Xlibris author Betty Collier unveils more about her inspirational journey on this third and final part of her featured blog contribution.
Hard work paying off
Fortunately, I was able to successfully publish the book in time to unveil at the conference in front of 400 very enthusiastic Sjögren’s patients from all over the country, doctors, and SSF board members. It was so well received that it became the #1 bestselling book at the conference, thanks to Steven Taylor, the SSF CEO, who endorsed the book and promoted it at the 2-day event. Along with the fab five, I hosted a book signing extravaganza during our first national appearance together at that same conference. After such a successful book launch, I was more motivated than ever to continue increasing awareness of this disease and raising funds for research to provide better treatment options, and ultimately a cure one day. Proceeds from book sales go to the SSF, but I wanted to contribute even more.
Little did I know that my eagerness to increase awareness and raise funds would be tested so quickly. Three months after running the half marathon with a bum knee, I completed a 10K in Santa Cruz with Team Sjögren’s California. At the request of Estrella Bibbey, one of the fab five in the book, and also Founder and Director of Team Sjögren’s California, I found myself running again with my torn meniscus. With my husband of 27 years at my side, the absolute love of my life, William and I crossed the finish line together in total jubilee because I had endured another race for Sjögren’s. Two weeks later, William was by my side again, but this time it was to bring me home from the hospital following a hysterectomy which had to be performed due to ongoing medical issues that had also surfaced and intensified over the same time period that I was writing and initially promoting the book.
So again, as I read the email announcing SHOWgrins as a GOLD MEDAL winner, there were many reasons why my hands were trembling, heart was pounding, and tears were flowing. I had done what I set out to do, and that was to share the remarkable stories of five fabulous women who had overcome all obstacles thrown their way by this incurable disease. I had hoped to inspire and encourage countless others facing crossroads in their own lives. What I now realize is that perhaps I needed to write the book for myself, even though I discovered I don’t have Sjögren’s. What I do have is the same as millions of others, and that is the uncertainty of life, which can be quite challenging and overwhelming at times. When I board that plane from Memphis to Miami with my wonderful husband by my side once again, on our way to the 2013 Readers’ Favorite® International Book Award Ceremony in November, I will know that I am one of the most unlikely of winners. I was able to overcome obstacles and crossroads in my life that I didn’t even realize I had until I found out I was a winner… a gold medal winner in more ways than one!
Thanks to not having Sjögren’s syndrome and by the grace of God, I have learned to overcome.
You can reach author Betty Collier for an interview or guest appearance through:
Phone: 901-674-2875
Email: livinginsidethetestimony@yahoo.com
Website: www.livinginsidethetestimony.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livinginsidethetestimony
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BettyCollier
SHOWgrins is the third book in my Living Inside The Testimony® Book Series. The first two books are entitled Living Inside The Testimony and Angel in My Room.
Kudos to you, Xlibris author Betty Collier for channeling trials into something creative and rewarding! Your literary journey, success, and optimism shine a ray of hope on many readers and aspiring authors out there.
Read the first and second installments of Betty’s blog.
Visit the Xlibris Blog and the Xlibris Indie Author’s Roundup to know more Xlibris authors.
Free writing, editing, and book marketing tips are featured on the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop.