Pain is a funny thing. Not just to live with (in which case it’s not always very funny), but in terms of the myths and the silence surrounding it. Talking about pain is uncomfortable, especially for those who don’t have it. Pain is hard to understand. You can’t measure it, it’s difficult to describe and it’s near impossible to make others comprehend what it feels like to be in pain if they’ve never experienced it themselves. There’s a gap — you may even say, a chasm — between those of us who have chronic pain and those who don’t. We need to start talking about pain with each other, to bridge that gap and create a better understanding.
To that end, meet my new baby
7 Facets: A Meditation on Pain is just that — a meditative exploration of the concept of pain, what it is like to live with it, its qualities, roles, and impact. It’s been in the works for a while, something I’ve noodled with whenever I needed a break from writing nonfiction. Written as a poem in prose, it dives into the depths of pain and takes a look at it from the inside, the outside and at several points in between.
I hope this short e-book will spark conversations about pain, not just in the chronic pain community, but also among people who wish to better understand what pain is.
It wouldn’t have been impossible to finish this one in time for September’s Pain Awareness Month or for it to look as good as it does without my team (I love that I have a team). Laurie Kingston was the best writing buddy and beta reader anyone could ask for. Dan Handler yet again designed a cover that I fell in love with at first sight. Holly Sawchuk edited and made it feel joyful. And The Boy discussed, formatted, held my hand and showed me what true love and partnership is all about.
7 Facets: A Meditation on Pain is $0.99. It is available as an e-book short on Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon UK and Kobo. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle app for computer, tablet and smartphone for free on Amazon. The book will also be available for iBooks and Nooks soon.
