Ashamed and afraid he may die, Gideon hits bottom when his girlfriend dumps him for a real man.
Hope comes in the form of his father’s ghost and a person he has just met. Can he beat the odds and survive? And if he does, can he ever find happiness again?
EXCERPT:
Gideon rose up out of the ether of anesthesia as his senses began to return to him. Pain seared across his chest beneath the bandages. He opened his eyes to the too-bright white of the hospital room and the smell of antiseptics and fresh linen. He glanced up at the bottle of clear fluid dripping into the plastic tubing that ran down to his arm where it disappeared under the cover of a small dressing. Thank God, he couldn’t see the needle, where it pierced his skin.
A soft knock, and the door opened. Doctor Swanson walked through the portal, across the room to Gideon’s bed. He took up the chair next to the bed and sat down. The doctor’s face grew solemn as he folded his hands and bent his head to stare at them for a few moments. When he lifted his head, he peered straightforwardly into Gideon’s eyes, with unflinching resolve in the determined, thin line of his mouth.
Gideon’s heart fell in gritty pieces into the pit of his stomach where it sat cold and heavy like a coiled snake ready to strike. He knew the answer before he asked the question but he had to ask it, just the same. “Well Doc, what’s the verdict?”
“I’m sorry, Gideon, it was malignant...
Excellent story, Sarah. And I love that it touches on something so rare that happens to guys and brings awareness to that condition. I was sure rooting for Gideon all the way through the story!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. When I did my research prior to writing this story, I found that the mortality rate for men is much higher than women with the same diagnosis--50% of men die. I don't know why the media hasn't picked up on that.
DeleteGideon goes through a bunch of changes and revelations in this story and I hope I wrote his character good enough to show his transformation. Nothing like death staring you in the eyeball to give you a different perspective on life.
Thank you for coming by, Cheryl. I appreciate it.
I've read it...it is heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time. I suspect more men die from this kind of cancer because they either refuse to believe it or are ashamed and ignore it. I'm glad you're getting this story out again.
DeleteCelia, I think you might be right about why more men die of breast cancer than women. I think men just don't think they'll get it, that only women get it. I wish the cancer association would work toward informing the public about the possibility of men getting breast cancer--but the pink ribbon gives the impression it's just a problem for women.
DeleteI'm glad I'm getting this story back out, too. I appreciate you saying that. You're so kind. Thank you!
Sarah, Holy cow, though I'm a medical person (besides being an author) and taught breast exam and know that men suffer the same, this topic in a romance novel made me sit up and say WOW! I love when topics in romances bring awareness of a concern or issue and I think you've got one big one here. I so look forward to this one, knowing there is going to be a whold bunch of strong emotions flying high. I too didn't realize the percentage of male deaths had risen so high. Wishing you much success with this one.
ReplyDeleteBev, years ago a former publisher wanted to have an anthology about breast cancer, romance, and a happy ending. A big order. I wanted to write something different than what I believed the other writers would create--so I did what writers do--RESEARCH! When I found out the statistics on male deaths from breast cancer I knew I had to make my story about a man.
DeleteUnfortunately, because of angst and turmoil, the anthology was dropped after I had submitted my story. I left that publisher and wasn't certain what I was ever going to do with such an unusual story. It was first published by Rebecca Vickery. I will always be grateful to her for seeing its worth. When PbRV closed due to ill health, Cheryl Pierson accepted this story so it got a second chance.
Your enthusiasm about the subject of this story really makes me happy. Thank you so very much. Your words are so encouraging.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour story brings to the forefront a topic that is finally coming out of the closet, so to speak. It seems there are certain illnesses and diseases that have a stigma of shame or embarrassment attached to them, as well as being labeled as male or female ailments. I can see how it would be a challenge to blend breast cancer, romance, and a happy ending into a story let alone gather several stories with the same theme in an anthology. It would be angsty for sure.
I'm glad your story found a new home with Prairie Rose Publications. It's great to have stories that don't quite fit a particular expectation.
Kaye, I'm going to admit that this was not an easy story to write--not as a romance for certain. Cancer is not just physically traumatic to a person; it has deep emotional obstacles to overcome as well.
DeleteI was amazed at the people in my chemo group who gave up in the middle of their treatment without fighting. I wanted my character to be a fighter, but he had a disease, heartbreak, and social stigma to overcome.
The most difficult part was developing a romance without making it a pity party. I wanted a woman who respected his talent as a musician, but even more, saw into his spirit and loved the man he truly was.
I'm very happy PRP picked up this story, too. I've known Cheryl Pierson for quite some time and she gave me great advice when I needed it most. When I learned she and Livia were starting up their own publishing company I knew it would be a fair and friendly place to be. I am so glad that you are now a part of it as well. I know you're going to do a fantastic job.
Thank you so much for coming Kaye. I loved your comment.
Wow, what a twist on the expected. Good luck with the story, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteWell, hey there, Tracy. Cheryl encouraged me to extend this story into a more lengthy piece and I am glad that I did that as well as some revisions to help it along.
DeleteThank you for coming and lending me your support.
I will announcing the winner of a copy of SONG OF MY HEART this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank everyone who commented on my new release. I appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteThe winner of a digital copy of SONG OF MY HEART is.......Beverly Wells. Please contact me at starcriter@yahoo.com with your email address and I'll get a copy out to you straight away. Congratulations, Bev. I hope you like the story.