The first important person I lost was my dad, to cancer. I was in my forties at the time, and it really made me look at my own mortality. Instead of fear, I found motivation. I didn’t want to be on my death bed someday, wondering if I could’ve accomplished my dream of being a published author. Over the next couple of years I wrote several romance novels and seven were published. Being published was great, but the first major win was actually writing a book, finishing it. The next was submitting it. Having it picked up and published was icing on the cake.

I’m no longer a Christian, and I don’t practice any religion, but I do believe there is life after death, and death doesn’t scare me. Suffering does, such as from an illness, but I think death is just the final step in a life cycle, then we plan another life. I’m not trying to convince or convert you, and I don’t have any proof, but I will suggest that you set aside your fear for a moment and listen to your heart and what it tells you. Does it feel like this life is all there is? Do you think the love you have for the great people in your life will ever end? Intelligence is great, but what does your heart tell you?