An Ordinary Life

“William places his hand on the window and stares at his little girl. Something switches inside his heart as a fierce protectiveness is ignited. “Daddy’s here,” he whispers, fogging up the glass.” ~ Lynda Faye Schmidt, The Holding

I believe early childhood experiences are incredibly important. Being raised by a loving family has the power to build emotional, physical and mental resilience in children. I feel it is essential for us to learn as societies how to support strong foundational experiences for children. An ordinary life can be the promise of one child’s ability to reach their highest potential.

Many of the messages in The Holding articulate resilience and the light of humanity. I wrote the story with an intention to inspire others by sharing the impact one person can have on another. I wanted to pay tribute to my father, without glossing over the tough subjects. To tell a story of how unconditional love can heal our wounds.

The writing journey was bittersweet. Beautifully nostalgic memories collided with painful ones of trauma, grief, and loss. It was therapeutic to imagine my own birth into the world being a welcomed, joyful experience for my parents. When I wrote the piano scene, Cate’s father sitting beside her, hand-on-hand, finger to finger, I felt my father’s spirit beside me, radiating love. And the scene in the hospital chapel always has the power to take my breath away, remembering.

I wrote the poem at the end of the novel, that “wrecked” reviewer Barbara Wilcov “in a good way,” for my real-life father’s end of life celebration. His gift to me was the holding. My father was an ordinary man. He didn’t change the world, but he changed mine.

If you’re curious about whether you want to add The Holding to your TBR list, head on over to the Reviews page on my website.

Guest Post: Family is the Foundation

Guest Post: There Can be Miracles

Guest Post: Rock of Resilience

Review by Barbara Wilcov @ BookTrib

Review by Jane Riley @ The Book Commentary

COMING UP…

Books & Projects:

·      All four of my books are available online at Amazon, Chapters-Indigo and Barnes & Noble. You can also find them at select Chapters-Indigo and El Hombre de la Mancha bookstores.

·      I finished writing my fifth literary fiction, a psychological drama that explores the complexities of mental illness and trauma. Stay in touch by signing up for my blog or following me on social media to find out when it will be published.

Reviews & Interviews:

·      You can read, listen or watch a large selection of reviews and interviews on my website.

Events:

·      There are no events currently scheduled in my calendar.

YouTube Channel:

·      Watch The Rogue Scorpion trailer.

·      Watch The Holding trailer.

·      Watch The Healing trailer.