T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Spotlighting Anthologies I've Participated In

Lisa’s 18-year-old sister was kidnapped in 1994, and remains missing. They all have three things in common: losing a loved one to kidnapping or homicide, facing a roller coaster of overwhelming emotions, & embarking on a journey in search of understanding, healing, & hope. 
Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, this book is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one by kidnapping or homicide. Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With a Special Needs Child is a unique collection of stories from families who have come together to share in the trials and tribulations on raising a child with a disability.

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​Those who read this book will see the beauty, love, and speciality of our special needs children and adults. It is a must read for families whose lives have been affected by a disability. Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series featuring true stories about real life experiences, Project Cold Case is a portable support group for people who have lost a loved one to an unsolved kidnapping or murder.

​Filled with answers to poignant questions, the stories invites readers into a world where they’re surrounded by warmth and compassion as they seek comfort and understanding in the aftermath of their own loss. An honor some authors receive is the invitation to participate in an anthology. An anthology is a collection of stories written by various authors. These are the four anthologies I've had the privilege to join. I receive no royalties from any of these books yet the benefits of each is unique and a collection of stories written from the heart to help others.

The fourth book I participated in releases in August of this year, 2019. Each book offered me the  opportunity to expand and go deeper yet I took the easy way out for three of them. Instead of writing a new submission for each, I used the same writing piece. The audience for each book was different and my emotional state didn't allow creative freedom. This is the life of a writer sometimes, sometimes the words and emotions role onto paper easier than others, the goal when invited to participate, if called to do it, is to have a submission to submit. 

If you are grieving a cold case or homicide, then you'll experience stories written by people who have, or are, living the pain you are. The newest book, releasing in August,  will offer comfort to an array of "survivors". More information about this book will be released in a future blog.

For parents, families, and caregivers of children with disabilities, then Sometimes the Wind Blows Sideways will encourage you with a variety of stories to instill hope and remind you of how special these kiddos are. Happy reading!
Potential Release Date for August 2019 This book is compiled of true stories about the forgotten victims of murder and suspicious deaths. The stories are written and shared by the surviving families of these victims.

​This is the second, published book that we have been fortunate enough to contribute towards. You will be able to pick up a copy of the new book very soon. Keep an eye out for the release publication date of this book in August, 2019. Another way to learn about my sister, Heidi Allen,
and how her kidnapping effected my life, as her only sister.