Margaret grew up nursing the family’s pets and farm animals. Margaret started writing when she was in elementary school. She has published her nursing memoirs and articles in nursing magazines. Save the Child is her first published novel for adults. She enjoys writing and reading in almost every genre, music, playing violin, cooking, and spending time with family. She is the mother of one daughter and a son. She has three granddaughters.
Margaret, is your book non-fiction, or fiction?
Fiction What was your inspiration?
Upon hearing the Parker Jensen Story out of Utah in 2003 where parents were not wanting to have their child subjected to chemotherapy - I started doing more research. I was appalled to find out that here in the land of the free - parents are not allowed to choose different treatment. Every child is under the authority of the State until the age of majority. I strongly endorse that every patient including and especially pediatrics should have the choice of being able to incorporate these methods into their regimen.
What is the setting of your book?
I have set the book in Gilbert Arizona and created a fictional hospital so that I could avoid casting any dispersion against established Medical institutions and doctors.
Who are your main characters?
The Johnson family. Robert Johnson is the Father and is changing careers. He works part time in a law office and is attending ASU Law School. Nancy Johnson is the mother. Abby is 15. Sharon - the daughter with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is 8 years old, and Ben is 5. The grandmother is Phyllis Lundgren - widow of Greg Lundgren MD.
In what ways do you think you are like them?
I am a fierce Momma Bear when it comes to my children and grandchildren and patients I’ve care for – like Nancy Johnson.
In what ways are you different?
Robert is a much more understanding and supportive spouse than I have experienced. He does have his faults – because of his choice to change careers their family is financially challenged – like many families are due to the recession at this time.
What is your favorite scene in the book?
Sharon is based on my niece. The Easter Nativity Scene that I posted on Margaret’s Blog at http://margaretlarsen.com is based on an actual event at my mother’s home.
After you wrote the book, how long did it take you to get it published?
I started writing this book in 2003. Due to illness and disability I’ve been delayed. It gives me a great sense of achievement to finally have the manuscript completed.
Have you been published before?
Yes. I’ve published three volumes of my nursing memoirs under a pen name. I’ve had articles published in magazines.
How did the publisher let you know your book was being considered for publication?
I signed up for a writing course with Pamela Goodfellow, Crafting the Character Based Novel with the goal in mind to get this work published. She is producing the book. Her mentoring, instructions and editing are wonderful. She coaches the writer all the way through the process from beginning to end and assists you prepare your marketing plan.
What did you do when you found out your book was being published?
Sighed with relief!
Please share a brief description of your book.
The Johnson’s reside in Gilbert Arizona. Nancy and Robert’s middle child Sharon develops Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Nancy wants to use alternative medicine to treat the child. She strongly opposes chemotherapy. Robert is changing careers mid-life and attending the last year of law school and works part time at law firm. They have run out of Cobra insurance and are very tight financially. Abby uses the family car to try to meet a date she makes via the internet and has a tragic accident. She ends up in a coma and is hospitalized amidst the medical and legal battle for Sharon. Phyllis is Nancy’s mother—ongoing struggles between mother and daughter heighten the drama.
Where can we purchase a copy of your book?
On my website http://margaretturley.com or Pamela’s http://www.goodfellowpublishing.com/ ,
at Amazon.com and by request to order from any local bookstore after its release at the end of next month.
Save the Child will come out the end of February 2010
I've started posting blogs on the Save the Child Website @ http://www.margaretturley.com/
The Untold Scripture Stories coming later this year by Margaret Larsen with original artwork by Kali Higgins
http://margaretlarsen.wordpress.com/I will soon have Ribbons and Bows: multiple births memory books ready to market DBA http://www.sophiawynott.com/
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3 comments:
My mom did an alternative to chemotherapy and got a lot of grief for it. She's alive and well now, thanks to her "unconventional" doctors. I hope this book helps others understand there is an alternative to poisoning your body, and that everyone should have the right to persue the treatment they feel good about taking.
I'm just grateful that I haven't had to go through something so traumatic. It would be hard dealing with a sick child and having to fight the government as well.
I interviewed one mother that lost 2 children to chemotherapy. The daughter had chemo and radiation and still lost her leg to bone cancer. Then a couple of years later she got cancer again. The daughter vehemently was against chemo. But the doctors, judges and lawyers all insisted she must do it. The son got cancer afterward. Because of their experience with the daughter they once again protested chemotherapy. They stopped in both cases short of having custody of their children taken away. My heart aches for them still. Such a tragedy and loss.
Margaret
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