Hi everyone,
I'm having a double celebration today.
The first half of the celebration is kind of easy to explain. Handcuffs and Leather was released yesterday by Resplendence Publishing, and it's officially my 25th e-book to go on sale.
Needless to say, I'm really chuffed with that!
The other half of the celebration needs a bit more back ground.
*Deep breath* Here goes...
Two months ago, I thought I was going to have to give up writing for publication.
As some of you already know, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME. As well as the physical symptoms, there are a few psychological ones. They call it brain fog, where you're so exhausted and in so much pain that you just can't think properly.
Well, over the last two years, while things have gone really well for me writing wise, they've really sucked health wise and the brain fog in particular got progressively worse.
Fast forward to two months ago and I'd completely lost faith in my own mind. One of the reasons why I've managed to publish 25 books in so short a time (apart from the fact I write short books, lol) is fear. It's amazing how much writing you can do today, if you're not sure if tomorrow will be the day your mind finally topples over the edge and you completely lose the ability to write at all and that was a very real fear for me.
As far as I was concerned, I was on a mental downhill spiral and I'd pretty much hit rock bottom.
Then, seven weeks ago, I tried a new treatment. I don't use the word miraculous lightly, but it really is the only word that fits. With in a few days of taking my new tablets, my mind started to clear. Not only that, but the pain started to lift, the fatigue started to improve too. After almost two months on the tablets my mind is working better than it has through the last 13 years - since I'm 26 now, that's officially half my lifetime!
I feel like I've been given my mind back. I'm still ill, I know that. But I can see some sort of hope for the future now. I don't know how long the miracle will last, but I really am cherishing every day.
So, yes, a double celebration, and anyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a draw to win an e-book from my back list. (IOU's are available for future releases if you have all the back list ones you want!)
Competition closes midnight GMT Sunday 23rd, when the winner will be announced on this blog.
Thanks guys!
Kim.
22 comments:
I'm not entering the competition but I wanted to say how glad I am to hear you are feeling better! Did you mention the name of the medication? I would like to check into it for myself.
~smooches~
Jase
God Kim, that's great news. I am so happy that you found something that works - and not just because I would be bereft without your stories!
I hope this is the beginning of so much more for you. Now that you are feeling better I would expect to hear you have slowed down your writing to get out there pain free and live.
Thanks Jase!
I e-mailed the details of the meds to you :)
Thanks Jen :)
I'm not sure I'll be writing less, but I'm definitly hoping to add in some extra things along side it!
I'm thrilled that you'll keep writing. You are one of my favorite authors, and your books are an auto buy for me. I'm so glad that everything is going better for you!
So great that you are feeling better. Prayers that you will continue to improve. I would love to enter your contest under the IOU category. To the best of my knowledge I have everything, including Handcuffs and Leather (which I finished reading at 2AM). My one complaint, now that I have finished it, I have weeks to wait for your next book.
Congrats on finding a treatment that's working for you. God, it sounds like you've been suffering for so long, I can't imagine living half my life in pain. You're in inspiration.
I'd love to be entered in your contest...you know I love your writing. So glad we'll be getting another 25 out of you.
hugs,
Kris
Congrats on the new release and making it to 25! That's awesome! I just picked up Handcuffs and Leather and I know it'll be great. It's good to hear that you're feeling better and that you'll still be writing. You're one of my favorite authors so I'm glad everything's going good for you right now. Please enter me into the contest.
Thanks,
Nikyta
I'm not entering the contest, but I'm doing a happy healthy Kim dance for you! :)
And congrats on book #25!
I'm not entering because...well...I've read everything you've ever published, but I just wanted to tell you again how happy I am for you. You're one of the sweetest people I know, and I love the fact that you're feeling so much better. {{{HUGS}}}
That's wonderful news, Kim! It's great to hear that you've found something that is working for you. I know how tough and depressing the search can be. If you wouldn't mind sending me the medication name, I'd like to check into it as well.
Oh, and congrats on the 25! I love your books, buy them the instant they come out (re-read them as well, they are on my comfort-book list), so I'd like to enter the contest under the IOU category.
-hugs-
Susan
I'm so happy for you, Kim. And I'm off to pick up your latest book. *wink*
Jan
Hello, Kim,
I'm SO happy you're feeling better. When you left the Grip, I was quite concerned about you. I didn't realize how seriously you were suffering. I can definitely put myself in your position--the notion of losing my mental abilities is by far the scariest thing I can think of, much worse than being blind or deaf or paralyzed.
Now that you're feeling better, we've got to have you as a guest!
Warmest wishes,
Lisabet
Hi Kim! Congrats and best wishes for continued better health.
Your books are autobuys for me (the m/m ones, anyway)!
Kim,
That is definitely cause to celebrate. That is fantastic news. I can't imagine what you must have been going through.
Glad to hear you will be writing more books, I am looking forward to reading them as well.
Thanks everyone!
A writer should probably be able to find better words to say how much of a relief it is to finally be feeling better, but I'm just going to have to stick to saying it's awesome :)
Thanks again for taking the time to comment - it does mean a lot.
Susan - I couldn't work out a way to contact you (I think you're profile is set to private) but it you e-mail me, I'll be happy to e-mail the info back to you. kim@kimdare.com
How wonderful that you've found a medication that helps so much. I'm very happy for you.
Congratulations, Kim. I'm glad you're feeling better and I hope that the meds continue to help you.
Please enter me in your contest.
I'm so happy that you are doing better Kim.
hugs,
Anna
Congratulations on your new release. I am happy that you are feeling better and I hope that you will continue to feel better.
I'm happy to hear you have found a medication that is working for your. I, too, have a chronic disease and it can be quite trying when you keep taking various medicines just to live a normal life. I'm happy for you. (hugs)
Congrats on your new release and I'm looking forward to many more.
Thanks,
Tracey D
Thanks again everyone! The results of the comp are now posted :)
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