L. M. Steen

For those of you who live with limitations in life, I stand as an example of what can be done with a little imagination. And, of course, a bit of ability in writing. My 43 years of marriage to an emotional abuser had already taught me to love and laugh no matter what each day held. I also have a strong relationship with my Father in Heaven. So, when my divorce created a financial problem, then a diagnosis came that I wasn't expected to live, perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised when my always busy brain started creating a new life.

Instead of writing journals about my life, I have written "journals" about the possibilities of life for me as Lillian Marie Cline, using my paternal grandmother's name, my own experiences, illnesses, and doings in real life. Well, except I've not been dragged by a poacher or shot by a drug grower. Neither have I found a Russell to share in my life. But, I do know him, in a manner of speaking.

When a professional writer and university professor asked me how I managed to write dialogue so well, I told her about the voices in my head. She didn't laugh, nor did she think I'm crazy. Apparently I'm not the only writer who hears those voices of characters.

About five years ago, while preparing for my "imminent" death, I also prepared to delete all of my books: all 18 of them. Except Letters From The Attic, a true journal of the love between my mother and father. That one is for future family. However, the rest... They are just for me and, apparently, for those who have a desire to share in the antics of Lillian and Russell. Or read How To Screw Up Five Lives in One Easy Lesson, or A Week At The Ranch... Or, especially, Whispers For The Dying. That one is only partially based on my experience with dying. The rest is based on the lives of my friends who have lived with and died from cancers. If you read that one, keep a box of tissues handy...

My life made an unexpected turn three years ago when I survived my diagnosis. And, last year, received the good (or bad) news that my third brain tumor had disappeared. Of course, knowing my Father as I do, I consider the disappearance as a miracle. You can think anything you want. But, no cures were available... Granted, I will never be free from the daily pain or the other problems created by the tumors over the years, so perhaps living isn't always the best option. But, as long as I'm here, I intend to live it fully and with eyes open to the wonders of this world through my camera lens. And, to the laughter available to me every day even when the storms come.

So, if you enjoy reading about the flights of fancy from an old woman's mind, and love to laugh at life's turmoil, you might also enjoy reading my books. If not, then at the very least, laugh in your daily life. That, and a love of the Lord is the best medicine found in this world.