Laura Nowlin's Blog: How did I end up with a Blog?, page 2

On a personal note…

Dear Fans and Readers,

I have been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder known as Multiple Sclerosis, or MS. To put it simply, my immune system has decided that my nervous system is the enemy, and it is waging periodic attacks on the protective tissue surrounding my nerve endings. These attacks result in temporary neurological difficulties and extreme fatigue that can affect daily life. There is no way to predict the duration, severity or frequency of the attacks or “flare ups.” Over time, and with repeated attacks, neurological difficulties such as paralysis or vision loss, can become permanent.

Every MS Patient experiences their own unique progression of symptoms and there is no way to predict what course my MS will take. However, the Doctor said that given that I am starting treatment with minimal damage and am otherwise healthy, and because of recent advances in medication, it will probably be 20 years or more before I experience any permanent disability.

I am posting about this publically because it is such an unpredictable illness, and because I want to be proud of who I am and not try to hide my struggles with Depression or MS. Everyone in the world is fighting some sort of battle. Never forget that, and remember to be kind.

One month ago, a Doctor looked me in the eye and said, “When a patient suddenly loses sight in one eye, obviously our first concern is some sort of brain growth.” When you hear something like that, suddenly all your priorities are clear. As I lay in the MRI machine, this was my prayer: “Let me live. Let me write. Let me continue to be a wife. Let me become a mother.” As far as I am concerned, MS is the answer to that prayer. I knew that something was wrong with my body, but all I wanted was for it to be something that I could manage. I can manage MS.

“This Song is (Not) for You” Research.

OMG ‘IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME’ IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!

Thank you. Really. I am truly flattered and amazed that my novel touched you so deeply. Thank you so much for your message on Twitter/Tumblr/Facebook. It’s fans like you that inspire me to keep writing.

However.

“If He had Been with Me” is not the best book ever written. While you’re waiting for me to finish “This Song is (Not) for You” you should check out my list of BEST BOOKS I’VE EVER READ!!!

Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark

The Blind Assassin  by Margaret Atwood

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

1984 by George Orwell

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger

Deathless by Cathyrnne M. Valiant e

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers**

**Secretly, I pretend that I am the reincarnation of Carson McCullers. But let’s keep that just between you and me, ‘kay?

Live to far to ever make it to a reading?

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This is a “If He had Been with Me” book trailer. Think you can do it better?

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I have a reading coming up!

…But this is HOW April drums…

Notice the expressions on her face while she plays.

I MUST MEMORIZE!

or April will sound like a dreaded poseur…

Tumblr? Will this be as confusing and addictive as Twitter?

I’m on Tumblr now. My blog is called “Author” because I thought they were asking ME for MY title.

I was already way insecure about how many followers I had on Twitter. Whenever I lose a follower I think, “What did I post that made them not like me anymore?” I also waste far more time on Twitter than I ever expected. I’ve become strangely addicted to a social networking site that I barely understand. None of my friends are on Twitter. I tried to explain it to them. “It’s like a big worldwide conversation,” I said. “With who?” they said. I find myself constantly worrying that I’ll do the sort of annoying things on Twitter that my Mother does on Facebook. Aren’t I still too young to feel this way?

I’m not sure how many of my acquaintances have even heard of Tumblr. Most people I know drew the line at instagram. I just want to stay connected to how the world works now.