Monday 16 July 2012

PTSD / "Diary of a Vet's Wife" / Sneak Peek at the Cover

July 4th, 2012 was the date I set to release Diary of a Vet's Wife, Loving and Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - the driving force behind my madness. Regretfully, I didn't make it. But I tried! The good news? I'm close, very close!

Liberty is the breath of life to nations.  ~George Bernard Shaw

As I sat watching the Fourth of July fireworks dance over New York city on TV, mesmerized by the blazing light show, my thoughts drifted to those who fought for the freedom we enjoy and often take for granted. Far too many young men and women gave the ultimate sacrifice. Yet what about those warriors who returned home dragging the war behind them?

Our country has such abundance, compared to what I see throughout the world and the havoc and terror so many have to deal with. Why must war rage on? The thirst for power ... freedom ... human dignity. The constant battle of good and evil. These wars we see from the outside, continue to FESTER on the inside long after they are over. And it's happening all over the world!

I know because I've lived with that aftermath of war. I know first hand the pain and heartbreak, and the never-ending feeling of helplessness.

Diary of a Vet's Wife, Loving and Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be my story, but there are thousands living as I once did, which compelled me to share my journey from its beginning. I wanted others to know they're not alone, and maybe they can learn from the lessons I was taught ... before it's too late.

A picture is worth a thousand words.  ~~ Napoleon Bonapart

Pictures can speak louder than the people in them. The setting - the light - the mood - the eyes.  Amazing photographs stream across the internet faster than a fire storm, yet they are soon forgotten. 

Then there are photographs hidden away in an old hat box in the back of a closet. Tucked out of sight for decades. Pictures that leave an INDELIBLE impression that often linger for a lifetime. 

During the last year I struggled with ideas for my book cover. Suggestions and renderings were offered but nothing was quite right.  A few months ago, my daughter and son-in-law in Australia sent an email asking to join the MacMillan team, and they volunteered to do the cover. Each creatively endowed in many areas, I was delighted to welcome them onboard.

Soon afterwards an email arrived requesting a photograph of my husband in uniform. Hmmm ... I didn't have such a photo. I didn't meet Lorne, my husband, until two years after he returned home from Vietnam.

Immediately, I called his mom in Houston and explained my dilemma. She wasn't sure if she had one either but said she would check.  A week or so later, I received a letter and six photos.  She apologized because she only had two of Lorne in uniform.

I had never seen either photo. One was an official military photo, the other just a snapshot. They held me captive as memories knawed at my heart. The following day I made copies for my mother-in-law and myself, then sent the originals to Australia.

Tiffany and Scott did their magic while I scrambled with what I had to do. There was proof-reading and formatting once the manuscript was sized to fit (5.5 x 8.5). Everything must be perfect. Self-publishing means you alone are responsible for any errors. Period! I still had to polish off a blurb for the back cover, which would also appear in Ingram's catalog with a 75 word minimum. I touched base with my patient editor a few more times. And there was the author photo to decide on.

When the back cover is complete, it will be downloaded for the printer. I then wait for the galley, the first book, which must be proof-read again - all 320 pages. Once I sign off on it - it's ready to roll! I promise to keep you posted! 



WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The sneak peek! Last Friday, I finally viewed the finished front cover of my book and I couldn't be more pleased.  It's perfect!  My story now has a face unlike any other.

50 comments:

  1. I like the cover, Nancy! Good luck with your new book; it's very exciting that it's out.

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    1. Pamela, I'm delighted you stopped and that you liked the cover. Many years were spent writing my story, it's surreal to see a face on my words. Your good wishes are welcomed with open arms. I have no idea where this will lead. :)

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  2. It's wonderful, Nancy. You've been on my mind lately. I am sending warm thoughts out to you. I am looking forward to reading. I too, like the cover. It's a strong image and pulled me in.

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    1. Brenda, Your glowing words humble me, yet you're comments reinforce the reaction I felt when I first saw the cover. The snapshot appeared quite simple and ordinary, yet on the cover it's compelling.

      I'll be back on SheWrites soon. I miss your writings but I must stay focused until the release. Hope everyone understands. :)

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  3. As a Vietnam era wife and mother, who saw many come back with problems, I think your book is a terrific addition to all of the stories that need to be told.

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    1. Penny, thank you for leaving a comment and introducing yourself. My hope is for those still in hiding to step forward and lend another voice to my message. Our government must be proactive to the needs of these wounded warriors, sooner rather than later.

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  4. A hushed and respectful .. wow! I think there is more being said in this cover image than one realizes. Very appropriate.

    My dad is a WWII Veteran. He had nightmares for a long time after coming home; loud noises over-stimulated his mind and reactions after so long being exposed to war sounds, but he rarely talked about the war - for decades. Now he is 87 and it is not uncommon for the bad dreams to still creep into his sleep.

    I wish you much success with your book, Nancy.

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    1. Lynn,your humble yet powerful words leave me speechless. Thank you so much. I wanted my cover to draw readers in, to pique their curiosity what lay between the pages, rather than set it aside for different story. I want this issue brought out in the open to help heal hearts in hiding. Maybe there is a better way, maybe my story will help find it.

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  5. Nancy, please be sure to let me know when your book is in print. I read memoirs and would like to know where to purchase a copy.

    And CONGRATULATIONS!

    Perhaps after I read your memoir you might even be interested in an interview, on OEBooks Book Blog.

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    1. I wish I could remember your first name! But I will be announcing my book release as soon as it's available in print. I still have to proof the galley once it arrives. My problem...I'm going back east from 8/8 to 8/20 for our family reunion. This puts a hole in my game plan.

      Thank you for your good wishes. Your possible interview is intriquing. I spoke about my story once in public and it was terrifying! :) We'll need to talk ...

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    2. Hi Nancy,
      ...it's Rhonda. And not to worry, we can correspond online. But first I must see this book! So exciting!

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    3. Hi Rhonda,
      ...thanks for the reminder:) Corresponding on line "after" you see the book is great. I can't wait to see it myself! For me, it's bigger than exciting because it took so long to get to this point. Not sure if I ever really believed it would be published.

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  6. Nancy - focus on your book, all writers truly understand.

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    1. Brenda, right now I'm between projects. I'm taking a mini-break. I miss being part of the group. I read a lot of posts, but didn't have time to comment. xo

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  7. Congrats on having a cover for your book. It looks great.

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    1. Thanks, Kelly. I've been following your amazing progress since "Spot." Go girl! How many books are you writing at once? Did you have YA books written and ready to submit ahead of time?

      I've been busy self-publishing and have missed a lot. Curious minds want to know:)

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    2. I only write one book at a time, but I write quickly and that means I get the manuscripts to my agent to edit pretty quickly. She has two right now and I'll be working on another soon.

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  8. I really love the cover. It is so different and really pops out. I can imagine it being on the table at Chaucers and it will definitely stand out. I also LOVE how big and clear the wonderful title is. THIS IS SO VERY EXCITING>
    Cant wait until the book signing party.

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    1. Lori, I miss you! The cover was an unexpected thrill because the snapshot seemed so plain. But "Wala," what a transformation! There stands the love of my life! At first the title seemed too big, but my goal was for it to "stand out" as a thumbprint in the Ingram catalog. The story must be shared! A book signing at Chaucers is still out on the horizon, but definitely doable:)

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  9. What an amazing cover. His face, so young...so set in his resolve, yet I can almost imagine the tiniest bit of trepadition hidden behind his eyes.
    I grew up in a world where most of the Fathers of friends were Vietnam Vets. I remember the stories I'd hear when I was supposed to be asleep and they'd had a few beers. I remember the stories I'd hear in the kitchen where all the wives were sitting sippin iced tea and discussing the difficulties of home life. I remember the couples that divorced...
    I think it's wonderful that you're writing from those women's point of view...an often over-looked struggle. Beautiful!

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    1. Chris, I highly value your observation coming from a stranger, unfamiliar with my work or my story. Thank you for your kindness. When I first laid eyes on my own cover I thought basically the same thing. His face represents the thousands upon thousands of young warriors serving in wars throughout the world. The brave boldness of youth, but still naive to the devastating pain of loss and injustice. The fear in their hearts no longer hides in their eyes. Your memories only reinforce the need for this book. It is real, it is raw, and it's what love endures when everything fails. Please come by again.

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  10. Yep I'll be following your blog for sure. Good luck on your book.

    http://vintageboomer.blogspot.com/

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    1. So happy you stopped on the blog hop...I left a message on your blog. Loved your movie history!

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  11. Cover looks great ~ hope the book is published soon ~ My husband had PTSD from Vietnam and sadly died scuba diving 18 months after he had been home ~ War is good for no one ~~ thanks, ^_^ (A Creative Harbor)

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    1. Carol, thank you for stopping by, I'm pleased you liked the cover. But I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You had enough time, after his return, to live with the terrors of PTSD until his accident. Did you have children together? Life can be cruel and destroy if we let it. It appears you have worked through the bad stuff, though I know from experience that "pretend is part of the game.. "

      I'll be stopping at your blog shortly. Please come by again. lol

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  12. The cover looks really good. Good luck with the publication of your memoir.

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    1. Edith, it's been so nice getting to know you a little bit. I have cleared away "comment verification," so hopefully anyone can comment or subscribe by email. Please let me know if you're having further problems and I'll see what I need do to make it "user friendly." I do have a computer guru, however, he works full-time and is hard to reach sometimes.

      Have a lovely evening :)

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  13. Hi, I enjoyed this post you linked in to Claire Justine. Good luck with the publishing. I have linked in a post about some rhubarb and banana jam I just made. Have a super week.

    Ps As I am commenting on things today I am reminding people that if you turn off your word verification stuff people will find it much easier to comment on your posts. Give it a go!

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    1. My many thanks for stopping, Carol. I left a long comment on your blog. And I did change my settings to include everyone. Sure hope it works, never knew it was there. :)

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  14. Ok you need to get over your rhubarb thing - give it a try as a rhubarb and banana crumble - not at all slimy and the combined taste is quite different from rhubarb!

    Ps you have still got the word stuff on - you need to go to the old Blogger interface - on your dashboard look up to top right, click the little wheel and it will give you the old interface as an option. Click that. You will see a big blue button - don't click that - click the one 3 along to the right - settings.
    Then click the comments tab - scroll down to the question "Show word verification for comments?" and click no. That will sort it. But you do have to click the yellow save settings button at the bottom.

    To go back to the new interface just click the blue " try the updated blogger interface" at the top next to your emil address.

    There - that's my good deed for the day!

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    1. Carole, YOU ARE MAGNIFICENT! I printed out your instructions and followed the yellow brick road. I was thrilled to reach the verification tab as stated. An amazing thrill for this techno-moron. I will now be able to announce it on my next blog. So many were frustrated with no way to leave a comment, but I had no idea how to help them until now! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!lol

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    2. You are welcome. Have a great week!

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  15. And thank you for following Carole's Chatter. I am now following you as well.

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  16. Nancy, your email came through, thank you for being persistent. Your book cover is perfect! Ann @ Pets for Vets

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    1. Ann, I am so happy I finally reached you. Thrilled you like the book cover. I just got a look at the completed back cover this morning and it's more than I could have dreamed of. The "spot" about "Pets for Vets" with your website is clearly defined and I hope attracts more caring people to your cause. lol

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  17. Nancy, I am so excited for you. Congrats!

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  18. Thanks, Ann, for stopping by and your enthusiasm. It's been a long journey but it's not over yet. I can only wonder what surprises await ahead.

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  19. Thank you for stopping by my post on pov. I hope your memoir does well. Having a brother with PTSD has been a difficult enough situation. I hope you and your family are doing well...or as best as you can be-guess I can read the book to know right :-) congrats o n the book again.

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  20. Michelle, I'm sorry your brother is dealing with PTSD, I know the anguish family members endure without a clue what to do. I did the best I knew how at the time, it just wasn't enough. There are so many wonderful resources available now that didn't exist when I needed them. Please use them, I've listed many on previous blogs.

    And thank you for stopping by. Please come again. :)

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  21. Can't wait to read your book, seems really interesting and I know how difficult of a journey it is recovering from PTSD. I wish you and your family success and progress in the future.

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    1. Hi Fred, I'm delighted you stopped. I've been away for our annual family reunion in Ohio, allowing quality time with family and friends. I returned Aug 20th with a nasty virus which is still haunting me.

      There was a delay in final printing which involved "the bleed." Designer in Australia and me in Ohio not good. Believe all is finally moving forward. My next post will announce "Diary of a Vet's Wife" release.

      Thank you for your kind wishes :)

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  22. Hope you are doing ok. Thanks for commenting on Carole's Chatter recently. Are you going to start posting again soon?

    Cheers

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    1. I'm doing great other than a setback on the publishing end, which caused part of this major delay. Thank you for asking.

      It had to do with the printers specifications, which were Greek to me and causing my designer's grief. That's all been worked out now, and the corrected cover will be going to my self-publisher for their printer on Thurs or Friday. May need a prayer or two. :)

      I'll submit a new post once the cover has been accepted by the printer. Self-publishing has its challenges along the way. I so look forward to putting this phase behind me!

      Have a terrific day! lol

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  23. Hi Nancy. Re cryptics, you could start by looking at my sidebar which has links to different types of clues with some explanations. Then it is really just a case of trying to crack them and then looking at the solution and explanation. Once you start to fathom out the word play, they will be fun! Good luck

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    1. Hi Carole, Thanks for the explanation! Now I'll know what I'm looking for. :)

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  27. Absolutely awesome!! I love this Nancy! You have done an awesome job with everything you have done & are doing! I have received your book - God Love you & Bless you!! You are definitely an Angel that has come my way.

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    1. I was so happy you stopped by. I left a comment on your post. I do hope to hear back from you as I believe we have much in common. Until we meet again, I'll be thinking of you.

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