It’s Hard to Say Good-by

Ramona and Gerald Caveness' Wedding Day

Last November, my mother had a stroke. Over the following year, she fought hard to recover. Unfortunately, she lost her battle last Saturday. She was 81.

My mother, Ramona, lived a full life. Reasonably, I know that it was 'her time.' I know that I'm old enough to understand that this is life. I have faith in God and his plan he holds for each of us. I take comfort in that knowledge.

But I wasn't ready to say good-by.

There is nothing...nothing like a mother's love.

Momma inspired my love for books. She is the reason I write. The picture I will always hold near my heart is her sitting in her chair with a book in her hand.

I am an Indie writer. In the Indie world, writers battle to compete with the big 5 publishers. Readers don't realize what goes on behind the covers. Nor should they. Readers deserve books that will entertain them and allow them an escape from reality for a short time. I am the one that has to deal with the extremely competitive world of publishing. To get your book in the hands of readers is like finding a needle in the haystack.

Before I began writing, I was not a business woman, but I had to become one to sell my books. I love to write and create stories and am so appreciative of the fans I have. I realize I owe them the conclusion to Winds of Betrayal. I have had emails asking when...when is Set Fire To The Rain coming. I have set dates that I have not met. For that I apologize.

The real reason it isn't complete is because I write what I feel. The story comes to me while I type. To be honest, I haven't felt the story since my mother became ill. It's hard to get into a book and have your attention drawn away. It is not an excuse, but the reason. The fact of the matter is, I'm truly not a very good business woman. My emotions get the better of me.

I do have some funny stories about Momma and my writing, but that will be for another day. Today, I am returning to writing with my momma, once again, as my inspiration.

Momma, you will be missed.

Momma's Eightieth Birthday Celebration