|
My name is Josephine and I was the fifth of six children brought into this world by a hard working middle class couple in 1965; on a Friday the thirteenth. (Should have been my first clue right?!) I was born six years after my brother. I was exactly what he did not want, another sister; he already had three older than him. I was never really sure if he was trying to turn me into the “brother” he would never have; or just trying to kill me. But whatever his reasons were, he made me tough enough to handle what was to come. I was a chubby teenager with oily hair and acne. And being raised by a single mother (we lost my dad to cancer when I was thirteen) doing her best to support two young teenage girls, I really didn’t have a lot of money to spend on the latest fashion trends. So as you can guess I wasn’t exactly the bell of the ball.
But somehow, as we all do, I managed to live through my teens. I Met and married my first husband in the 1980’s. And for my children’s sake I will not be saying much about the time we were married. But I will skim over the basics…After living a few years with him in the southern states where my first daughter was born, we came back home to Indiana. There were many years of heartbreak and struggle that followed. During the course of our 17 year marriage we were burned out of our home 5 times, I had two miscarriages, my husband suffered a fractured spine, he developed a heart problem, and there were way too many other heartaches to mention here. But somehow we managed to create four incredible kids; three boys, one girl. And to be honest if I had to do it all over again it would be worth every tear. And even more incredible, it would even be worth putting up with hubby number one again; because without that time in my life I would not have my “babies”. They are truly my heart.
Anyway time passed hubby number one walked out and I met and fell in love with soon-to-be hubby number two. He brought with him a 13 year old red headed hellion that I now lovingly call my youngest daughter. It was around this time that my youngest son, only 6 at the time, had his first seizure. If it hadn't been for the fact that soon-to-be hubby #2 was with us down at the swimin’ hole my son would have died in front of me while having what we believed to be his first seizure. I had never seen a child, let alone my own, go thru anything like that and I panicked. It was him who performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.
Together hubby number two and I survived medical issues, surgeries, tornadoes, hurricane IKE, floods, ice storms, kids, and the arrival of our first of many grandchildren. What our marriage couldn't seem to survive was and is our own inner demons; even though he won’t admit to having any. We are now divorced, and are living prof that sometimes love just isn't enough.. From the moment he was born the man has had a very hard life and I wish him nothing but peace and happiness. To be honest I will always love the man, and he me.
Okay enough of that…
There are six types of generalized seizures: Absence, Tonic, Clonic, Myoclonic, Absence, and Grand-mal. My son has them all; during the worst of them he stops breathing. So I became a stay at home mom. Of course this decision was made after I got fired for missing or leaving work once too often to care for him. Oh my boss was sympathetic but she had a business to run and I don't blame her for what she had to do. As he got older it also became obvious that my son had cognitive disabilities caused by issues during birth. But thankfully his school has, at least in my opinion; the best special needs staff in the state and got him through the twelfth grade. However he was not able to get a diploma, but he did get a certificate of completion. And we were right there cheering him on as he walked down that isle.
As you already know I started writing during one of my son’s really bad episodes. I would stay up and listen to him snore. At first I just doodled around with a pen and note pad. Then before I knew it I had written a book. I used a different pen name to write under then, and glad I did. It was an adult romance novel and it wasn't my cup of tea. The second time around I decided to try my hand at a something I was really interested in and that has always been anything mystical, magical or paranormal.
I guess my passion for the paranormal/supernatural started when I was very young; I grew up in a haunted house; my father would come regularly to watch over us. And to scare our friends. It seems like my fathers sense of humor didn't mellow after his passing.
And if that wasn't enough to jump start my young imagination. Some of the adult members of my family were always hinting that my grandmother was a real live, honest to goodness, card carrying, spell casting witch. It was rumored that she would turn you into a frog if you didn't listen to your parents. Of course it was our parents spreading the rumor and they would only tell us this when we were misbehaving. Add to this all the stories of brain eating zombies living in my closet that my brother told me growing up and it really isn't that hard to understand why I'm into the metaphysical and all things spooky.
Anyway, being at home 24/7 I decided that I had to find other ways to keep my mind from turning to mush. So I started to teach myself to use a computer for more than reading e-mails. I have taught myself the basics of Word. I can also edit pictures; that’s how I designed my book covers. I tried a few other things too while I actively looked for work. But I always felt like I needed to inform prospective employers that I have a child with medical issues. When I did, I usually never heard from them again. But if I didn't they just fired me for walking off the job to take care of him anyway. After all when your child needs you, you go running; it's just what moms do. It was my own personal rock and hard place. The few call backs I have gotten went pretty good; or so I thought. At least until I told them about my situation at home. They are always sympathetic, kind, and give the job to someone else.
When my second husband left I became the caregiver and driver for my brother and sister in law. They lived in the home next to mine. and they were both physically disabled. For a little while things were tight but manageable. And I thought that it would continue on that way. But they were both murdered March 8th of 2015. Too be honest with you, me and my entire family are still not over the shock. The police believe that the case may never be solved. I would love to tell you more but i would be sued for slander.
So…
I not only lost two members of my family, but I lost my only income. I did not sit idle. I have done some virtual work at home; basic research that I never got paid for- thank you very much Craig’s List, editing pictures, designed business cards and invitations; most of it done for family just for the experience. (This was before Vista print) All the while looking for legitimate home based work, but these days it seems impossible to find any real work at home opportunities. But no matter what is happening in my life, I always find myself writing. There is just something about creating my own universe and all that live within its boundaries. I guess it's just my way of having a little control over something even if it's a fantasy world. Because let me tell you, finding yourself over fifty with no real skills or recent work history is beyond terrifying. But it’s just the cards I was dealt. And once son had moved out, I had no excuses for being at home. I had to take a good hard look at my own issues; it wasn't pretty. In August of 2016 I found myself in the middle of a very intense situation, my nerves finally snapped. I had a breakdown. I had no choice but to suspend my writing and everything else. But I knew I had to try to glue myself back together. Sometimes I wish i was more of the stay down type. But no i had to be born to stubborn to stay on the floor once life knocks me on my backside.
I found myself in therapy; and to my great relief my therapist was actually able to put a name to most of the issues that i have had since birth. It turned out that my hecklers were wrong I am not lazy or crazy. Just a woman that has been through way to much for one lifetime. Anyway, her diagnosis was Major depression, PTSD, and Social Anxiety Disorder. I didn't think that being able to put a name to my problems would make a difference, but it did! Oh i know that it will take a lot of time to screw my head back on straight, and that I may never get over some of my issues. But i am proud to be able to say that I am trying. And i will continue to do so until i am once again comfortable in my own skin. But sadly I am still not able, and may never be able, to leave my home unless heavily medicated.
Just when I thought that i had a good grasp on my personal issues. My family was blind sided by the unthinkable. My two year old grandson, William, drowned in the creek behind our home. We had been having a lot of rain and the bank of the creek washed out from under him. The authorities and hundreds of volunteers helped in the recovery effort. They will have my undying gratitude until I take my last breath. I am not sure how my family was able to get thru the funeral. But we did.
Then just as we were once again able to start processing our grief we were once again blind sided by tragedy. Only 45 days after his death, William's six year old brother, Ayden, was killed in a car wreck as his father drove him to school. None of us, especially their parents, will ever be the same.
Just months after the death of their children the parents separated.
And just last month my daughter had a late miscarriage.
and even though i never got to hold him. The loss of little Declan once again devastated us all.
Please do not think that by telling you my story I am asking for sympathy, pity or charity; although a little empathy would be okay. I am simply simply telling my story for those of you that have asked, and i want you all to know that i am so very grateful for your well wishes for my family.
With the exception of the sale of my books and the other items listed on this site. I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not asking for donations or contributions of any kind. I am simply trying to survive the best way I can right now. By selling a product that I created myself through hard work and long sleepless nights. But it’s really hard to make money as an author when no one knows about your books.
A while back my sister jokingly suggested that I tell one of her favorite local news reporters about my website; you know one of those local interest stories. I tried and it got me nowhere. So it was then suggested that I give social media a try. After giving it some thought I decided that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. So I took the idea and ran with it; I built these pages on a free online website builder, created a Facebook page, sent e-mails to anyone I thought would listen and prayed.
(But I haven't given up on filling out applications or finding virtual work just in case.)
I worked hard on these books and even though they may not be the next Jane Eyre or Gone with the wind, I think they are pretty good. Although I can't promise that you won’t find a few grammar mistakes; for me high school was a long time ago! But I can tell you in all honestly that this book has given my sister several enjoyable nights of reading. And according to my non-family reviews on Amazon others are agreeing with her.
I want to thank you for taking a few minutes to look around and if you like what you see great, but even if you don't I really do appreciate you taking the time to read my story. However, if you do like what you've found here please help spread the news of this site and the books by telling your friends. Or better yet mention them on your Facebook page, snap chat or Twitter. Or you can like my FB page the icon is floating around at the top of this website, or the address is below. But I should warn you, my kids are still trying to teach me the ins and outs of all this social media stuff so until I get the hang of it I'm afraid you'll have to be patient.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Have a Blessed Day.
Josephine
Facebook.com/JosephineRbooks
Josephine Ritchie on Pinterst.
and don't forget you can always leave commits on my Blog page.
But somehow, as we all do, I managed to live through my teens. I Met and married my first husband in the 1980’s. And for my children’s sake I will not be saying much about the time we were married. But I will skim over the basics…After living a few years with him in the southern states where my first daughter was born, we came back home to Indiana. There were many years of heartbreak and struggle that followed. During the course of our 17 year marriage we were burned out of our home 5 times, I had two miscarriages, my husband suffered a fractured spine, he developed a heart problem, and there were way too many other heartaches to mention here. But somehow we managed to create four incredible kids; three boys, one girl. And to be honest if I had to do it all over again it would be worth every tear. And even more incredible, it would even be worth putting up with hubby number one again; because without that time in my life I would not have my “babies”. They are truly my heart.
Anyway time passed hubby number one walked out and I met and fell in love with soon-to-be hubby number two. He brought with him a 13 year old red headed hellion that I now lovingly call my youngest daughter. It was around this time that my youngest son, only 6 at the time, had his first seizure. If it hadn't been for the fact that soon-to-be hubby #2 was with us down at the swimin’ hole my son would have died in front of me while having what we believed to be his first seizure. I had never seen a child, let alone my own, go thru anything like that and I panicked. It was him who performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.
Together hubby number two and I survived medical issues, surgeries, tornadoes, hurricane IKE, floods, ice storms, kids, and the arrival of our first of many grandchildren. What our marriage couldn't seem to survive was and is our own inner demons; even though he won’t admit to having any. We are now divorced, and are living prof that sometimes love just isn't enough.. From the moment he was born the man has had a very hard life and I wish him nothing but peace and happiness. To be honest I will always love the man, and he me.
Okay enough of that…
There are six types of generalized seizures: Absence, Tonic, Clonic, Myoclonic, Absence, and Grand-mal. My son has them all; during the worst of them he stops breathing. So I became a stay at home mom. Of course this decision was made after I got fired for missing or leaving work once too often to care for him. Oh my boss was sympathetic but she had a business to run and I don't blame her for what she had to do. As he got older it also became obvious that my son had cognitive disabilities caused by issues during birth. But thankfully his school has, at least in my opinion; the best special needs staff in the state and got him through the twelfth grade. However he was not able to get a diploma, but he did get a certificate of completion. And we were right there cheering him on as he walked down that isle.
As you already know I started writing during one of my son’s really bad episodes. I would stay up and listen to him snore. At first I just doodled around with a pen and note pad. Then before I knew it I had written a book. I used a different pen name to write under then, and glad I did. It was an adult romance novel and it wasn't my cup of tea. The second time around I decided to try my hand at a something I was really interested in and that has always been anything mystical, magical or paranormal.
I guess my passion for the paranormal/supernatural started when I was very young; I grew up in a haunted house; my father would come regularly to watch over us. And to scare our friends. It seems like my fathers sense of humor didn't mellow after his passing.
And if that wasn't enough to jump start my young imagination. Some of the adult members of my family were always hinting that my grandmother was a real live, honest to goodness, card carrying, spell casting witch. It was rumored that she would turn you into a frog if you didn't listen to your parents. Of course it was our parents spreading the rumor and they would only tell us this when we were misbehaving. Add to this all the stories of brain eating zombies living in my closet that my brother told me growing up and it really isn't that hard to understand why I'm into the metaphysical and all things spooky.
Anyway, being at home 24/7 I decided that I had to find other ways to keep my mind from turning to mush. So I started to teach myself to use a computer for more than reading e-mails. I have taught myself the basics of Word. I can also edit pictures; that’s how I designed my book covers. I tried a few other things too while I actively looked for work. But I always felt like I needed to inform prospective employers that I have a child with medical issues. When I did, I usually never heard from them again. But if I didn't they just fired me for walking off the job to take care of him anyway. After all when your child needs you, you go running; it's just what moms do. It was my own personal rock and hard place. The few call backs I have gotten went pretty good; or so I thought. At least until I told them about my situation at home. They are always sympathetic, kind, and give the job to someone else.
When my second husband left I became the caregiver and driver for my brother and sister in law. They lived in the home next to mine. and they were both physically disabled. For a little while things were tight but manageable. And I thought that it would continue on that way. But they were both murdered March 8th of 2015. Too be honest with you, me and my entire family are still not over the shock. The police believe that the case may never be solved. I would love to tell you more but i would be sued for slander.
So…
I not only lost two members of my family, but I lost my only income. I did not sit idle. I have done some virtual work at home; basic research that I never got paid for- thank you very much Craig’s List, editing pictures, designed business cards and invitations; most of it done for family just for the experience. (This was before Vista print) All the while looking for legitimate home based work, but these days it seems impossible to find any real work at home opportunities. But no matter what is happening in my life, I always find myself writing. There is just something about creating my own universe and all that live within its boundaries. I guess it's just my way of having a little control over something even if it's a fantasy world. Because let me tell you, finding yourself over fifty with no real skills or recent work history is beyond terrifying. But it’s just the cards I was dealt. And once son had moved out, I had no excuses for being at home. I had to take a good hard look at my own issues; it wasn't pretty. In August of 2016 I found myself in the middle of a very intense situation, my nerves finally snapped. I had a breakdown. I had no choice but to suspend my writing and everything else. But I knew I had to try to glue myself back together. Sometimes I wish i was more of the stay down type. But no i had to be born to stubborn to stay on the floor once life knocks me on my backside.
I found myself in therapy; and to my great relief my therapist was actually able to put a name to most of the issues that i have had since birth. It turned out that my hecklers were wrong I am not lazy or crazy. Just a woman that has been through way to much for one lifetime. Anyway, her diagnosis was Major depression, PTSD, and Social Anxiety Disorder. I didn't think that being able to put a name to my problems would make a difference, but it did! Oh i know that it will take a lot of time to screw my head back on straight, and that I may never get over some of my issues. But i am proud to be able to say that I am trying. And i will continue to do so until i am once again comfortable in my own skin. But sadly I am still not able, and may never be able, to leave my home unless heavily medicated.
Just when I thought that i had a good grasp on my personal issues. My family was blind sided by the unthinkable. My two year old grandson, William, drowned in the creek behind our home. We had been having a lot of rain and the bank of the creek washed out from under him. The authorities and hundreds of volunteers helped in the recovery effort. They will have my undying gratitude until I take my last breath. I am not sure how my family was able to get thru the funeral. But we did.
Then just as we were once again able to start processing our grief we were once again blind sided by tragedy. Only 45 days after his death, William's six year old brother, Ayden, was killed in a car wreck as his father drove him to school. None of us, especially their parents, will ever be the same.
Just months after the death of their children the parents separated.
And just last month my daughter had a late miscarriage.
and even though i never got to hold him. The loss of little Declan once again devastated us all.
Please do not think that by telling you my story I am asking for sympathy, pity or charity; although a little empathy would be okay. I am simply simply telling my story for those of you that have asked, and i want you all to know that i am so very grateful for your well wishes for my family.
With the exception of the sale of my books and the other items listed on this site. I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not asking for donations or contributions of any kind. I am simply trying to survive the best way I can right now. By selling a product that I created myself through hard work and long sleepless nights. But it’s really hard to make money as an author when no one knows about your books.
A while back my sister jokingly suggested that I tell one of her favorite local news reporters about my website; you know one of those local interest stories. I tried and it got me nowhere. So it was then suggested that I give social media a try. After giving it some thought I decided that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. So I took the idea and ran with it; I built these pages on a free online website builder, created a Facebook page, sent e-mails to anyone I thought would listen and prayed.
(But I haven't given up on filling out applications or finding virtual work just in case.)
I worked hard on these books and even though they may not be the next Jane Eyre or Gone with the wind, I think they are pretty good. Although I can't promise that you won’t find a few grammar mistakes; for me high school was a long time ago! But I can tell you in all honestly that this book has given my sister several enjoyable nights of reading. And according to my non-family reviews on Amazon others are agreeing with her.
I want to thank you for taking a few minutes to look around and if you like what you see great, but even if you don't I really do appreciate you taking the time to read my story. However, if you do like what you've found here please help spread the news of this site and the books by telling your friends. Or better yet mention them on your Facebook page, snap chat or Twitter. Or you can like my FB page the icon is floating around at the top of this website, or the address is below. But I should warn you, my kids are still trying to teach me the ins and outs of all this social media stuff so until I get the hang of it I'm afraid you'll have to be patient.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Have a Blessed Day.
Josephine
Facebook.com/JosephineRbooks
Josephine Ritchie on Pinterst.
and don't forget you can always leave commits on my Blog page.
You can also find my work on Amazon.
And coming soon -book three - the Supernatural
From Amazon -
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Can't wait for the next book If you like paranormal books she a great writer
By my kindle on October 10, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I couldn't put the book down! Ms. Ritchie had me laughing and hanging on to my seat waiting to see what happens. I Can't wait for the next book If you like paranormal books she a great writer.
Keep the books coming!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
By M. Robinson on December 18, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
I'm hooked on this series! I'm dying to know what happens next! I hope the next book comes out very soon!!!
I would once again like to point out that I am not a trained writer. I have never claimed to be and will never claim to be. I am simply a woman going through a hard time and trying to keep her head above water by doing anything she can. You are going to find grammar mistakes in my books. But it does not mean that I have not put many days and nights of hard work into them.
But if you do not look to closely at my grammar skills, I can promise you that you will find the reading of these stories enjoyable. The books are getting decent reviews from the readers and the mistakes do not take away from the story line or the characters.
Thank You
Josephine
But if you do not look to closely at my grammar skills, I can promise you that you will find the reading of these stories enjoyable. The books are getting decent reviews from the readers and the mistakes do not take away from the story line or the characters.
Thank You
Josephine