JulieAnne

Hi everyone!

My name is Julie and I am new to the forums. I am 26 years old and I live in Cincinnati Ohio. I wanted to share my story with you all! About 4 years ago I started writing a home remodeling educational book for a friend who needed help when she started a new job. After the book was approaching completion I had a rather unfortunate experience that stopped everything for almost 4 years.
Everything was going fairly well for me until a few days before Christmas of 2000. While at a dinner one night I was having a great time stuffing my face with everything from hamburgers to ice cream. (All the major food groups covered). The next thing I knew I woke up in a hospital emergency room with multiple fractures in my neck and a headache to end all headaches. During the dinner a 115 pound table that had been leaned flat and lengthwise against a wall behind where I was sitting fell and struck me on the back of the head knocking me out cold and breaking my neck. After countless doctor and specialist visits, it turned out that along with a broken neck, I had scar tissue on the left arterial lobe of my brain caused by the impact and nerve damage in my neck and shoulder. Needless to say my normal days ended that night. That was almost 4 years ago and I still suffer from crippling migraines and seizure type episodes and a large decrease in mobility in my neck and shoulder.
Not too long ago I decided to get out of my slump and finish my book. It was so hard for being at the computer for long periods of time would set off a migraine. With lots of effort and tears from blinding headaches, I finished it! On the brink of losing my home, and everything I own due to medical bills and daily living, I needed to do something before I did lose everything. I approached a publishing company about producing the book for me so I could try and sell them on my own. A friend read my book and suggested that I approach a publishing company that deals with this type of book and to see if they would be interested in it rather than me publishing it on my own. I gave it a shot with Wysteria Publishing and I received a request for a total script after my query and then I got a call and was offered a publishing contract! I was so excited I cried and then a migraine came on so my celebration had to wait. Go figure. I wanted to tell everyone my story in hopes that it may inspire those who want to quit to never give up hope. No matter what happens or how many times you get turned down, never give up. Imagine sitting on your front porch when you are old and gray wondering what would have happened if you had kept trying. Or imagine sitting there remembering that you never gave up and gave it your all. Whether it made it or not you still won for you never gave up hope. I may not live a long life now but I did not want to wait until it was too late to try and pick up where I left off.

I am sorry for being so long winded but I wanted to offer a hopeful story for everyone who loves writing. I am excited about being here and I love the stories that everyone shares with each other.

Best Wishes

Julie
www.indianrelichunting.com

petrel}

Welcome Julieanne, What an inspiring story! Congratulations on your book deal. Persevering through pain has got to be one of the bravest things I know be cause there's just no real escape. Welcome again. I hope to see some of your work.

petrel}

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daniela

Welcome to the forums! With a life story like that, I cannot think of anyone more deserving to get a publishing contract. This bit about your life was very inspirational as petrel} has already mentioned and I thank you for posting it.

--DM--

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Spudley

Hello. Welcome to the forums.

An inspiring story indeed! I can only add to what the others have said: Many congratulations on completing your book, and even more for getting a publisher. Well done. It's when that happens that all the effort suddenly seems worthwhile

I'd love to hear how this all pans out, so I hope you'll stick around and tell us.

See you around the forum!

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Pawn

Truly comforting. You are very welcome here.

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Beez617

Pawn said it all... Welcome to the forums, enjoy your stay.

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Aeryn

Welcome to the forums Julie! Congrats on your book and the publishing contract! Like everyone else, I agree with Petrel. =] Again, welcome!

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Chrispian

Well done. It's an accomplishment just to write a book, but to do so and get it published, even better. On top of that through the ordeal you endured, Good on you! Well done indeed. Welcome to Writing Forums!

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Beatrice Boyle

Hi Julie...What an inspiring story. When one door closes...The Lord opens an even greater one!

I love your spirit and determination...you are (and will be) an inspiration to everyone here. You might be interested in our sister site...Lit.Org where the story sites, both fiction, non'fiction, short, novel length etc are exceptional. The feedback is great also and we are priviledged to have you on both.

I f you have any questions, feel free to call on me or one of the other moderators for help.

Welcom to the forums.

Grandma Bea

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