It is a high mountain.

From taking of notes, to a 100 page book is a difficult climb. It is like viewing a picturesque scene. We see a mountain range. As we become nearer to it, it becomes evident the peaks are further away than imagined. The climb begins and we realise getting to the summit is going to be a long process. From a distance it seems the advance will take a day. The reality is in fact weeks of endeavour is needed to reach the summit.

I have climbed the mountain ‘Second Chance’ is now complete.

The process was far more involved than imagined. The next time you enter a book shop, consider you are looking at a mountain range, when you pick up the book you are at the bottom of the climb and the writer has had to plan and map the route.  He or she has to write, edit, write some more. Prune again, grow some more and then the writer realises there is an important aspect missing and another chapter is added. At some point the writer has to stop or the book will never be finished. There is much more to write and common sense say’s ‘The reader will understand’. When the decision is made, the writer is at the summit. The view from the top is spectacular. Now the flag needs to be unravelled, an announcement made. People will buy the book, read it, recommend it, buy it as a gift. It is written for everyone who is seriously ill and facing major surgery. It is also written for the family and friends of those who are ill.

My book ‘Second Chance’ it is a true story. A real life experience and a complex one. At some point during the writing of ‘Second Chance’ I realised how many people are involved in the story. It is humbling, thought provoking, enlightening to consider the incredible kindness and dedication of those who worked to give me my second chance of life. Certain ways of thinking about the different aspects have to be expressed in a clear way which can be understood. Aspects such as the donor, transplant team, family, recovery, finances are all part of the story and one has, to some degree become emotionally separated from the events so the ideas have an impact and are thought provoking. As a result the book is written, re-written, proofread and amended. I am amazed to discover the proofreader, does not get the manuscript word perfect first, second or even third time around. If you are a writer you’ll understand this.

The objective was for ‘Second Chance’ to fulfil a purpose. It is a body of ideas, which combine the emotional, personal aspects with the hard facts. A lady asked me ‘Campbell, I’m awaiting a transplant, how do you cope with the tragedy of the donors death?’ The answer to her question is found within the book. Not as a definitive answer (this cannot be possible) there is a subjective opinion. The essence of which is life is precious and survival is within the core of every humans psyche. It is my personal feeling, a seed of thought, a meditation. ‘Second Chance’ is not a hand book of recovery. The book does not offer miracle cures or definitive answers. It is a book of thanks, celebration of life, determination to overcome fear. My book is about, love, friendship and human resolve. My words are intentionally forthright, serious illness is not a game, reality and facing facts are powerful medicines.

You are able to download ‘Second Chance’ from the link below. Click on the book image it will take you to kindle. The paperback copy will be available shortly. If you wish to be informed with regard to availability email me at campbell-wallace@hotmail.com .

See you soon – Live well

Campbell