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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, in The Wake Up Call: A Memoir On Dementia’s Harsh Reality And Navigating It Through Love And Loss by Cynthia D. Kline, she shares her experiences of her fiance’s dementia diagnosis, and ultimately losing him 5 months later.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Cynthia D. Kline about her life and career, the experiences that inspired her to write her memoir, The Wake Up Call, and the work that went into it.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Started writing short stories at about age 6.
Fast forward to writing movie scripts for many years in Hollywood.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Entered my first poem in grade school, and I just knew I’d always been a storyteller of sorts.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
9 months.
What made you want to write The Wake Up Call?
This is my memoir of watching a genius brain dissolve through Dementia in diagnosis, to 5 months later dead.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Wake Up Call?
Not letting emotions take over the writing process, although several times I found I had to stop writing and regroup.
The excruciating pain of watching a genius brain dissolve with no help from modern medicine.
What is the inciting incident of The Wake Up Call?
Fighting the California system for Medicare/Medicaid help
What is the main conflict of The Wake Up Call?
This is a very raw and emotional harsh reality.
Did you plot The Wake Up Call in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
No plot whatsoever in the book, it’s a memoir of what transpired over a year.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Wake Up Call need?
My book needed very little editing… it was like me speaking, I’ve been told, which added to the appeal.
Yes I had an editor in England at first, and later switched to a Florida based editing and publication group.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Write as if your life depends on it. – commit to your book project, and finish the project
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Working on a book to remember one’s love, but go on after their death with strength, dignity and perseverance.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Absolutely worth every minute
And my desire to help others going through this has enabled me to speak at various Memory Centers to family and friends, as well as be featured on several TV shows in USA.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3YhgU1O
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4dkP3ST
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4fjbRnA
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48F7hwx
Instagram: bookthewakeupcall
Also available at Barnes and Noble, and wherever fine books are sold worldwide.
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