March 2012

Yes, dear friends, I am still alive. I was never very good at writing monthly newsletters but when I got sick back in September, everything in my life seemed to come to a screeching halt. I was just recently, finally diagnosed with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). September through December were absolutely hellish and I am still dealing with a lot of pain and trying to get the right meds at the right doses in order to get back to some semblance of "normal".

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. I was at the top of my game. Physically at a peak in my life (or so I thought), exercising 5 or 6 times a week, eating healthy and had just lost about 45 pounds. Either I had a reaction to an antibiotic or some odd virus got in to my system (they can only guess at this point) and it triggered the RA. The rug was pulled out from under me.

As a writer, RA is not a diagnosis you really want to hear. My worst pain currently is in my fingers, hands and arms. I can type (obviously) for now and I hope with the right drugs, I will be able to for many years to come, but there is no guarantee. Here are some things I have learned:

My old attitude of "why do today what I can put off 'til tomorrow' has got to go. Time to get busy and get all the books I have inside of me-written down.

Never, ever, ever take your health for granted. Any of us could lose the use of our hands (or other vital organs) at any time. Every day I can type is a very good day.

My husband is an even more amazing man than I already knew. I don't think I would have made it through these past months without him. In fact I am sure of it. His love, care and patience has put me to shame. He is such a good man.

There is nothing, I mean NOTHING more important to me than my family. They are my rock.

The more I learn about God, life, and the universe, the less I know about God, life and the universe. I always end up with more questions than answers. Pat answers no longer do it for me. My spiritual journey will continue forever.

I am blessed to be able to walk this earth with a handful of amazing, caring friends and a beautiful, exceptional family. If it ends for me tomorrow, I will have had MUCH to be thankful for. That's more than a lot of folks can say.

And now, for some literary comments.

We at Swyers Publishing are proud as punch to have launched Nicholas Trandahl's book "The Azure Wizard: A Legend of the Fallen Baronies" in late February. You can find his book on Amazon.com and at my site www.pamelaswyers.com as well as other retail booksellers. Find out more about Nick at www.swyerspublishing.com under Authors. "The Azure Wizard" is a fantasy tale about a young storyteller who realizes his destiny, one more wonderful and terrible than he could have ever dreamed. Fantasy fans will enjoy it immensely.

In April, we are introducing yet another promising new author: Sandra Gardner. Her book is a witty murder mystery entitled, "Mother, Murder and Me." We hope to have it ready to launch by mid April. Sandra has a down-to-earth writing style that will amuse and captivate the reader in this first novel.

I promised my fans I would begin writing (again) in the spring, and for me, March means spring, so I am hard at work today, trying to finish up "The Dream Dweller". This book promises to be my best yet (or so early reviews say) and I tend to think so, too. I am also beginning work on the third in the Tryta Chronicles... "Dylan's Choice". In this third installment, we will find out once and for all where Dylan's true heart lies and if he will end up with the love of his life: Tabitha. Will he find redemption or follow the path of his father?? We will soon know!

Again, I am sorry to have neglected these newsletters for so long, but I am back from outer space and ready for action. I expect you'll be hearing more from me in the future.

Happy Reading to All!!

Pamela Swyers

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