Vida Li Sik's Blog

Given Lives: A village. A plague. An extraordinary love.


You've written poetry, created a journal and devotion books. And now you've written your first novel. Tell us about the inspiration behind Given Lives and who it will appeal to?

Given Lives started life as a section in a non-fiction book of devotions I started working on. My previous book focused on how God speaks to us through creation; this was to be a book exploring how God speaks to us through history. But once I got started, I realised this particular story deserved more than a couple of pages. I've wanted to write a work of fiction for a long time, but never seemed to have any ideas I thought worthwhile. Until now.

The most remarkable thing about this story is its relevance to the situation we find ourselves in today, with COVID-19 and all the hardships that have been experienced by so many. Given Lives tells of a community touched by the bubonic plague in the 17th century and the way they responded to it.

The book will appeal to anyone who enjoys history brought to life, or loves a story with a message.


Why will your readers love your main character, Kitty?

Kitty is a young woman of 17 years old who decides to spend a year with her aunt and uncle in the small village of Eyam (pronounced Eem) in the Derbyshire Peak District. Thinking only that her stay would involve helping out around the farm and looking after her young cousins, Kitty quickly becomes caught up in a devastating crisis which engulfs the small community when a deadly plague arrives from London.

In so many ways, Kitty is caught between two worlds; no longer a child, and not yet a married woman with family of her own; a city child learning to live in the countryside; a Puritan, non-Royalist whose closest friend is a Conformist rector’s wife; and an outsider having to share in the fate of a community not her own. I think readers will identify with some of her struggles and will love her the more for them.

This story takes place in the 17th century. Tell us about your research process.

I did a huge amount of research. Every individual, other than Kitty and her city family, really did live in Eyam in 1665-6! I used resources from the Eyam museum and the local church, St Lawrence’s. I was able to check parish registers for dates and read accounts of events that took place more than 300 years ago. It took me about a month of finding and compiling all the resources I needed. I even found what Scripture readings and prayers were being used by the presiding rector, William Mompesson, on any given Sunday. The sermons he gave were mine, however!


What was the strangest or most interesting thing that popped up in your research for this book?

Whilst writing Given Lives, I made a number of attempts to get in touch with people living in Eyam in order to get their input for the book. I wasn’t having much success until one day I received an email from a lady called Joan Plant. It turns out she is directly descended from a girl who features prominently in all stories about Eyam. The girl was called Margaret Blackwell, and was one of a very few who caught the plague but who survived! Joan read a copy of Given Lives and was so complimentary, it brought tears to my eyes. This was her endorsement:

"My 9th great Aunt and ancestor, Margaret Blackwell, is part of this wonderful novel and as a family survivor of this dreadful plague disease, I felt privileged to be asked to read Anna’s novel.

The story unfolds as Kitty comes to Eyam to celebrate the annual Wakes Week and becomes isolated with the villagers as they try to contain the disease. It captures the real depth of sacrificial love, care and compassion and their heroism during the Plague in 1665/66. The trust and hope the families had in God to bring them through this tragic time is a real testament to their fortitude as Kitty constantly, with her family, looks forward to a brighter and happier future.

A great read and thanks to Anna for her factual insight and passion for our history."

—Joan Plant


How long did it take you to write the novel? Please share your process from idea, to writing "the end".

In October 2020 I started all the research and planning. Then in November is signed up to the NaNoWriMo writing challenge to complete 50 thousand words over the course of the month. Amazingly I was able to do that, although the story wasn’t quite finished. I did other things over December and January, then sat down to finish the first draft in February 2021. I read through the first draft, amending the obvious flaws as I went along, and then the completed draft with a couple of reader friends who helped me with some basic editing and proofreading. Then I sent the manuscript away to a professional editor. By June everything was ready and it was time to create a book cover, format the novel for both paperback and ebook and have a quick final proofread.

Finally, now that Given Lives is out, what are you working on?

Given Lives is the first in a series of books inspired by historical events that I have planned. The next in this ‘Ripples Through Time’ series is set during World War II. Entitled Secret Lives, it is centred around the women codebreakers who were instrumental in helping break the ‘indecipherable’ messages that came from Allied agents in the field. I have started the research for this, although there is still much to do! I intend to write the bulk of the story in November, using the NaNoWriMo challenge as a springboard once again.

I also have a couple of 14-day devotional books in mind, but I’m not sure when I’ll get to compiling those!

Here's where you can buy a copy of Given Lives: https://books2read.com/givenlives.

From August 20, the price will increase to $3.99 for ebooks, $9.99 for the paperback. South Africans can buy the paperback for R180, plus delivery, directly from Anna at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/10656885...

#authorinterview #givenlivesbook #annajensen #historicalfiction #Eyam

How do you cope if you are suffering from chronic pain? And how can family members or friends offer their support to the sufferer? I asked someone who knows all about it.

Rose M Peluso’s book, Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God's Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss is the compelling true story told from behind convent walls, of one woman's struggles to "make peace" with a mysterious chronic illness and her unfulfilled dream of being a Catholic nun. It is available in paperback on Amazon. Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God's Grace amidst Pain and Loss

You wrote your book from a Christian perspective and your faith is central to how you eventually make peace with your chronic pain. What can people who don’t ascribe to any particular faith learn from your journey?


Well, obviously I’m a Christian, a devout Catholic. And since the majority of my “chronic pain story” takes place behind convent walls, and I had to tell the story from that perspective. There was no other way to tell it. However, I think other chronic pain sufferers, even those who don’t practice their faith or perhaps, just don’t believe in God at all, can still find in my story the central theme I wanted to express and emphasise, which is this – if I can “make it” and “come out the other side of pain” – then you can to. What do I mean by that? My pain no longer rules my life. It no longer dictates to me what I can and cannot do. I am no longer obsessed with it. I am no longer the cliché, of “chronic pain that happens to be a person.” I am now, a “person who happens to have chronic pain.” Just as I found a way to survive and thrive and to carry on and live a decent life and experience many moments of peace and happiness – other chronic pain sufferers can do so as well. For me, because of my faith in the Lord, His help and grace were a huge part of why I “made it” and “came out the other side.” But for other chronic pain sufferers who don’t have this belief in God, they’d have to find another way. However, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t find whatever is out there that works for them. There are many ways to “survive” chronic pain. My memoir reflects just one way, the way it happened for me. But I think there are other ways and chronic pain sufferers have to keep fighting and never give up – to find the way or that one thing that works for them.

“Take 15 minutes at a time”

Anyone who suffers from a chronic condition is familiar with the emotional ups and downs that go along with it. What words of encouragement can you offer to people in this position?

The only words of encouragement I can offer is this, the very wise advice that was given to me many years ago by a fellow Christian – take one day at a time or better yet, take just 15 minutes at a time. Ask the Lord’s help, for His grace to get through just the next 15 minutes and then after that time has passed, ask for the same grace for the next 15 minutes and so on. Often times, chronic pain sufferers can’t take 24 hours at a time, it’s too much to deal with. So asking them to take just 15 minutes at a time, somehow seems more manageable. They feel they can handle 15 minutes. And little by little, they come to realise that they’ve actually gotten through a whole day. Another piece of advice or encouragement – Don’t ever give up! Keep “fighting,” keep hanging in there. Tomorrow or the next day or the following week, may actually be better, even if today is lousy. Do whatever you need to do to make it through the day and you’ll see that a better day may be just around the corner. But if you give up now, you’ll never know.

Why is it important to have a supportive community when you suffer from a chronic condition?

Having support from family and friends and especially from those with whom you live, is vital to living and thriving with chronic pain. I don’t believe it can be done without support and love from other people. Often times though, people don’t understand. It doesn’t always mean that they don’t want to understand. But it is truly difficult to understand what it is like to live with chronic pain unless you yourself are going through it. People can love and support you but still not “get it.” And I will admit, this can be very upsetting and frustrating for those of us living with chronic pain and who feel misunderstood. It’s not easy. But it isn’t easy for those who live with or who are in any way associated with a chronic pain sufferer. It’s just a hard road for everyone. As chronic pain sufferers, we can’t push away those who love us and want to help and support us. Whether they totally understand our pain or not. They still love us and want to help and be there for us. Sometimes this can make all the difference in the world. I know in my life the support I received from my family and friends after returning from the convent was vital. Not only were my parents and siblings supportive of my pain but they were also very understanding and sympathetic to the loss I suffered because of leaving the Sisters. There was an enormous amount of grief felt in my heart and soul after I left my religious life, so I was dealing with this emotional and mental pain as well as my physical pain. But thank goodness, my immediate and extended family members were there for me. They sat with me when I cried. They listened to me go on and on about what happened in the convent. And they were there each and every time I needed to complain about my physical pain. Having people around us, to talk to, to listen to us, to cry with us, hug us, and reassure us that we aren’t alone is key to the survival and well-being of all chronic pain sufferers, in my opinion.


“Be there for your loved one”

How best can family and friends support someone with a chronic condition?

Just be there for your loved one. Don’t give up on him or her. Even if they are mean or rude to you. I don’t condone this kind of behaviour in a chronic pain sufferer but it happens. I know that I’m guilty of this, more times than I care to remember. But even if your loved one tells you to “go away” and they don’t “want or need your help,” don’t leave! Support them in whatever ways they need. Sometimes all they need is to know that someone is there for them, they’re not alone, that he or she is loved, cared for, and supported. Sit with your loved one. Listen, really listen to him or her. Try to understand and sympathise. Hug them. A physical touch; holding a hand, a pat on the back, a kiss on the forehead – anything like this, informs the chronic pain sufferer that you really “see” them, you acknowledge them, and you realise that he or she is not only their chronic illness, that he or she is a person, a person you love and truly cherish.

I Hope You Find Joy by Eliza Mae Albano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


We hope for a lot of things when we are young. To have someone betray not only your trust but also your beliefs in love and friendship can devastate; it can make you lash out and hurt others in return. This is what Emma experienced at a youth camp, and it shapes her adult view of the world and relationships. It even makes her bury her gift of writing and singing. It is only when she meets Christopher again, 15 years later, that it forces her to confront her past hurts and learn to forgive from the heart, so that she can move forward, and find her happily ever after. This is story is about the power of love, and forgiveness, and shows how faith in God can help you overcome your past demons. It is not a typical Christian romance, but it will keep you reading to the end.
This was the first book by this author that I read, and I look forward to more.

I just reviewed a memoir, Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God's Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss, by Rose M. Peluso. Wow! What a page-turner. I went to a convent school for the last four years of high school, and always wondered what life was like for the nuns "behind the scenes." This book offers a glimpse.



If you suffer from chronic pain, then you are familiar with the intense desire for an end to your agony. And you might have offered up many prayers for relief. If you can relate, then Maryanne’s story will inspire and give you hope.

When her career as a graphic artist came to an unexpected end, she sought God’s will for her life. She loves God very much and reasoned she’d serve him best by entering religious life as a sister in a convent. Around the same time, she first started experiencing debilitating pain that medical experts could not explain or diagnose. Many years later, she learned that the “thorn in her flesh” was incurable.

When you have a chronic condition, sympathy from others eventually dries up. The expectation is that you must “get on with it” in your role as a functioning member of society. This was what Maryanne experienced. So she leaned on God, the only one who could change her situation. This led to countless hours spend in prayer as she searched for answers.

What I love about this memoir is the author’s vulnerability as her journey of pain led to yet another crossroad. She owns up to her mistakes, even as she highlights the crushing impact the dwindling emotional support from her community had on her. Her persistence in prayer is admirable, and her struggle to find God’s will is relatable. There are many lessons you can learn from Maryanne's life.

Each chapter starts with a Bible verse that relates to what follows. The writing is easy to read–in fact, it’s a page-turner. I lost a few hours of sleep as I read into the wee hours of the night to learn how she resolved her situation. It is very gripping.

This true story will appeal to sufferers of chronic pain or any other chronic condition. It will benefit those who’d like to learn how to persevere in prayer. Approach it with an open mind and heart. You’re bound to find hope and encouragement from this book.

(This review was published on Reedsy/Discovery:https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/beh...

If I was a newlywed, or in a marriage experiencing a few wobbles, or extreme turbulence, then I’d love to sit down with Dr. Fisher for a chat. As that is not possible, this book is the next-best solution. Even those whose marriages are in great shape will benefit. Here, you’ll find professional advice written in a conversational style. It is easy to read, but calls for effort and perseverance if you want marital satisfaction.



One of the best ways to learn is from the mistakes of others. The author shares plenty of his own, and uses case studies to illustrate the six steps he proposes. These six steps include establishing a covenant foundation and not think of divorce as an option; owning your brokenness; learning to share power; developing emotional attachment; cultivating sexual fireworks, and staying in love. For best results, you must follow them in the order presented.

If your marriage has some miles on it, then you’ll recognize yourself and your spouse in the pages of this book. You’ll nod your head in agreement, chuckle, or cringe with embarrassment. Best of all, you’ll find solutions.

There are many books on marriage on the market, and some concepts in this book are not new. But what sets it apart is the simplicity of the advice. The application questions and exercises are very doable, and you can use the book as a handy reference to dip into whenever needed.

What I liked is that the writer does not ascribe to a particular philosophy or faith. Couples everywhere can apply these six steps and get results. The personality test that Dr. Fisher recommends is a useful tool in understanding yourself and your spouse. And women, in particular, will enjoy the tips offered in chapter five and six.

This book offers hope for all couples. But it requires honesty in admitting in which season your marriage is at. Both partners need to commit to reap the desired results.

Dr. Fisher compares marriage to a garden that is alive and requires tending. You will get out what you put in. This book is not too short or too long. It is just right. Invest in your marriage–get a copy. Your spouse will thank you.
(this review was published on: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/tot...)

Book Details
If you are following the Keto eating programme or want to cut down on carbs and looking for easy-to-follow recipes, then this book is for you.


There are 30 recipes that focus not only on gluten-free breads but you will also find pizza bases, pancakes, cookies and biscuits.
The book is short, but it provides you with enough information to get started. The author briefly explains the history and what the Keto way of eating involves, its benefits, things to consider before you start and a list of basic ingredients you'll need; there is also a handy portion calculator and tips for meal plans.
I love coconut, chocolate and cheese, and the recipes that include these ingredients caught my eye – as did the idea of mixing everything together in eight minutes. With our modern busy lifestyles, that is a definite plus.
The only word of caution is that some of the ingredients are not easy to find and could be a bit pricey – depending on where you live in the world – and you might have to visit a health shop to get everything you need. Also, as with any eating programme, education is key and knowledge is power. So do take the time to familiarise yourself with the Keto diet before you start to make sure it is right for you. Oh, and do make sure that you have everything you need first before you start baking.Vanessa ReeseKeto Gluten-Free Diet Bread Prepared in 8-Minutes or Less: Lose up to 15 Pounds in 2 Weeks With These Mouth-Watering Recipes

We meet Hamish Charles Sutherland Fraser – a boy who is slightly odd – and follow his life up until he turns 18. Growing up in South Africa caught in the dying throes of apartheid, you can easily identify with the angst Hamish experiences as a teenager, and the silent suffering of Reggie, the girl he meets at the age of four, and loves. Filled with a depth of honesty and feeling, you will want to put your arms around Hamish, and tell him that “everything will turn out okay."
This book is vastly different from the author's first two books – the entertaining Year In The Wild and Back In the Bush sequel – and showcases his ever-growing skill set. I'm a fan of his writing.James HendryReggie and Me

Review of God In Africa, By Shirley Corder
I live in and love Africa with all my heart. But, I have to thank the author for opening my eyes to learn new things about this amazing continent that I thought I knew. This devotional reading is definitely something that you can dip into again and again. I laughed and nodded my head in agreement while reading about some of the animals or aspects of African life that I can relate to. Written from the author's personal experience, the devotionals contains a scripture, then relates it to a part of Africa's landscape, wildlife, or culture that is relevant; it has a time for reflection, an action point and ends with a short prayer. A lot of research has gone into this labour of love, and it is clear: God is in Africa. If this book is the only way that readers from around the world get to experience Africa, then they are in for the ride of their lives, in the safe hands of a passionate "tour guide" who can be trusted.

The worst day? Yes. For me. One thing I'm sure of is that I'm not alone in feeling an enormous sense of sadness and loss when Mother's Day comes around. I know there are many other men and women, of all ages, who go through the day without their mothers by their side.

The only small mercy is that it is but once a year.

So let me tell you why it's the worst day of the year for me:

The sadness is not about the absence of or receiving gifts I didn't want. Although I've been there. Nor is it about going to a restaurant with terrible customer service, when I would have been happy with a box of pizza and a picnic on our front lawn. Although I've done that too.

I know there are mothers who would like to be appreciated, for just one day – maybe have the chance to sleep in, enjoy breakfast served to them in bed, or simply some me-time to themselves. And let's not forget the women who long to be mothers, but are not.

So what makes the day so terrible for me?

It is the one day that I miss my own mom beyond measure.

She passed away when I was eight years old. Since then, I've managed to grow up, study, get married and have a family of my own.

Yet, as I experience and see love given to mothers on this special day, I cannot help but feel incredible sadness about the loss of my own mother. It cuts deep into my heart. And it doesn't matter that it happened a long time ago. There will always be a space in my heart that only my mother could fill.

It doesn't matter what age you are, we all want our mommies. It doesn't get easier.

So I figured, maybe I haven't dealt with her absence properly. Maybe I have undealt-with feelings that I never got to process.

So I decided to pen a letter to her in an attempt to express how I feel:


Dear Ma,

0-8 years: I have many photos but only have fleeting memories about you, the first ones from around the time I was five years old; and the stories my older siblings shared about you, to rely on. I remember driving around with you in our small neighbourhood; and walking to fields to look for and pick herbs and plants you used for your traditional herbal remedies. I remember standing next to you, at your sewing machine, to receive my punishment - the pinching of the fleshy skin under my arm - whenever I was naughty. You also used the wooden spoon quite liberally, but I respected you for it. How I wish I could've had you over for tea whenever we played "pophuisie" in the yard. We never got to dress up in matching outfits. I also don't remember us baking cookies together, even though a lot of baking went on in our house.

You were such an incredible example to your eleven children – a strong woman, shown by the fact that we were all born at home, with just the help of a midwife. You were feisty, independent, and a pacesetter way ahead of your time.

You worked so hard, as you made and sold food to mineworkers; was a female taxi driver (the only one in our small town and in a smart Volvo) in the 60s. You were a homemaker, who cooked well, sewed, and, on top of that, the community's unofficial "social worker". Being called in by exasperated wives to "sort out" their errant husbands, was all in a day's work for you.

And then, my world came crashing down. I will never forget having to brush your hair for you, after you had your first stroke, and being a pillar for you to lean on when you relearned how to walk. To this day, I hate the smell of hospitals. It was the place you went to and never came back from.

9 to 18: How would you have explained about the birds and the bees to me? Would you have talked plainly or would you have used the book, Wat Meisies Will Weet, as one of my sisters had to do when I turned 13?

During the last four years of high school – at an all girls one – I felt guilty that I was the only girl in my class who didn't have a mother. Can you believe that?

I wished I could've told you about the boys I liked.

I longed to ask for your advice when I felt so awkward and alone, not knowing how to deal with what I felt, or that it was perfectly normal and simply "hormones flying all over the place".

It would've been amazing to be able to go with you to pick out the material for my matric dance dress and to make a turn in front of you, to show off the final product before I left for the dance.



19-30: To get an education was an important matter to you, something you ingrained in all your children. I wonder what you would have made of my study choices and eventual career. That love of books that you fostered in us, has come in very handy over the years. You'd be very happy to know that.

You were not there to offer me something old on my wedding day or to calm my nerves. Instead, I relied on a friend to fix my hair and to make sure it was "just so" before I walked down the aisle.

I am sure you would've loved my husband. You would've told me that I chose very well and am the luckiest wife in the world.

How I missed you when I gave birth to my children. It was one of my sisters-in-law who travelled over 5 000 km to offer advice and to teach me how to deal with a colicky baby. And it was one of my best friends who sat with me in the labour ward before the birth of my second child. My two boys will never have the chance to be spoiled by their granny or to soak up your wisdom.

30+ As we grow up and become our own persons, we are often determined not to become "like our mothers" or to repeat their mistakes. While I make an effort to look after my health by exercising, eating healthily and keeping my blood pressure in the healthy range, I do wish I could cook or sew like you did. I wish I had your entrepreneurial spirit and the way you connected with and helped a lot of people.

Mostly, I simply wish I could have had you around for longer than eight years.

And so, as another Mother's Day comes along, I continue to strive to imitate your good qualities and to be the best mother that I can be. That, I believe, is the highest compliment I can give you.

Thank you for the memories and for being my mom. I could not have asked for anyone better.

Much love,

Your daughter