Everything Happens for a Reason

Some years ago, my family was sent into shock. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, could no longer undertake my job as a university lecturer and was really very ill.

I had recently moved across the country and didn't know many people in the area. Now added to that, during chemotherapy and radiotherapy my immune system was compromised so I couldn't get out to meet people either. This was a challenging time not only for me, but for the whole family.

Normally my pleasures include swimming. I couldn't do that - this risk of infection was too high. I enjoy travelling. I couldn't do that - I didn't have the energy. I like going to the theatre, but again fatigue and the risk of infection put paid to that. My greatest joy is spending time with family and friends. I couldn't go to them, but was lucky that they were willing to take time out of their busy lives to visit me.

However, at first, I spent time watching daytime television. Have you ever done that? It is mind-numbingly dull. Then I set to reading. I could chose my book to fit my mood and read as much or as little as I felt able to do at any one time on any give day. Then I would give my long-suffering husband my opinion on whether or not the book was good and why.

I consider that the illness and the most debilitating treatment took about a year of my life. I am fortunate indeed that it took no more. Cancer in all its forms is a disease that shows no favours of rank or privilege. Towards the end of that year, I was getting better. I suppose I was getting bored with the small scope of my life and I was probably driving said long suffering husband crazy with my comments on why a book was good or not.

Eventually one day, I think in sheer frustration, he said, "If you know so much about what makes a good book - why don't you write one!"

What a good idea, thinks the bold Val.

And that is how Murder in Edinburgh was born. The book's working title was The Sins of the Fathers, because it tells the story of three sons who must rise above the actions of their fathers in order to live good lives. (Some more successfully than others!) It was another author friend, Michael Jecks, who suggested to me that there were so many books of a similar title that I should probably re-name it.

The book was sold by previous publishers under the title Hunter's Chase, However, when I signed to Joffe Books late last year they have re-titled it and given the book a whole new feel with a splendid cover too. I hope you like it.

So, when I say everything happens for a reason, I mean it. Often the reason is not clear to us at the time. But if I had not been diagnosed with cancer and been restricted in what I could do, and if I had not driven my husband to the bounds of distraction by telling him all about the books I read, he would not have suggested that I apply my talents to writing and my career as an author would not have happened.

Think about it, it is true. Everything happens for a reason.

Murder in Edinburgh will be published by Joffe Books and available to preorder early next month.

Val Penny