Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Pride and Persistance....Jeanna Ellsworth

I am so excited to have author Jeanna Ellsworth visit again. The first time she visited was as a debut author for her book, Mr. Darcy's Promise. Her latest release, Pride and Persistence gave her the opportunity to combine her professions. Not only does Jeanna write but she is also a Neurological ICU registered nurse. She has vast experience with the subject matter of this book, which, by the way, I found to be absolutely delightful. (More on that in a few days!) Thank you, Jeanna, for being my guest and now I will turn the 'post' over to you!

Thank you, Janet, for having me on your blog! I have to admit that I am tickled to talk about my next book that was just released, Pride and Persistence. It might help to tell you a bit about it.
               This book takes place immediately after the horrid Hunsford proposal. Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are in turmoil; Elizabeth because she had never been so rude to anyone before and wants to apologize, and Darcy because he has to write the perfect letter to help change her mind. Mr. Darcy is so determined to get this letter into her hands that he rides out when a storm threatens and in the process his horse gets spooked and takes off without him fully mounted. Elizabeth witnesses the accident and is the first one on the scene. Although unconscious, they manage to bring him into the parsonage sitting room where Elizabeth stays by his side. She is riddled with guilt for not apologizing for being so offensive the day before.
               The next morning, Darcy wakes up but is clearly not himself. Here is an excerpt to show it. Mrs. Wilkinson is the Mrs. Collins’ terrible cook and friend of Elizabeth. In this excerpt, Elizabeth is standing outside the sitting room the morning he wakes up and overhears the following:
*****
She stopped at the door and overheard a little of what was going on.
               Colonel Fitzwilliam said in a very firm voice, “I am sorry, Darcy, you cannot stand up. Your foot is broken. The doctor said you cannot stand up, no matter what the reason.”
               Darcy spat back at him, “And would you prefer to do it sitting down?”
               Colonel Fitzwilliam responded, “It does not matter what I prefer, you cannot stand up.”
               Darcy nearly yelled, “I cannot keep having this argument! What is the matter with doing it the way I always do? My foot is fine! Here, I will prove it. MOVE! Cousin, if you do not lift your hands off my shoulders, I swear to you I will break your arm!”
               “Sorry, Darcy—doctor’s orders. You must do it sitting down.”
               “I will not!” Darcy bellowed.
               Elizabeth was very confused. What were they talking about and why was Darcy so agitated? She heard someone behind her, and she turned to see Mrs. Wilkinson. “What is going on?”
Mrs. Wilkinson let out a laugh. “I am afraid you do not want to know. But I would love to see you try to figure it out!” Elizabeth raised her eyebrow in curiosity and then gave her a pleading look. Mrs. Wilkinson laughed again and said, “There will be little peace until he does what the colonel tells him. I am afraid you will eventually figure it out with Mr. Darcy being as loud as he is. Let us just say it has been a long time since Mr. Darcy used the chamber pot.”
*****
              
Many know I am a Neurological ICU nurse (at least it is my night job – I work nights, not days). I get a firsthand look at the different kind of brain injuries and there is one particular area of the brain, that if injured, becomes quite difficult to manage. This is true for the patient, the family, and coming from first hand experience, is very taxing on the nurse. That injury is a frontal lobe injury.

             executive function of the frontal lobes involve the ability to recognize future consequences resulting from current actions, to choose between good and bad actions (or better and best), override and suppress socially unacceptable responses, and determine similarities and differences between things or events.
  If you think back to your anatomy, the frontal lobe is where complex thought, emotions, rationalizing, memory and sensory interpretation is located. This is how Wikipedia defines the function of the frontal lobe: “The
The frontal lobes also play an important part in retaining longer term memories which are not task-based. These are often memories associated with emotions derived from input from the brain's limbic system. The frontal lobe modifies those emotions to generally fit socially acceptable norms.”

So the story behind the idea for this book stemmed from a very, very, very long night of literally wrestling my patient to stay in bed, hurdling linen carts and family as he ripped out IV’s, trying to calm him and convince him that he really was injured. This photo just about sums it up for the life of that nurse. I mean, who needs to exercise when you break Olympic records to keep your patient in bed? (insert photos here)

The next week, and yes, it took nearly a week to recover from taking care of that patient. I was trying to nap before I went to work and the thought came to me that, as exhausting as that night was, it was really rather funny! What if Mr. Darcy had a frontal lobe injury and could not remember one day from the next? What if he was emotionally labile and had to be repeatedly told that he was injured? What if Mr. Darcy got fixated on the fact that he wanted to propose to Elizabeth but yet could not remember that he had already proposed and was refused? I’ll tell you that I did not get any nap that day because I jumped out of bed and wrote down a plot outline of what that “what if” looked like in 1812. I could not stop giggling as I thought of all the funny things my various patients said and did and how over time, they did show improvement, so why not have his proposals improve with time? We all have read the horrid Hunsford, proposal which still breaks my heart every time I watch it, but what if he seemed to learn from his mistakes, even with his injured brain? Would his persistence in proposing eventually pacify the prejudice that Elizabeth had?

You will have to answer that yourself. The book is now available on Amazon as a paperback and Ebook. Prepare to laugh, cry, swoon, and laugh some more.

Thank you Janet for hosting me today. It was fun to share a bit about my book. I hope you all get a chance to read it. I am giving away either an Ebook (internationally) or a paperback (U.S. only) to anyone who comments.

One more thing that I always feel like I must say, is although I write this as a romantic comedy, I am fully aware of the tragedy that brain injuries can be. I see the trauma first hand. I hold loved one’s hands as they patiently wait for their loved ones to come around. I cry with them as the painter learns that he will never use his right hand again. I offer tissues to the grandchildren as they disconnect the ventilator on their brain-dead Nanna. Trust me, I know that more often than not, it is impossible to laugh with brain injuries. But, I also have learned that occasionally, one must find laughter in any situation in order to heal and move on. So I dedicate the book to all the patients, families, and staff of Neurological ICU’s. I truly do pray for them daily.

I wrote this with true to life experiences, speech, and behavior of a patient with a frontal lobe injury. I had a wonderful time writing it and still laugh my pants off when I read it. I hope you do too.

You may find more about Jeanna Ellsworth and her works on her blog, Hey Lady Publications.

Thank you again for being my guest this week, Jeanna. I enjoyed your post. It was informative, interesting and insightful, giving us some first hand knowledge of the seriousness of brain trauma. I completely agree with your statement of finding laughter in any situation (if possible) in order to heal. It may be hard to find at times, but it does help with moving on. Now, on a lighter note, I love the cover, both front and back of this book! Outstanding!

Jeanna Ellsworth is giving away Pride and Persistence to two lucky people. A domestic winner will have the choice of a paperback or eBook. An international winner will receive an eBook. To be entered leave a comment below as I always love reading your 'share in the conversation'!  Good luck to all. Be sure to include your email address in the comment. To prevent unwanted spam, put your email address with (at) instead of @. Winners will be chosen in a random drawing. Giveaway will end at midnight, April 23, 2014.

39 comments:

  1. Thanks for a lovely post, ladies! Loved the background info, Jeanna, and the excerpt was just priceless :D

    I can't wait to read this book!
    Thanks for the chance to take part in the giveaway!
    joana[underscore]sw[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Joana! It is easy to talk about your books when they are still new and have the excitement of those around you! Good luck at the giveaway! Always love to see fellow writers give their opinions. It means so much!
      Jeanna

      Delete
  2. Jeanna, I loved this story. You can tell you are a nurse because of the bed pan/chamber pot scenes. Great post Jeanna and Janet.

    Please do not enter me as I couldn't wait. It's firmly implanted in my Kindle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I am so glad you loved it! Yes it is very rare that any regency romances even uses the word chamber pot let alone discusses the use of one! You could still enter a chance to win a paperback if you are in the U.S. I love to hear from my readers. Every time I get a new review on Amazon I get so excited! It is like Christmas every time! I hope you consider the paperback!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Jeanna. A paperback would be lovely if chosen.

      Delete
  3. Congrats, Jeanna, on a startlingly unique plot! I've read lot of stories of an injured Darcy but none like this. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jan! It means so much coming from someone who I think really does a great job and creating great plots! I still rank you as one of the best JAFF authors and now that I am done writing Hope For Fitzwilliam (finished 3 days ago!) I can delve into your Secret Betrothal! It has been burning a hole in my bookshelf and I can't wait!

      Delete
  4. Ah yes! I could see the impetus for you to combine your experiences with this part of the P&P story. Only someone who can see the humor and laughter would be able to keep doing the job you do. I look forward to reading your latest.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is true, the urge was far too strong! I have never liked a job better than the one I have because it is so challenging and I learn so much. It is true true that some times it takes all my patience but those are the days that I realize that I am perfect for this job. It make me grow into a better person....I mean it. Head injuries are traumatic and scary but to be there at that moment in someone's life is priceless. I have never had a more rewarding job in all my 15 years experience as a nurse. Then to realize that I could combine my two careers ( nurse and author) it seemed inevitable that the worlds would collide. It was rather therapeutic to write as well, but I can say that about all my books. I write for so many reasons but I hope to help others with my books. Good luck!

      Delete
  5. This sounds like a great summer read. I can't wait to read about the misunderstandings of our hero. Thank you for the giveaway. Bevmayo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha Ha! It is a fun read and even through all the writing and editing and publishing process, I still laugh at so much of it. I don't know if it will be as funny to everyone else but there is no doubt that I enjoyed writing it! Our favorite hero riddled with so many problems! What fun! And in the end, as we hope with all traumatic brain injuries, there will be a happily ever after. I hope you win! Good luck!

      Delete
  6. This is such an interesting premise, and I bet you could really have some fun with it. I'd love to enter for the ebook version please :) I'm at frawli1978 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for commenting! These are such fun interviews and blog posts! I am so grateful for Janet for hosting me. Most authors love to talk about their work but it is still new to call myself an author. Maybe someday I'll realize that with 2 published works, 5 completed novels that I intend to publish as I get the money, and plans for at least 2 more books, that I can actually call myself an author! It just feels so new still! Good luck. I hope you enjoy it if you win!

      Delete
  7. Can't wait to read this book. I have already read the preview of this story on your website. integr67 at aol dot com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great! It starts out quite serious but after chapter 3 it begins to travel the pat it was intended. There is just no way to make it light and funny when Darcy has a head injury and is unconscious. But when he wakes up it takes a turn. Good luck on the giveaway!

      Delete
  8. I have been stalking this book on Facebook and Goodreads and I would love to be entered into the international giveaway please! :)

    brendapwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! My first stalker! I do not live in Utah and I do not drive a mormon assault vehicle (minivan). Ha Ha. I hope you win, good luck!

      Delete
  9. Interesting plot, Joana. Congratulations for the release of her book. I will be glad to read; It sounds very well.
    The cover is pretty.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! The cover is a drawing of a scene that happens in chapter 5 where Elizabeth finally reads Darcy's letter. My daughter is the model and I am so excited that I get to have a painting of my daughter on the wall of my living room! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. I love that the art work for your cover is your daughter. That definitely makes it all the more special. I also enjoyed seeing the photos for the next book's cover idea! Will be anxious to see the finished painting.

      Delete
    3. The painting is even better than what came out on the book cover. Amazon must have gadded some blues to it because it is actually a very warm candle glowing picture. We did something different with the digital print and we won't do it again. The cover did not turn out nearly as good as the other one. That is the thing with self-publishing, you learn along the way.

      Delete
  10. I have read the ebook and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a few good chuckles and lost sleep to read it through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I am so glad you enjoyed it! I fully prescribe lost sleep every now and again to enjoy a book! Highly recommended! Best medicine in the world! Glad to hear you had some chuckles. Hope you get a chance to win the paperback!

      Delete
  11. This sounds like such a fun story! It's great that it allows you to combine JAFF writing with your career and put a bit of an entertaining spin on an otherwise serious medical condition. I can imagine Darcy doesn't make the most pleasant invalid ;) but I wouldn't mind being his nurse!

    monicaperry00 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I admit it is the funniest of all my books I have written and mostly because I have so much experience to call upon! Who would not laugh at having a Darcy loose his emotional fortitude or forget that he had already proposed! But his other foundation qualities come out and that is one of persistence! No, I can't imagine Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley being a good patient! :)

      Delete
    2. Monica, I would be glad to be his nurse, too, even if he wasn't a pleasant invalid! :)

      Delete
    3. I admit I would love to be Mr. Darcy's nurse! However I think I might not be as professional as I should. I might try to give him two bed baths in one shift "just because".

      Delete
  12. Would love to win a ecopy of this book. Been wanting to read it for awhile now. carterkristina2(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your name is in the drawing! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Well good luck! It was a fun book to write so I hope you win!

      Delete
  13. Thank you so much Janet for hosting me on your blog! It is always so much fun to hear from my readers and feel the excitement everyone has! I know I was excited to publish. I always get a little nervous about publishing and then I read about all these people who want to win it and read their comments and I get all excited all over again. I write for the reader but I get so much in return. I am able to work out my own thoughts by simply putting words to it.

    I look forward to your review Janet! I can't wait to hear what you think. I have a great respect for you and your work and I really appreciate rubbing shoulders with not only readers but authors and artists like you!

    I'll be watching for that review!
    Jeanna Ellsworth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is my pleasure, Jeanna. I have been looking forward to you being my guest again for some time. I see you are receiving much positive feed back from the readers. Congratulations! Having read two of your books, I think it is obvious that you put much into your work. I have enjoyed both books immensely but guess I will save the rest until tomorrow!

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate them more than you know as they inspire me to draw more! I have a great respect for you and your work, too. Isn't it wonderful that we all get to meet in this world of fiction inspired by Jane Austen over two hundred years ago.

      Delete
  14. This book sounds like a lot of fun. Hope to win.
    saganchilds(a)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you Jeanna for sharing your experience with us! Your job is beautiful yet painful I reckon, but people who suffer need someone who can take their hands and support them during difficult times. So I'm glad nurses like you love their job! I really loved your post and I had a lot of fun reading the excerpt :) Thank you!

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. This sounds like an interesting read for the P and P series. Although, I don't think that I could ever be a nurse, I admire that you are one and have used your experience with the serious injury in your book's pages and have apparently done a good job with it. Janet does a great job of interviewing and capturing our attention with her blog.

    martitaylor1949atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marti, for the nice comments. They are much appreciated. Good luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
  17. Jeanna, the theme of this P&P variation is a bit shocking at first. (This going to be funny!) However, after reading your review, Janet, I'm looking forward to a good read. My one requirement for all JAFF is keeping JA's characters true to her writing. If the reader can imagine the characters really doing or saying whatever, it's OK by me! I'm a Janeite through and through! I enjoyed Mr. Darcy's Promise, Jeanna, and look forward to Pride & Persistence.
    Catherine Commons
    catcommons(at)Comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad that the review helped you, Catherine. This book is a very good read and I bet you will enjoy it. Good luck.

      Delete