A book can change a life. I know, because a book changed mine.

I love books. Always have. So when my husband had a massive heart attack–the Widow Maker–in March of 2015, it was no surprise that I had a book tucked in my purse. What was a surprise was how much the book would change my life.

That book was Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon, and it offered my comfort during the long nights at the hospital while we waited to hear just how much damage the heart attack had done. Sometimes, it is easier to cry over the fictional drama that upfolds between the pages of a book than it is to cry over the events that happen in your own life…at least you know the tears you spill over your “fictional family” will stop. If you cry for your real family, though–well, control is a heck of a lot harder to regain than to maintain.

I wrote a lot during those months. Often, the Outlander books offered a touchstone for what was happening in my own life.

Once my husband was released from the hospital, we talked a lot about living a real life–a life with a purpose. One of my purposes in life is to share stories. One of the stories I want to tell is an outlandish story about how a book gave us back our life.

In order to pay the last of the hospital bills related to my husband’s heart attack, as well as continuing medical bills (and the new $12,000 deductible our new insurance has), my husband has taken on a second job, and I (besides the day job) also write stories, articles, and other things in the evening to try to help earn extra money. Any donations would be used to help pay these in order to free up the time to finish my book of essays related to Outlander, the lessons it taught me, and how its lasting impact is helping me strive to live the Outlandish Life I always wanted.

I am grateful to all the Outlander fans who have offered me love and encouragement, for those who read my blog, and for those who suggested that I tell the stories behind those posts.

For those who want to donate, you can do so here.  And thank you!