Today we welcome debut author Barbara M. Britton.
Barbara, welcome!
Providence: Hannah’s Journey was a blessing to write, edit, and share with the world. Little did I know when I wrote this novel, that its theme would carry me through a challenging time in my own life. My main character, Hannah bat Zebula, is on a mission to find the prophet of Israel and find out what she needs to do to be healed from deformities she has suffered since birth. Hannah goes through many trials. Conflict and tension are mainstays in modern day writing, but as a writer, you want the chaos to stay on the page.
The theme I chose for Hannah is—God is in control even in the chaos of life. Great theme, eh? It was and is today. After I sold my story to Pelican Book Group and finished my edits, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A lumpectomy and radiation were supposed to take care of the cancer. Though, after surgery, I still had cancer. What? That’s what I said. This news was a major bummer with major chaos. But, I remembered my theme. Through much prayer and consultations with doctors, I became a cancer ninja. I battled cancer with a bi-lateral mastectomy, physical therapy, and radiation. Is the cancer gone? The doctors are hopeful. I’m hopeful. I’m also prayerful.
I received my galley for Providence: Hannah’s Journey after my second surgery. I had to laugh at the timing. God knew I needed a distraction from hospitals and doctors and needles. What a blessing to focus on my debut novel rather than cancer, prosthetics, or a recurrence. Jesus was my rock. His gift of writing served as a diversion from the chaos of cancer.
That’s not all. Through radiation, I edited my second book in the Tribes of Israel series. Another wonderful distraction. Would I change anything? No, because God, in all His providence, knows what journey is best for me. And, I couldn’t have asked for a better release month for my print edition than October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I urge all my female readers to get regular 3D mammography. If something shows up, do not wait to have a biopsy. Cancer doesn’t want to be found. And remember, if you receive a cancer diagnosis, God is still in control. His church and His people can walk beside you on your journey.
Because He lives, I can face the chaos of life.
My website: www.barbarambritton.com
Goodreads
My real name is Barbara M. Britton. The journeys will continue in February with “Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey.”
Thanks to Barbara for stopping by today. Be sure to pick up her debut Biblical fiction, Providence: Hannah's Journey.
What a beautiful story of triumph over adversity, Barbara! I so admire your determination and tenacity. Makes me ashamed of the things I allow to keep me from writing. You're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Delia. I think God knew I needed a distraction through all my cancer treatments. It was much more fun to talk about my stories rather than radiation and its side effects.
ReplyDeleteBarb inspired me to get a 3D mammo - and I am scheduling all of my future ones in 3D. Worth the extra money for peace of mind and for saving your life! Saving my friend's life! Health, friendship, love and faith - the most important things in all of our lives! Her journey is a testimony to each.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely get a 3D mammogram. It was the only imaging that picked up my cancer--albeit a small piece of it. MRIs and ultrasounds showed nothing. We need to advocate for our health care.
ReplyDeleteThanks for supporting me through my cancer journey, Betsy. You're the best.