I have talked recently on Facebook about my issues. Normally, I would keep it a little more private, but it is really spilling over into my professional life so I feel I need to address it.
I have dealt with back problems for years. Finally, FINALLY, I had an MRI. The results were alarming enough that the doctor’s office called me on a holiday weekend on Saturday night. I have Degenerative Disc Disease–which I knew about–and now have Spinal Stenosis. It is causing problems with the nerves in my back and I now have issues with numbness in my feet, legs, arms, and hands. The PT they had me in before they did the MRI started a downward spiral for me and I have not returned completely.
What does this mean for you the reader? Sorry to say, there will be fewer books. I will not put a book up for preorder until the rough is finished which means there will be less notice for the readers. Also, other things are going to be put on hold. Only for Him is on the back burner. I want to have the last part finished before I release the fourth part, so you aren’t waiting a long time again, and I just don’t have it in me to finish it right now. Another thing on hold is the Harmless Shorts. As before, I have been having people leave nasty reviews complaining they are SHORT. Although I say they are SHORT and that they are SHORT STORIES, people seem to think I shouldn’t have released them for sale. The emails and the nastiness from people just don’t make it worth it. Stress raises my pain level and dealing with that has made it not worth it. Since very few people have left reviews who actually like the books, it doesn’t counter the bad reviews so I can’t do much about that. It is what I have told readers before: If you love a series, you need to support it with reviews somewhere.
I will also not be online that much. I am either going to go through treatment or surgery, or treatment, then surgery. Either with, I have to be nice to my back. I can’t hang out online that much and write. I can do one or the other and I am pretty sure readers will vote for books, lol.
Email response time will be greatly hindered during this time. There are days I get a little overwhelmed and just have to shut down. So, it might be awhile before I answer emails, sometimes up to a week.
This isn’t all negative though. First, thank you everyone for your kind words for A Little Harmless Secret and for supporting me always! This is kind of good news though because this means we can at least come up with a solution and make it easier for me to get back to making appearances and spending more time with readers.
Thank you for understanding.
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As one with a longtime back problem of my own, you have my complete sympathy and my very best wishes for a successful resolution of the problems caused by DDD and a complete recovery.
Sending good thoughts,
Meg Weglarz
Mel,
Thanks for sharing. Real life can get hectic in general and even more so when health concerns become an issue, I know I’m speaking only for myself but our reading material definitely is not as important as your health. I do love your books and leave reviews when I can but again real life and computer issues have kept me from reading and reviewing as much as I’d like to. Please take care of yourself and get better soon!!!
Hey Ms.Mel.
You do what’s best for you always!!
And those annoying people can just eat dirt…do they think the snotty bitching is gonna help you get healthy? Idiots
We want you to feel better. The books will wait. Maybe you could dictate them. I’d be happy to type them up for you.
Melissa I will keep you in my prayers. I have lived with herniated disc in my neck and I understand the pain and numbness.
You and your health and recovery are the most important. We, your fans, will be right here when you are recovered and back to posting and writing. Take care of yourself and heal.
Praying for you as always Mel.. As someone with ongoing health issues please do what it has taken me years to learn.. Take care of you first. Anything else can wait.. I am sure you have a great family support system, so when you don’t feel like getting off the couch, don’t. ❤️❤️
I’m sorry to hear about your back problems. DDD runs in my family so I am very familiar with the problems and pain it causes. Do whatever is best for you and to hell with the nay-sayers. Your true fans love ALL of your books.
Mel, I have always been in your corner, as a writer, but most of all as a healthy person. I fell in love with your sass online, then your books. I can feel your pain, trust me. I have been in constant pain 24/7/365 for 16yrs. due to deg. disc. disease and a very damaged sciatic nerve.
Most, of all I just want you to get healthy and feel good.
Mel,
My dad suffers from both too, we spend a lot of time comparing our pain. You do what your doctor wants you to do, your health is so more important than more stories. Get better for you and your family, we your true fans will have your back (pun intended ). Just keep us in the loop! Hugs
Mel, you will be in my prayers. I understand pain and health problems being a Type 1 Diabetic on a pump, high blood pressure, allergy/asthma/copd… Give the crap you get the attention it deserves ~ NONE. They don’t understand your health delays and are a**h***s if they don’t care. Karen Ranney uses Dragon for a lot of her first draft writing and loves it. I’m sure if you email her she’ll be glad to give you information and tips. Take care!
Oh Mel I am so sorry to hear that your back problems have not gotten better.Your true fans will wait until your able to write,we will be here.The others I agree with Gina. Take care of you, wishing you healing strength.
Mel,
Sorry you are going through this. I will continue to read your books and leave reviews.
http://melissaschroeder.net/blog/2014/10/and-so-it-has-come-to-this/
I just read your post today and first I would like to say that I am sorry for your pain. Second I would like to say that I am a huge fan of your work although I do not post. I don’t have Facebook, Twitter, etc. and I barely use my email. I just would like to tell you I have most of the harmless books and all of the Santini/Johnson crew books. I just got into The Cursed Clan series and I love them. I am offering my support both for your health and your books. Finally, I personally lone the harmless shorts but respect your decision. Be we’ll Ms. Schroeder.
Sincerely,
A.R. Hill
Oh Mel, I’m sorry to hear about your back health. I hope you have or find a outstanding doctor to help you deal and heal.
Love your books, long or short. Publish when you can, your health is the most important thing. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Stay strong!
Mel :you take care of your health and we will pray for you speed recovey
that is what people should think of.
GB you friend
Roseann
Mel,
Good luck with the back. I’m with what I hope is the vast majority of supporters, friends, and readerswhen I say I’d rather hear less from you and know you are getting better (or at least not making things worse faster). I can wait, all be it impatiently, for the next book… I never want to hear that you have had to put away your keyboard and publishing software!
Be well, I hope the pain Gets less, fast! Stay happy!
Aww Mel we love ya no matter what! You take care of yourself hope you feel better soon…I for one ain’t going anywhere Love you and your books! Hugs
Whilst that sucks for your readers ( because we enjoy reading your stories) your health is far more important!
Take care and i hope that surgery and treatment work!
I have suffered from Degenerative Scoliosis for several years now. Therapy makes it worse as I’m moving parts that don’t have padding to absorb the shock of movement. The only things that do not hurt on me, my hands. Unfortunately, my hands are connected to my arms connected to shoulders that are connect to my back… Because of the constant move from sitting to lying down to take the pressure off of my spine typing can become difficult. (Yet to master typing on my flat back!) I found a program that helps me translate my verbal words into written word and so far has worked very well. It also autocorrects my mispronounced words very well. I’ll try to get the name of the program back to you as my youngest son is actually the one who installed the app. (Computer wiz or geek). There are always those who find a reason to bash someone else. Try to remember there are those of us that love your writing and always will. Don’t let the haters upset you. Because you have far more admirers in your corner than haters.
You take care of yourself FIRST Mel. We will be here for you. We just want what’s best for you! Regarding the haters………screw ’em!!! As my gramma used to tell me – it’s mind over matter – and if they don’t matter, pay no mind!!! Go with the positivity and love we through at you, not the other ‘crap’ thrown!! Loads of hugs and prayers.
Mel, I just sent an email to you pertaining to the Only for Him Harmless serial. I couldn’t find part four and five to download, and now I see why. Hope all is well with you and yours. I know I’m not the only one who wishes you well with your illness and whatever recovery lay ahead for you. Just know this, we are pulling for you and will patiently (well…..maybe not real patient….lol) await you and your books!! But I’m gonna be selfish and say…..HURRY!! 😉 😉 😉 😉