I’m pleased and honored to be featured on Joanne’s blog. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.
If you haven’t yet been on Joanne’s blog I encourage you to browse through it. You’re sure to be inspired.
Welcome to my Second Acts Series!
Today, we have Canadian author Carol Balawyder musing about the two acts of her writing journey.
Here’s Carol!
I am so grateful to be featured among so many (over 90!) wonderful writers in Joanne Guidoccio’s Second Acts series.
In life one has many second acts but the one which I wish to focus on here is my writing journey.
ACT ONE
Five years ago I retired from a successful teaching career with the luck of a pension that allowed me the freedom to write without the financial burden of having a day job. My initial intention was to put my heart and soul into writing crime novels. After all, wasn’t that the purpose for my going back to school to study criminology and later teach Police Tech and Corrections so that I would have credibility as a crime writer?
But then people around me…
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Carol Balawyder 
I posted a comment over there, Carol, but it doesn’t appear to have gone through. I’ll repost it here:
So much loss you went through, Carol. How difficult that must have been (and likely still is).
Interesting to hear more about your background. Best of luck with “Not By Design.” MS is an important condition to spread the word about, and fiction is often a great way to do that.
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Thanks, Carrie. I leaned a lot about MS while writing this book. I was particularly impressed by the optimism of the young people struck by this disease.
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Good evening Carol. It’s quite late here and I will shortly be going to bed with book, but fortunately read your post prior to doing so. Love learning more about you, and also that you have used your writing to transcend your own life experiences – as well as on a broader level. I need to read more of your work….I also need more time, but then don’t we all – it is our most precious commodity. Thank you for the JK Rowlings Harvard segment from her Harvard commencement address…..absolutely superb. She is a woman who speaks from real life experience. Off to bed now with plenty of food for thought. Janet:)x
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Thank you for your kind words, Janet. Yes, time is certainly a precious gift and commodity. JK Rowlings’ book is a little treasure. She begins it like this: The first thing I would like to say is “thank you.” Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honor, but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have me lose weight. A win-win situation!”
Happy dreams! 🙂
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I love that:) what a great way to begin my day…..Janet. x
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Ah Carol, this second act looks like it might be the kind of subject to grab me. Good luck.
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Thank you, Hilary. Very kind of you to stop by. I appreciate it. 🙂
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That was fascinating, Carol. I love hearing how writers got where they ended up.The challenges as much as the successes. Thanks for sharing this. I know it must have been difficult.
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Carol, this interview with you touched me to the core. The first act filled with so much sorrow and tragedy, more than anyone should have to bear in such a short space of time. My heart goes out to you. Your writing seems to have been a saviour and leads to the beautiful second act. Rowling’s words are of such deep wisdom and truth and your book will bear testament to her words as should so many of us that have a strong voice. Warmest wishes to you.
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Thank you, Annika. It’s very kind of you. All the best in your writing as well. ❤
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I left comment on Joanne’s blog. Suffice it to say, I’m always intrigued by what’s coming next from you Carol while you’re secretly holed up in your writing world. I look forward to new reading from you. And what a great topic you have chosen. 🙂
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Wonderful, Carol! You are a busy woman and I admire you in many ways. I’ve left a more detailed comment on Joanne’s blog 🙂
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Thanks, Christy for your comments on Joanne’s blog. Very much appreciated. ❤
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Carol, so much of what you are has come from struggle, pain and loss. I admire people who go through fire and still are kind and compassionate as you are.
I was a special needs preschool teacher for 9 years, although I taught 4, 5 and 6th grade Language Arts and general El Ed to begin my career. Although I never had someone who had MS, I had a couple of children who had cerebral palsy. One year, every therapist who came into the classroom learned we “combat-crawled” to circle, centers and almost anywhere in the room. 🙂 To go outside to play or to gym, we used a wagon. The boy was too small to use a wheelchair or walker.
Losing a sister makes me most sympathetic, if I lost one of my two brothers (no sister) or children, I would be lost.
Hugs and congratulations for overcoming your pain to excel, finding peace of mind and reach goals, Carol. ♡
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Thank you so much for your very, very kind words.
I admire you for your work as a special needs preschool teacher. It surely must have had incredible impact on you.
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Robin I nominated you for the championships award. Feel free to follow up. 🙂
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