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fabulous cover, Miriam. I’m sure it will be a compelling read. The forward alone caught my attention. All the best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your encouraging words, Darlene! I’m grateful to be alive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to reading this one. Speaking of forewords, I love what you wrote in yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your support, Pete! I’m thankful to be alive to tell my story. I’ll mail you a copy when it’s available.
LikeLike
A beautiful cover and emotional forward, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Carla! My cancer was a life-changing experience. I think it’s true for many who have gone through traumatic experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Willow! ❤ 🙂 ❤
LikeLike
💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely cover, Miriam. This is a book a lot of people will want to read. I can only imagine how painful, but fulfilling, it was to write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Jacqui! I’m glad I kept my journal, notes, and emails. Some friends have family members who have cancer right now. They remember how they helped me. They feel hopeful about their family members because I’m still here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jolly good! This is so exciting and I celebrate your every success!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Annette! I appreciate your encouragement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done Miriam. A great cover, foreword, and blurb!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your encouraging words, Peter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover is great, and the blurb is very good and has an uplifting feeling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your encouraging words, Deborah! I’m glad the blurb has an uplifting feeling even though the journey was difficult.
LikeLike
What a beautiful cover, Miriam! I’m really looking forward to reading about your courageous journey. Congratulations!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comment, Jill. I read a book about someone who was writing her journal as she went through her cancer. She didn’t make it. I think her husband published the book. During the ten years of remission, I still worried cancer might come back. It’s been twelve years, so I think I’m cancer-free and I’m glad to share about my journey. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t realize that you’re writing a memoir about your cancer journey, Miriam. The cover looks great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Liz! Writing my memoir became something like having a cup of coffee in the morning. I’m glad it has been completed. I’m glad you liked the cover. I’m waiting for my final editing to come back so that I can format it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs, Liz! 😍💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the hugs, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, wow, Liz! I got blown away by your meticulous and insightful review of Songs of Heartstrings. I’m so thankful for your kind words. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you post book reviews. If you post mine, I want to make sure to reblog it. I appreciate your thoughtful review, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Miriam! I’ve scheduled my Heartstrings review to post on July 20th.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m excited about your post of the Heartstrings review, Liz. I’ll reblog and visit. Thank you very much! 😊
LikeLike
That is a wonderful cover, Miriam. I makes me think of a difficult journey with an inspiring goal. I have known several people who have fought this battle. I am looking forward to reading about your difficult journey.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your support, Dan! My brother-in-law had liver cancer and died at the young age of 50. My sister-in-law had breast cancer. She doesn’t feel comfortable talking about it. Many individuals in my church fellowship are suffering from prostate cancer, breast cancer, and so forth. I just want to share my story.
LikeLike
wonderful! beautiful cover and I love your blurb
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words, Beth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! I have gone through the journey with my mother suffering from Breast Cancer. But still nobody can say I know it all…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment, Geeta! Sorry to hear your mother suffered from breast cancer. Every situation is so different. I have a family member who went through breast cancer and it was not complicated. But one friend had breast cancer with complications and had seven surgeries. When someone has cancer, all we can do is walk alongside that person and be there for him/her. I’m grateful for my family and friends supporting me.
LikeLike
True
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful cover, Miriam. Your blurb moved me and I look forward to reading about your journey. Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked the cover, Denise. I had four choices and this one kept coming back to me. Thank you for your words about the blurb and for wanting to read about my journey! ❤
LikeLike
Congratulations Miriam, a stunning cover. Thank you for sharing your courageous journey and your healing heart. Inspiring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your encouragement and support, Suzette! I’m thankful to be here to share my story.
LikeLike
Thank you Miriam 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Suzette. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a gorgeous cover and it sounds like a wonderful, wonderful story. I’m so glad you can share it with us. Hugs, Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your comment, Toni! It’s not an easy story to tell and I’m glad to have completed it and share it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow Miriam I love the cover and I’m so grateful you are here to talk about it as you bring so much goodness to our lives. Your story is moving and rich with your spirit. Congratulations on bringing it to completion. I can’t wait to read it!
💖👏👏👏👏💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your encouraging words, Cindy! I like the image on the cover because it illustrates the hope and cheering I received during my uphill battle. I’m so glad to hear you want to read it. I appreciate your comment! ❤ ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome … I love it to and I love the title! You are so welcome and thank you!! Cheers 🥂 to you🥰😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Cindy! ❤ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always, Akways Miriam!! 💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam, your cover is stunning. Your forward and blurb are truly moving. Have walked my mom’s fight against cancer with her, I can relate to your words very well. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much, Robbie! I thought about your mom often when I was writing my story. One member in my writing group got emotional when making her comment. My story reminded her of what her late husband went through.
LikeLiked by 1 person