Author J Roe

Writing quirky characters on redemptive journeys

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Villains We Love to Hate: Our FAVORITES!

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As the weather turns cooler and my kids begin asking for creepy pastimes like roaming through graveyards, I find my mind thinking of the most frightening villains we love to hate. You know the ones, the antagonists whose twisted minds create havoc for our favorite heroes. The ones who, in a great story, often frighten us and we wonder how they will ever be defeated.

Villains We Love to Hate - authorjroe.com

We Love to Hate Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter

You knew I had to start this list of favorite villains with Lord Voldemort, didn’t you? The infamous sorcerer who pursues power at all costs, even risking his own soul, sends chills through us. As J.K. Rowling grew the series, we see development not just in Harry Potter and his friends, but also in our understanding of just how horrific this villain and his followers are.

And yet, there is that little part of us wonders, could it all have gone down differently? What if someone could have reached him, swayed him toward the right kind of magic? What if Dumbledore could have found him years earlier than he did, helped shape him? Of course, our loss would be great as we would never have received this amazing series. Still, we wonder.

This is where the brilliance of a great villain comes from. It is the genius of J.K. Rowling who gives us just enough backstory to make the villain real and somewhat sympathetic. Don’t you agree?

We Love to Hate Levanna from The Lunar Chronicles

If anyone could compete with Lord Voldemort, it’s probably the Lunar Queen, Levanna from Marissa Myer’s Lunar Chronicles. Based on Snow White’s stepmother, this queen-of-the-moon-villainess has mind-controlling powers that can actually cause people to commit suicide if she desires it. And with those very powers, she keeps everyone in her presence mesmerized by her beauty, beauty that isn’t real after all.

Marrissa Myers, the author, even lamented in a Goodreads Q&A session that she felt she gave too much power to the moon-dwelling Lunars. As the series went on, she found it difficult to control them and she struggled to write an ending where good could win when evil was so, well, powerful.

In fact, Myers seems addicted to this storyline and even after completing the series, she went on to write several more novellas, two graphic novels, and Levanna’s own horrible backstory. Why was she disfigured and what made her so cruel? We authors just can’t seem to get away from our favorite villains, can we?

Villains We Love to Hate - authorjroe.com

We Love to Hate: Eufemia, Rapunzel’s Witch From The Journey Series

With examples of villains like this before me, it’s no wonder that when I began publishing Rapunzel’s journey, I wanted to make sure that the villain was someone readers would love to hate. Since childhood, I have loved the story of Rapunzel and been intrigued by the witch who incarcerated her. I mean, what was her deal exactly? What would drive anyone to imprison someone you say you love?

One summer, I caught sight of huge sunflowers peeking over a wall surrounding a private home. Every day I looked forward to seeing their great, sunny heads bobbing in the wind. Then one day they were gone. And that’s where my seed of a story began for Rapunzel’s books, The Journey series.

Rapunzel had loved the sunflowers beyond the tower, just out of reach, but her witch cut them down. Why? Why was her witch cruel? As I wrote, I discovered that she was cursed as a young child. She sat in her rocking chair telling her tale in her gravelly voice. The curse had changed her entire life–and it began the series that has made my writing career. I went back and wrote the origin story, exploring what she would have been like as a child and the tragedy that left her twisted and strange. You can get your free copy here.

We Love to Hate: Lord Endrick from The Traitor’s Game

I had not read The Traitor’s Game when I began publishing The Journey series, but Lord Endrick is the kind of villain who fits in nicely with Lord Voldemort, Levanna, and Eufemia. One might even wonder if they would have a respect for one another and form a club, or turn their hostilities against each other with cataclysmic consequences.

A tyrannical meglomaniac, Lord Endrick has been draining the magical people of their power. Any who defy him will find their will turned against them and he violently harms those in his way. The series begins with a defiant Kestra, who hates but knows better than to cross Lord Endrick whom her father works for.

Lord Endrick commands an army of Ironheart soldiers in the dark kingdom of Antora, their hearts corrupted to do as he wishes. Only the Olden Blade threatens his immortality, a lost dagger believed to be the only thing that can kill the power-hungry king. With such a fantastic villain, my family was thrilled when the trilogy completed this year. Believe me when I say that variations of “Wait, I’m not to that part yet!” has been hollered more than once.

Your Turn

Do you and your bookish friends talk “villains we love to hate” and other silly banter? Who comes up? Whose backstory do you wish was available? Have you ever thought of writing an origin story for a villain/ess?

JacQueline Vaughn Roe

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

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Why Prequels and Origin Stories are Our FAVORITES

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Have you given thought to why prequels and origin stories are some of our favorites? The beginning fascinates us, doesn’t it? The world’s best-selling book, the Bible, opens with, “In the beginning . . .” and we are introduced to the God of heaven and earth, what was good–and what went horribly wrong.

Some of the best loved literature, though, does not begin at the beginning. The authors published their stories and only later went back and published what set everything into motion. Those prequels, or origin novels, are cherished by the raving fans who adored the originals.

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Hobbit

If you love fantasy books, chances are you are familiar with The Lord of the Rings. Perhaps you traveled with Frodo and his companions on that fateful journey to destroy the ring. You know Middle Earth, tried to learn elvish, and despaired when the fellowship of the ring had to separate.

I like to imagine what it was like for the first readers to get their hands on the massive tomes written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Were there book clubs in little pubs all over the United Kingdom? And as they closed The Return of the King, how many of them had questions about Bilbo Baggins and his journey?

Tolkien was a brilliant, wordy man. The world-building he created for his series was vast in breadth and depth. Each character so well-formed, each people group so complete, that it wasn’t difficult to see the backstory was just waiting to be told. And so we were gifted with the origin story, the tale of how the ring came into the possession of Bilbo, and what began it all.

I, for one, am so grateful this prequel was shared with the world, aren’t you? Who doesn’t want more about the world’s best mentor, Gandalf?

Prequels and Origin Stories: The Magician’s Nephew

The beloved writer and theologian, C.S. Lewis, was not only a contemporary of J.R.R. Tolkien, but a close friend. I love hearing stories of their literary and writing group, The Inklings. Though the men differed in how they thought stories should be told, many of their readers like to group their fantasies together.

Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, in which the Pevensie children discover the world of Narnia and help free it from the curse of the White Witch by the aid of Aslan, the lion and ruler of Narnia. Written as an allegory to lead readers to see the story of Jesus’ Christ sacrificial death and resurrection in a new light, the book has become a perennial classic.

But how did Narnia come to be? And how did a wardrobe in our world become a portal to carry children to Narnia? C.S. Lewis, a man of great thought, decided to answer these questions when he penned The Magician’s Nephew. The story was so powerful that a controversy arose as to how the books should be numbered, since this prequel was actually number six in the series. But I enjoy reading it as number six, right before the end. I love how Lewis put it there intentionally, as part of the allegory that leads people to think of their own “in the beginning” and who created them.

Prequels and Origin Stories: Before the Tower

I suppose it should be no surprise that these great men, and others like them, eventually inspired me to write my own prequel or origin story. My series began with what happened to Rapunzel after the witch had cut her hair and thrown her from the tower. I had always wondered, how could she survive in a world that was unknown to her? How would she make friends? What would she think of the God that the witch had taught her to hate?

In answering some of these questions while writing Beyond the Tower and the sequels, I found other questions. Who was the witch and why did she hate God so much? What could have twisted the woman to become the type of person who would incarcerate a young girl in a tower and isolate her from the world of men?

While most people have heard one version or another about Rapunzel, Before the Tower focuses on the relationship between two sisters whose lives are unraveled by greed.

Sneak Peek

“Give it to me now!” The old woman leaned close to Eufemia’s face, grabbing her hand. Katterina watched her sister instinctively step back. The putrid smell wafted near the two sisters as the old woman gave a gruesome smile showing her rotting teeth. “You think you smell better, little brat? You think you’re a beauty? It will be your curse! All you long for you will never be able to hold, all you reach for will be taken from you. You will die alone and lonely. All your birds will have wings and they will leave you crippled. Mark my words, child.”

Get your free copy now

One curse. Two secrets. Betrayal in the garden will lead to Rapunzel’s tower.

Once upon a time there lived two sisters who imagined their lives would be simple. They would spend their days in their small, little village keeping their father’s goats until they wed.

But not all stories have a happily-ever-after and beneath the fairytale’s sunshine lurks the shadowed side.

Once grown, Eufemia leaves home to be drawn into a life of powerful dark magic. She’s always longed to be special, to undo the curse placed on her when she was just a child.

Katterina grows wary of who her sister is becoming. And temptation calls her, will she steal the one man Eufemia has always wanted?

Two sisters, once each other’s refuge, will lay the foundation for Rapunzel’s imprisoning tower by their greed and betrayal.

My gift to you is this free book you can get here.

Your turn: share a favorite prequel you have enjoyed in the comments here or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and tag me.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Social Media design by JacQueline Vaughn Roe, cover design by Sara Oliver Design.

Photo Credit: Wen Photos, Mira Cosic, Ricardo Helass.

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Who are Your Favorite Bookish Characters?

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A fun pastime of book worms and book nerds is to discuss characters, but what about favorite bookish characters? Which are your favorite? You know, the characters in a book that LOVE to read. Those who answer the call to adventure right away because at last a real-life story is happening to them! . . . Or maybe the ones who have to be persuaded, because life between the pages of a book is a bit safer. Let’s chat about some favorites!

Favorite Bookish Character: Hermione

What list would be complete without including Harry Potter‘s best friend and book nerd? Hermione Granger reveals her love of books when she hauls out the doorstop of a book she’s been studying and states, “I checked this out weeks ago for a bit of light reading.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). And when Harry and Ron need to find her, where do they go? The library, of course! Bookish? Book nerd? Book worm? I would say so.

Unlike some shy bookish folk, Hermione does get out a bit. Though she does spend gobs of time studying in the library, she also runs around enough with Harry and Ron having misadventures. While she is quick with her wand and magic, she’s never afraid to rely on her book smarts to solve the mysteries that follow Harry around.

Favorite Bookish Character: Lia Mara

Like many people who love the young adult fantasy genre, and especially fairy tale retellings, I had to check out Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse so Dark and Lonely. An interesting portal version of Beauty and the Beast, I was taken with several of the characters. While I liked the first book, my favorite bookish character didn’t show-up until the sequel, A Heart so Fierce and Broken.

Lia Mara is your quentiessential book worm. She has retreated into the world of words because she believes her heartless mother and queen is right, she isn’t worthy to rule. We learn early on of her loyal devotion to her younger sister, the chosen heir. But Lia Mara’s attempts at diplomacy fail, catapulting her into the greatest adventure of her life. It will require all she has studied and learned to survive, but there are some lessons she needs to unlearn to recognize her true worth. My favorite quote in this book is, “Ah, yes, the most dangerous person at the party is always the girl sitting alone with a book.” And yes, it’s because she has secreted away a book among the folds of her skirt so she could go hide and read. Haven’t many of us wanted to do that?

Favorite Bookish Character: Rapunzel

It was inevitable, I suppose, that I would write a character of my own who lives between the pages of a book. Having suffered from chronic migraines during high school, I spent a great deal of time reading and imagining life outside of my house, but not being able to do much.

My retelling of Rapunzel begins with her surrounded by a rounded bookcase that stretches across her tower’s walls. But although she adores reading, she is ready for something to happen. She needs something to change so that she can venture beyond the tower the witch has imprisoned her in. What was great fun in writing this story was exploring how such a bookish, quiet person would react to the world beyond after living her life isolated. How would this book nerd react to fairy tale mysteries and make friends? How on earth would she feed herself? Of course she made the list of our favorite bookish characters, and you can follow the links to get Beyond the Tower for free right now!

Favorite Bookish Character: Owen

This list of favorite bookish characters would not be complete without including one serious fanboy who seems to love reading more than life. He is Owen from James Riley’s Story Thieves series. At the very beginning of the series, we discover Owen bored with school. He is wishing his life were more exciting, and finding the adventure he longs for by reading books.

With a librarian mother, Owen spends most of his time reading. In fact, his bedroom is called a book graveyard, since he gets to take home all the mishandled books that the library rejects. Even better? His new friend, Bethany, accidentally starts teaching him how to jump into books. And thus, his bookish dreams come true. Owen gets to meet all the characters he has been longing to know and become the hero he’s always wanted to be.

Who is Your Favorite Bookish Character?

Alright, I’ve told you about our favorites, so it’s only fair if you were to tell us of yours. Maybe you’d enjoy joining such silly and fun discussions here by commenting, or follow me over on Instagram or FaceBook so we can be goofy and bookish together. For especially book nerdy friends, join my monthly newsletter for fun recommendations and writing updates and get a free novella that unravels the mysteries of Rapunzel’s origins.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Who Are Your Favorite Bookish Characters? - authorjroe.com - Would you identify as a book nerd, book worm, bibliophile, or bookish person? Do you love libraries and bookshelves and even bookish candles? Do you find yourself wanting to find books to read about people like you? Look no further than this list of our top favorite bookish characters sure to delight you with their wit and misadventures along the journey.

Photo Credits: Ruben Garcia, Yuri Efremov, and Sincerely Media.

Social Media Graphics: JacQueline Vaughn Roe.

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Gratitude and Gardening During Lockdown

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Do you believe that gratitude and gardening during lockdown might lead us to enjoy life? Perhaps not a few months ago. But things have changed drastically since COVID 19 took over our lives. There are two ways to approach things, and I think gratitude, with a bit of gardening, can open our eyes.

Gratitude and Gardening

The irises and honey suckle are blooming behind my house, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Wind rustles through the leaves, sounding like the waves coming up to shore. Everyday I see people enjoying the changing of the season–taking walks, smiling, and waving. Gardens are planted and weeded. DIY projects are at an all-time high with triple the normal sales at hardware and home improvement stores.

But I know that people are panicking, I’ve struggled with it despite the beauty of the season. There are many people out of work due to COVID 19, small business owners everywhere struggling to pivot in order to make sales online instead of in-person. Exhausted family members continue the tasks of being the only one out of the house. High-risk individuals self-quarantining feel cut-off.

It’s hard to see beauty and recognize what we have to be grateful for when we focus on what’s going wrong.

Gratitude During Hardships

If we don’t count our blessings–the flowers blooming, families walking outside together, etc.–our vision will narrow to the hardships. We foresee a dark world getting darker still. Instead of accessing the thankful heart we could grow and develop in our homes, we become the worst version of ouselves. I personally struggle with this. My tone becomes defensive, bitter, and I bite off the heads of people I profess to love. Family members have jerked away from me recently and I finally realized: I’ve allowed my fears to emerge, to take over.

It’s time for many of us to make space so we can take a step back. Refocus our eyes and ears, listen to God stir the wind through the trees. Breathe in deeply the fragrance of the flowers He’s awoken.

Mommie’s Legacy: My Upbringing to the Rescue

My mommie taught me this. When I first became ill with chronic migraines in high school, my vision narrowed then as well. My pain became everything to me. It determined when and what I ate. It determined where I went and what I wore. It even determined who I saw and what I was able to accomplish. Sound familiar? I had been a gregarious and silly teenager who loved to think deep thoughts and laugh loudly with friends. But I quickly morphed into a moody, light-sensitive, sound-sensitive agoraphobic, who clung to my home as though its dark rooms could shelter me from the pain.

My mommie handed me a book that helped me begin listing everything I was grateful for, everything that lifted my eyes beyond my pain to what was good, and right, and true. (see Philippians 4:8) My fingers stumbled at first, scratching out words slowly. Then, the words came in a rush, flowing through me. I covered at least three pages and could have kept going. The girl that loved the life she’d been given was still alive inside me. Just because I was in pain didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy my life.

Gratitude and Gardening During Lockdown

This pandemic lockdown has shut so many of us in, and I’ve found myself panicking as the feeling is all too familiar. But after talking to my counselor, I’m back to counting my blessings, focusing my mind on what is right and true. I have a home, a family, even flowers. My body can take walks. Last spring, I couldn’t do that. Pain and grief had overwhelmed me. I’m going to celebrate what I can do, not be upset that I can’t go to my favorite coffee shop. Maybe you and I can both choose joy and gratitude together despite the pain and fear.

Gratitude and gardening during lockdown may sound too simplistic, I know. There is real pain, real fear. I also know the key isn’t actually working in the dirt. You may hate gardening, and that’s fine. The key here is where is your focus? Have you concentrated on what you are blessed with? Or are you stressing about what you don’t have and all the horrible things that may happen?

Yes, little is certain, but we have been given this moment. We each have something, and it can be something small, to be grateful for. And with whatever is beautiful, we can share with others. Don’t make it complicated. It can be through a phone call, a gift placed on a doorstep, a six-foot-distanced visit outdoors. Our lives are a precious gift and even in the midst of hardship, we need to refocus, give thanks. I know this is changing me. What can you be grateful for?

During a crisis, our vision can narrow to what is wrong. But through practicing gratitude and gardening during lockdown, my new focus has helped me fight depression and chronic illness. Whether you are deciding if you should check out gardening for beginners or looking for self-discovery journal prompts, practicing gratitude in your daily life will change you. #gratitude #chronicillness #gardening #mentalhealth

About JacQueline

JacQueline Vaughn Roe

Author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, and  Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, which chronicles her battle with chronic pain and depression, JacQueline uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline to keep her writing healthy at no additional cost to you. 

JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. Please don’t substitute it for a professional therapist.

photography: Alex Basov, Annie Spratt, Meg Landrito, and Jessica “Kess” Vaughn.

Graphic Design for Social Media: JacQueline Vaughn Roe. Contact her for help with graphic design or other author services.

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Have You Become a Member of an Unofficial Book Club?

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There is a strange phenomenon that takes place among a group of bookworms given enough time–the beginning of an unofficial book club. Right now, you might be in denial that you’re even a part of one, but I believe the mere fact that you chose to read a blog with a category titled “For Bookworms” means you are attracted to all kinds of bookishness–including other bibliophiles.

Trouble Finding a Book Club? You may already be in one!

There are many signs you can start looking for in your daily life that may have previously slipped under the radar. I have recorded them to better highlight my point. Bookworms are everywhere! When they gather, they discuss books and influence each other to read the books they love. That is the beginning, just discussing what you love, why you love it, what you’ve learned. Before you know it, your texting each other questions, polling each other on ships . . . But I’m getting ahead of myself.

You say to me, “NO! I can’t be a member of such a club! We don’t awkwardly meet in someone’s living room with a book forced upon us by a slanted vote. I read what I want to read and enjoy it with my friends.” Well, good for you! That doesn’t make it any less an unofficial book club. I’ll give you just a moment to process that.

Unofficial Book Club

The first sign you should look for may be more reflective than you would like. Yes, my friend, you must take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself a difficult question. “Do I even say ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ to my friends anymore?” If you answer in the negative, and that in fact you have replaced a common greeting with something like “Did you finish it yet?” so that you can immediatly begin talking books with your friends, you are indeed a member of a book club. It very well may still be an unofficial book club, but it is still a book club.

In fact, at that time of writing this post, we are currently under lockdown due to COVID 19. For my family that means a great deal of extra reading and taking walks. It means a lot of people getting excited about other people hurrying up on their TBR’s so they can discuss it. Funny thing happened today while on a social-distancing walk. I overheard some kids getting exercise yelling back and forth. “You guys have to read this book!” one boy shouted. Bet the next time he sees them out he will be bugging them with whether or not they’ve finished it yet.

Shipping in an unofficial book club

To get into the next part of this, I must make a confession of sorts. I have kids, I’m in my forties, so I’m not the most up-to-date of all bookworms. When I was introduced to shipping, I realized I’d been doing it for-e-ver. I’m serious. I get bored with most stories that don’t have a vital love story going on. I just do. (FYI, for those who don’t have teens and tweens and #bookstagram educating you, “shipping” is a verb meaning “wanting two characters to fall in love and have a relationSHIP.” This definition is my own, but I am fact-checking with my kids, so it must be true.)

What I have discovered in my unofficial book club is that over time you begin to recognize that your BFF has a certain look on her face as she daydreams of the two characters finally getting together. And heaven help us if they don’t or if the author takes too long. There will be a different look and much drama. This part of the book club my husband despises, but I actually find it hilarious. Most of the time.

Are you covering your ears? You might be part of an unofficial book club

Now, by the very nature of our family enjoying books upon books upon books, we add to each other’s TBR piles. And as we get through the books, our members want to discuss. We chat about what we have loved, hated, what we may not have understood. My dear book friends, here is where we all must tread lightly.

You may find yourself cast into the outer darkness where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth if you ruin an important twist or *gasp* the actual ending. Please, please, learn to develop some patience with your unofficial book club members! When one of us takes longer than you’d like, be kind!

The Verdict is: You’re a member

Now, by the very tone of this post, you may think that I don’t advocate book clubs, but that is not the case at all! No, no, let it never be said I feel this way. My purpose in writing all of this is to bring such unofficial book clubs into the light of day. There is no need to hide your participation in these wonderful book clubs. In fact, join more by following me on #bookstagram or FB where we have so much fun talking books. Let’s keep sharing those opinions. Keep cheering on our favorite ships! Watch out lest you spoil the twists and turns cleverly hidden in the plot. Yes my friends, embrace who you are and enjoy your bookish friends in your unofficial book club.

About JacQueline

As the author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, JacQueline also wrote Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, to share hope in the battle against chronic pain and depression. Currently she lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All opinions expressed on this website come from her own experience. Do not substitute it for professional therapy or medical advice. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline’s family at no additional cost to you.

If you are a reader wanting to connect with JacQueline, you can get a free book here. Each month you will receive book recommendations and other booknerd fun.

Are you a writer or an author looking for help? JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author coach, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free coaching call to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Hope House Press, and Priscilla Du Preez

Social Media Graphic Design: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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Chronic Illness Tips to Help Us When We’re Shut-In

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Many of us feel desperate, searching for a shut-in’s guide to staying home. Maybe it would help us find the right path through the maze of COVID 19. Ironically, I feel as though the majority of my life has prepared me for this. I’ve lived home-bound off-and-on since high school due to complications involving debilitating chronic migraines and resulting depression and anxiety. I have found ways that help me continue to live a worthwhile life even when I can’t function as I would normally like to. Who knew there would be chronic illness tips to help us when we’re shut in?

Chronic Illness Tips to Help Us When We're Shut In - authorjroe.com - With so many of us suddenly working from home and quarantined, chronic illness has much to teach during this uncertain time. Click through for tips I've learned the hard way when you are living as a shut-in with a life you can't predict or schedule. #chronicillness #workingfromhome #shutin #quarantined

Celebrating and Grieving

I live in the USA in Alabama, one of the last states to receive the coronavirus test. We were therefore one of the last states to begin locking down. My children would not be going to school as planned while I was away with my sisters. We were at the beach, spreading the ashes of the sister we lost in a horrific accident. We were also celebrating the life of our youngest sister, who this past year survived breast cancer. Even with the signs of how quickly things were beginning to shut-down, we tried to keep our focus on healing and each other. We knew we might never get such an opportunity to be together like this again.

I’ve never in my life had such a view before. The wind and the waves played together on the shore making me smile. Though I thought I was familiar with sea-loving birds, I saw more than the pelicans and seagulls I remembered from my Galveston Island childhood. My writer’s mind is always eating up bits of information like this. I breathed in the scent of the salt air, the warmth of the sun, the thundering crash of the waves. The sight of my sisters playing in the surf will not be forgotten! I walked on the sand, letting my feet memorize the feel of the wet sand and lapping waves. Each of these details are making their way into different scenes in my fairy tale novels.

Taking things one-at-a-time

Each morning I prayed on the open balcony facing the gulf. I prayed for God to provide, even as I adjusted to the news that my husband was temporarily laid-off due to the crisis. I asked God to care for my sisters and I as we grieved. Though there are times I don’t understand what God is doing, He has always proved to be faithful. I choose to hold onto that knowledge, at peace that he has promised to never leave or forsake me. Those prayers by the beach were solace for me.

Chronic Illness Tips to Help Us

Returning home I began to realize what we needed to do in my family. Ocean breezes gone, I returned to the life I’m all too familiar with. I was thankful the migraines let up for me to enjoy my time on the shore. But even there chronic illness had covered my body in hives, a lingering allergic reaction to a migraine medication. Side note: Social distancing isn’t difficult when you look like you have chickenpox. So now I’m home trying to recover and help my family navigate staying home.

Something that may seem like common sense is all too easily forgotten in the pursuit of getting through each day while living on top of each other. Grace. We need it in abundance. When you live with a body that doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, you need help from others. But you also need to be gracious in how you ask and receive that help. Having a chronic illness can make you an impatient, bitter person, robbed of all you wanted out of life. Becoming home-bound can have a similar affect. Or, you can choose to be grateful for each moment you have. You can thank God for things you used to take for granted–like toilet paper.

Chronic Illness Tips to Help Us When We're Shut In - authorjroe.com - With so many of us suddenly working from home and quarantined, chronic illness has much to teach during this uncertain time. Click through for tips I've learned the hard way when you are living as a shut-in with a life you can't predict or schedule. #chronicillness #workingfromhome #shutin #quarantined

Practice grace and be flexible

I need to practice this grace with my family. They are not used to staying home all the time. I’ve set up a routine that allows me to run my author business with the family at work or school. But now we are together–All. The. Time. My children are missing their friends, my husband is missing his occupation. They miss their sense of productivity and accomplishment at the end of each day. I need to help encourage them to find a new way to accomplish things. We have to use what we have available in our home.

Confessions? I need to fight my impatience to want to get back to writing my novel in silence. You know, without the sounds of chattering kids, the constant interruptions, and need for my input. Next week we’ll be adding distance learning on the computers for the kids till the end of the school year. That will take more adjusting for all of us. I don’t think I’m understating this if we are gracious and flexible, we can help love and cherish each other even now. And that’s the most important job we have.

Let go of what you can’t control

In order to establish a new normal to get through these times, I have to let go of what I can’t control and embrace what is good about now. That means setting soft writing and business goals that are easier to reach with the constant interruptions. It necessitates creating some fun family times. This won’t apply to all of you, but our family is full of avid readers. We are reading through a few series of books individually and now we will have time for lots of fun book discussions. Each family has some area where they shine and can enjoy interests together. Perhaps it’s fitting puzzles together, fitness, or baking treats.

Chronic Illness Tips to Help Us When We're Shut In - authorjroe.com - With so many of us suddenly working from home and quarantined, chronic illness has much to teach during this uncertain time. Click through for tips I've learned the hard way when you are living as a shut-in with a life you can't predict or schedule. #chronicillness #workingfromhome #shutin #quarantined

I’d like to be running around getting groceries or handing out meals for those in the high-risk group, but I am in the high-risk group, so that’s out for me. Some things we can’t control, but we can choose to find good things about spending time in our homes, call or text people we are concerned about. There is much to be grateful for if we just look for it and there are ways to get through this difficult time if we work together with those we are living with.

So, how are you doing with all of this? Are there things you can do with your routine that will help you love the people you are living with? Are there people you can check-in on that would appreciate hearing from you?

About JacQueline

Author of  The Journey series, a young adult fantasy retelling Rapunzel’s misadventures, and  Memoirs of a Headcase: Held by the God of Hope, which chronicles her battle with chronic pain and depression, JacQueline uses her writing to share stories of hope and joy. Any affiliate links used on this website will provide additional income to JacQueline to keep her writing healthy at no additional cost to you.

JacQueline currently lives in North Alabama with her karate husband and three book-crazy kids. All of her writing is from her own experience and based on her opinion. Do not substitute it for a professional therapist or health care worker.

JacQueline has been writing all her life and loves meeting others who think writing is living. As an author consultant, helping other writers on their journey gives her joy. Schedule your free author assessment to learn what steps you should take next now.

Photo credit: JacQueline Vaughn Roe and Kari Shea

Social Media Graphic Design: JacQueline Vaughn Roe

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