READ! Read anything and everything, you'd be amazed what can give you
an idea for anything, poetry or otherwise.

Carry a notebook or a voice recorder around when you get an idea that
has to be set in writing.

Laura

My question is, how often does your pain exist within what you write?

Laura

Larissa, I'd love to hear the outline to this book you say you're
finishing with. I have so many!

One of them is titled Celina's Magic Jewell, it's at a publisher right
now - or the extended synopsis is at least. It's at Ellora's Cave
Publishing. I've had friends of mine go "Are you kidding?" Nope,
honest, they took all of three days to ask after the query letter, for
the extended synopsis. According to their guidelines, if it's a go from
there, they'll ask for the first five chapters, and then the whole
manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed. It took me a year to write that
manuscript to where it was even halfway decent, and I've done two
serious edits since then.

I also have e-books of poetry, two so far, and want to add more to that
number, but haven't had the chance. I've written poetry since I was a
little girl. I was all grown up when I started writing manuscripts,
LOL, 27 when I wrote my first one.

Laura

I gave you basics yesterday.

I'm not as bad as some could be, in regard to physical chaos that is.
I can still walk, though only at half the pace I used to manage. I
can still type, but there are days when even that is one tough
exercise. I read - a lot. I write about as much as I read, LOL.

I've had to learn how to pace myself because I can no longer go at
breakneck speed with everything. It's just not possible.

The site you sent me to is quite informative Larissa, thank you for
that.

A while ago, I started a Symptom Survey in another group I was once
part of. This Symptom Survey now has over 100 questions and some very
prestigious groups - (including the CDC) - are interested in seeing
our results when we have enough surveys filled out. We hope to gain a
lot of understanding into progression of the various diseases
connected to Fibromyalgia.

Now, no, I have never been diagnosed further than what I've told you.
Will they find more? Yeah, I imagine they'll find more when I
convince them to get some more complex screening done. I am getting
my eyes checked to figure out if there's a serious problem there -
it's getting very near frightening just to stand up and walk these
days, not just because of the rice crispy feeling I get, but because
half the time I feel like the floor's gonna smack me right in the
nose with me standing up. Definitely an eye thing, and definitely one
that happens regardless of speed at getting off my posterior.

I sincerely doubt this is in any way due to my medication, even the
one I no longer take. So many of my fellow sufferers have said
they're sissy drugs. Well, I'm not remotely large, perhaps sissy
drugs will work for a bit on me, LOL.

Laura

I do understand, I know several who have a terrible time just getting
to the keyboard because of their chaos - that's what I call it,
chaos - it's not just one thing that is affected by CFS, or Fibro, or
Poly or any of the rest, it's EVERYTHING. I've been part of other
fibro groups, but the creative half of me needs a place where I can
share what I can do and who I am in a more welcoming place, as this
would be.

Now, one of the groups I do recommend, if you have the energy, is a
new group that I helped create, but realized I couldn't be part of
because I don't have fibromyalgia, and don't want to just talk about
the illness, that group is named FibroHurts_SupportGroup. And they
are a wonderful bunch of people, including several from different
foundations and such that sponsor research in the dreaded diseases.
It is a Yahoo group, so shouldn't be hard to find.

I have learned to make it a point to stay away from my computer for
at least one full day. This is tough, and I mean tough, because on
average I get over a thousand email messages every day. But if I
don't "rest" I can't straighten everything in my brain in time
to "work". I work as a minister, online, and only online. I have
audio sermons through BlogTalkRadio twice a week and Bible lessons
the rest of the days written in blog format. It is awesome.

I also work as a writer/poet with a personalized poetry business.
That is fun, because I can help all kinds of people share good
things, remember their loved ones and all the rest. I, for one, am
glad to be here, and will definitely help keep the conversation going
if it ever gets to be a lull.

Laura A. Neff

A rainbow can be a simple view, one of eternity in every hue.

And also what everyone has been doing with their writing. We may be a
small group, but I'd love to learn from each of you.

I was born in Texas, raised in the suburbs of St. Louis, and have lived
in Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama and Georgia as well.

Now I am living in Georgia, with my husband, my four children and so
much more.

Laura A. Neff

I don't know if anyone else here would consider regular posting, but I
will try to keep the list active myself. I love to write, and I love to
interact with other writers. My doctor told me I couldn't lift, so that
pretty much cuts out any and all work of most genres. Good thing she
didn't say I couldn't type, I'd really go nuts.

Laura

PS. I read about hand/wrist braces worn at night. Is that for Carpal
Tunnel or Tendonitis? What kind of braces are they? I haven't been
tested but with my osteoarthritis it might be useful.

Larissa, I'd love to compare notes on writing. Find me anytime during
daylight hours 7AM to 6PM on Yahoo IM poeticart169 is my handle.
Would love to compare notes on writing techniques and even share
chapters of unpublished works if you like.

Laura A. Neff

--- In writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com, Larissa Lyons
<larissa_lyons@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all. I know the loop's been quiet, but I'm very happy to report
the recent release of my first novel-length book! :) Even though my
writing has slowed considerably the last six months, it's nice to see
such a tangible accomplishment, and to remind myself that I
*can*really do it. :-)
>
> An author on one of my writing groups just sent out the post below
(I'll paste it in its entirety) soliciting other authors and writers
who may have fibromyalgia and/or migraine headaches to participate in
a survey for an article she's writing. I wanted to pass on the
information in case anyone else was interested.
>
> Take care! Larissa
>
> Posted by: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
> I am writing an article on the proclivity of some writers to suffer
>
> from migraine headaches and fibromyalgia. If you are plagued by
either
>
> or both, would you have time to answer a few questions for me?
Please
>
> share this with your other writer acquaintances. I'd like to get as
>
> many responses as possible.
>
>
>
> If you would like to participate, please drop me a line offlist at
<<
>
> wndkepr @ iowatelecom. net >> without the spaces and put M.F.
Survey in
>
> the subject line.
>
>
>
> Charlee
>

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the way I deal with it has kept
me from remaining in several other groups. I write - a lot. I write
poetry, and so much more.

I am an ordained minister, and my CFS has, on many occasions, made it
hard to expand my ministry.

I have kept my ministry in an online forum - because I was told I
could not do much more than that as it were. I have been preaching
since 2007 when I was ordained.

I obviously write spiritual stuff as a result of my vocation. I am a
poet. I have had well over fifty poems published. A friend suggested
I consider a line of greeting cards, which I may do, because I do
have all-occasion poetry. I have already managed personalized poetry
and such.

I also have written a novel, though it would be for late teens early
adults, it's not as grown up as the one that may be in the works
soon.

Both of my grandmothers suffered CFS, but theirs wasn't diagnosed
until after they were diagnosed with more serious conditions,
including Polymialgia.

I was diagnosed with CFS 8 years after I was diagnosed with
Osteoarthritis and calcification of the bone structures in my body. I
have since been diagnosed with TMJ and Costochondritis.

I would love to share if any are willing to share as well. It is my
goal to have not only a line of all occasion cards, but a series of
cards and gifts specifically for the chronically ill to bring
awareness to this enormous population of human beings with
debilitating chronic illness.

Rev. Laura A. Neff
Co-Owner Poetic Expressions
http://www.poetic-expressions.net
Minister Covenant of Hope Ministries
http://www.mychurch.org/covenantofhopeministries
http://www.freewebs.com/covenantofhopeministries/index.htm
God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us-- in the dreariest
& most dreaded moments can see a possiblity of hope.   Maya Angelou

----- Original Message -----

From: Larissa Lyons

To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 7:55 PM

Subject: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Larissa checking in and saying hi

Hi everybody. I know it's been a long time since anyone posted and I just wanted to check in and say howdy. Vicki, I saw on the Roses Loop a few weeks back that you're having a rough time of it... I can really empathize. This summer has been the worst ever for me when it comes to talking and since I dictate my typing, I really felt silenced. Fortunately, I was able to get in a lot of handwriting and ended up with two spirals' worth of a story that I'm still working to get dictated. Even when it was only 100 words in a day, I felt really great just getting something out. Dragon NaturallySpeaking just released version 10 and it's supposed to have much greater accuracy. When my voice is stronger, I'm hoping to give that a try! Anyway, I have been thinking of everyone and hope that y'all are doing well. Larissa

Hello everyone,
I am 18 and i love to write I have had a couple of stories published (only short ones, nothing
major) but I found out today that i have carpal tunnel syndrome
I found this group because I thought it would be helpful for me, I've been told by the doctor
to cut back n my writing and ay advice or anyhing would be very much appreciated
thankyou
Bernice

Thankyou very much for the advice =)
--- In writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com, "Vicki Lockwood"
<vickilockwood@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Bernice:
> My doctor told me that wearing the stiff wrist braces during the night was the
best thing
I could do unless I wanted surgery.  So I wear them and I do okay.  I can't
write for hours
on end without pain. But I can dictate into a small recorder, get my thoughts in
order,
then type for a while. Then rest. It's working for me, so far.
> Vicki
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: bwakefied
>   To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 1:19 PM
>   Subject: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Hello
>
>
>   Hello everyone,
>   I am 18 and i love to write I have had a couple of stories published (only
short ones,
nothing
>   major) but I found out today that i have carpal tunnel syndrome
>   I found this group because I thought it would be helpful for me, I've been
told by the
doctor
>   to cut back n my writing and ay advice or anyhing would be very much
appreciated
>   thankyou
>   Bernice
>

----- Original Message -----

From: bwakefied

To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 1:19 PM

Subject: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Hello

Hello everyone,
I am 18 and i love to write I have had a couple of stories published (only short ones, nothing
major) but I found out today that i have carpal tunnel syndrome
I found this group because I thought it would be helpful for me, I've been told by the doctor
to cut back n my writing and ay advice or anyhing would be very much appreciated
thankyou
Bernice

Hello everyone,
I am 18 and i love to write I have had a couple of stories published (only short
ones, nothing
major) but I found out today that i have carpal tunnel syndrome
I found this group because I thought it would be helpful for me, I've been told
by the doctor
to cut back n my writing and ay advice or anyhing would be very much appreciated
thankyou
Bernice

----- Original Message -----

From: i_tutor@...

To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 4:55 PM

Subject: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Re: Hi All

Hi Vicki and Diana:

Sorry I couldn't answer right away. I got myself in a real bind of
too many online classes in one month. Ridiculous, I know, so I go
swamped. I still have one class to finish, but finally have a bit of
breathing room.

I would hope we could keep the group going though I don't think, with
all the writing I have to do in March that I could write each week
unless it was just a note to say I'm still here and kicking.

Vicki, I wanted to thank you for the timer idea. It really does help
as I sometimes get so into my writing that I lose track of time and
find I've written for hours only to pay dearly for it later
especially when the pain keeps me from sleeping.

Has anyone heard from Larissa? She is in my contacts list as being
one of us also, but I haven't seen an answer from her. I think I
have her regular e-mail in my contacts and could send it along if you
wish.

I wish you all a great March and hope to hear from you all again.

Carol Jo Kachmar

--- In writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com, "Vicki Lockwood"
<vickilockwood@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Diana:
> I think we all feel that way. Rather than fill a message with 'woe
is me', we choose to not send a message. Maybe we could share what
works for us sometimes, or what we tried that didn't work. I'll go
first.
> The timer works great, if I make myself us it. Tramadol helps
sometimes, if the pain isn't horrible. If the pain is horrible, I use
ice on the burning pain, and heat on the shooting pain. Also, I can't
afford Lyrica, but my doctor got me a seven day trial pak and it
seemed to help with both the pain and the fog, so I contacted Pfizer
and submitted an application for a free Rx.
> And for the writing? I take a 70 page spiral notebook to bed with
me. I make notes. I plot, I plan, I do character sketches, even
though I'm not a plotter or a planner.
> Okay, your turn.
> Vicki
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Diana Bolling
> To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:51 AM
> Subject: Re: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Hi All
>
>
>
> I never really know what to say. Yes I hurt and my head is foggy
more times than not. During my few brief minutes of clarity I do get
a great idea...it is the following up on it that causes me to fall
flat.
>
> I dont want to appear as a whiney person so I dont let on about
my pain most days. I wish that there were a cure for this. It is
really a hellish existance at times.
>
> Diana
>
> twelvestoneslady <vickilockwood@...> wrote:
> I'm just wondering if this group is dead. I love the idea of
staying in
> touch with others who understand how hard it is to write and
deal with
> pain at the same time. But I checked my Yahoo groups today and
had 56.
> So, are we going to use this space? I've eliminated six groups
that are
> just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm a member of several
groups on
> health and several on writing, and I think this one could
really help
> all of us. Except, we're all ignoring it.
> I'm willing to put one day a week on my calendar to post a
message, if
> everyone else will do the same. Whadayasay?
> Vicki
>

Hi Again:

Found Larissa's e-mail.  Its larissa_lyons@...

Vicki, forgot to say that I hope you get the free Lyrica but be careful
with it as it has some whopper side effects as it was designed to help
epileptics orginally.

I really like your idea of a notebook by the bed.  I often get an idea
just as I'm going to sleep, but sometimes lose it when I wake up.  That
is such a simple idea to stop the frustration that I wonder I didn't
think of it before.  Thanks!
Carol Jo

Hi Vicki and Diana:

Sorry I couldn't answer right away.  I got myself in a real bind of
too many online classes in one month.  Ridiculous, I know, so I go
swamped.  I still have one class to finish, but finally have a bit of
breathing room.

I would hope we could keep the group going though I don't think, with
all the writing I have to do in March that I could write each week
unless it was just a note to say I'm still here and kicking.

Vicki, I wanted to thank you for the timer idea.  It really does help
as I sometimes get so into my writing that I lose track of time and
find I've written for hours only to pay dearly for it later
especially when the pain keeps me from sleeping.

Has anyone heard from Larissa?  She is in my contacts list as being
one of us also, but I haven't seen an answer from her.  I think I
have her regular e-mail in my contacts and could send it along if you
wish.

I wish you all a great March and hope to hear from you all again.

Carol Jo Kachmar


--- In writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com, "Vicki Lockwood"
<vickilockwood@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Diana:
> I think we all feel that way. Rather than fill a message with 'woe
is me', we choose to not send a message.  Maybe we could share what
works for us sometimes, or what we tried that didn't work. I'll go
first.
> The timer works great, if I make myself us it.  Tramadol helps
sometimes, if the pain isn't horrible. If the pain is horrible, I use
ice on the burning pain, and heat on the shooting pain. Also, I can't
afford Lyrica, but my doctor got me a seven day trial pak and it
seemed to help with both the pain and the fog, so I contacted Pfizer
and submitted an application for a free Rx.
> And for the writing? I take a 70 page spiral notebook to bed with
me. I make notes. I plot, I plan, I do character sketches, even
though I'm not a plotter or a planner.
> Okay, your turn.
> Vicki
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Diana Bolling
>   To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:51 AM
>   Subject: Re: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Hi All
>
>
>
>   I never really know what to say.  Yes I hurt and my head is foggy
more times than not.  During my few brief minutes of clarity I do get
a great idea...it is the following up on it that causes me to fall
flat.
>
>   I dont want to appear as a whiney person so I dont let on about
my pain most days.  I wish that there were a cure for this.  It is
really a hellish existance at times.
>
>   Diana
>
>   twelvestoneslady <vickilockwood@...> wrote:
>     I'm just wondering if this group is dead. I love the idea of
staying in
>     touch with others who understand how hard it is to write and
deal with
>     pain at the same time. But I checked my Yahoo groups today and
had 56.
>     So, are we going to use this space? I've eliminated six groups
that are
>     just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm a member of several
groups on
>     health and several on writing, and I think this one could
really help
>     all of us. Except, we're all ignoring it.
>     I'm willing to put one day a week on my calendar to post a
message, if
>     everyone else will do the same. Whadayasay?
>     Vicki
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Diana Bolling

To: writing_beyond_fibromyalgia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:51 AM

Subject: Re: [writing_beyond_fibromyalgia] Hi All

I never really know what to say.  Yes I hurt and my head is foggy more times than not.  During my few brief minutes of clarity I do get a great idea...it is the following up on it that causes me to fall flat.

 

I dont want to appear as a whiney person so I dont let on about my pain most days.  I wish that there were a cure for this.  It is really a hellish existance at times.

 

Diana

twelvestoneslady <vickilockwood@grantcity.net> wrote:

I'm just wondering if this group is dead. I love the idea of staying in
touch with others who understand how hard it is to write and deal with
pain at the same time. But I checked my Yahoo groups today and had 56.
So, are we going to use this space? I've eliminated six groups that are
just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm a member of several groups on
health and several on writing, and I think this one could really help
all of us. Except, we're all ignoring it.
I'm willing to put one day a week on my calendar to post a message, if
everyone else will do the same. Whadayasay?
Vicki

I'm just wondering if this group is dead. I love the idea of staying in
touch with others who understand how hard it is to write and deal with
pain at the same time. But I checked my Yahoo groups today and had 56.
So, are we going to use this space? I've eliminated six groups that are
just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm a member of several groups on
health and several on writing, and I think this one could really help
all of us. Except, we're all ignoring it.
I'm willing to put one day a week on my calendar to post a message, if
everyone else will do the same. Whadayasay?
Vicki

I'm just wondering if this group is dead. I love the idea of staying in
touch with others who understand how hard it is to write and deal with
pain at the same time. But I checked my Yahoo groups today and had 56.
So, are we going to use this space? I've eliminated six groups that are
just sitting there, doing nothing. I'm a member of several groups on
health and several on writing, and I think this one could really help
all of us. Except, we're all ignoring it.
I'm willing to put one day a week on my calendar to post a message, if
everyone else will do the same. Whadayasay?
Vicki

Hi Vicki:

Great to hear from you.  I wondered if the group was still in
business.  Also, that is a great idea about the timer.  I will be sure
to use it.

Hope all is going well with everyone in the group.  I, unfortunately,
have a flareup of my fibro and a terrible cold at the same time but am
recovering.

Take care of yourselves, all of you.

Carol Jo Kachmar

Hi All:
Just wanted to share one thing that I do to help me pace myself. I
bought a kitchen timer to set by my screen and when I sit down to work
on a long project, I set it for thirty minutes and when that time is
up, I stop for a moment and go do something else--anything that makes
me move around some.
I hope this helps someone else as much as it does me. Your brain
doesn't have to stop just because your fingers do. Stand up. Do a yoga
pose. Fill the sink with hot water and put the dishes in. walk on the
treadmill for five minutes, or sit down and just take a break.
Can't wait for this group to take off. I think it's really going to
help members who struggle with chronic pain and fatigue.
Have a great weekend.
Vicki Lockwood

A quick hello to everyone that signed up -- and thanks!

 

Over the next few days, I'm going to review the posts from the 50 Books group and send invitations to join us to those folks that posted on any of the health-related threads.  If you know of anyone else that might appreciate or be able to contribute to this group, please tell them about it or e-mail and let me know so I can invite them too.

 

I've been thinking of a few ways to make this a productive, beneficial group without anyone feeling inundated by e-mails (raising hand :) --  one idea I've had is to utilize the Files section for different topics such as "bodywork", "Critique or Writing Tips", "introductions", etc.  While the group is small, it will be easy to get to know one another and hopefully exchange positive ideas, but as we grow, I thought it might be easier for new members to reference information if we're able to organize it by topic using Word documents that are updated regularly (maybe monthly), with primarily questions posted on the group.  I'm all ears if anyone has comments or other suggestions.  Please let me know what you think of this idea and anything else you'd like to share.

 

I'm really excited about networking with other authors dealing with similar health issues.  I don't live near any RWA chapters and my primary writing buddy is 1700 miles away :-) so I'm looking forward to getting to know the folks on this loop.

 

Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.  :-) Larissa

 

 

 

 

>^..^<     >^..^<      >^..^<      >^..^< 

 

Larissa Lyons, author of Luscious Tales of Lust & Love!
www.larissalyons.com