When 44 year-old Ann Pietrangelo is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, all previous assumptions about health, work, and her new romance are up for grabs. How do you plan for life’s second half with a body you’ve never met before? One precarious step at a time. From the impersonal diagnosis by email to a wedding presided over by a funeral director, this is no tragic tale of woe. Like relapsing/remitting MS itself, the book alternates between the serious (“When I turn toward him, there’s a big hole where his right cheek should be.”) and the silly (“The bocce balls don't get out much.”).
This poignant and often humorous story of acceptance and change relies on a basic truth – good health and life are fleeting, but love and humor trump all. Every second matters, a point driven home by yet another life-altering diagnosis.
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What do you think readers will find most notable about this book?
Ann Pietrangelo
No More Secs! may strike a familiar chord if you’ve got multiple sclerosis, or love someone who does. Still, it is only my story, not THE story of MS. Oh, and it’s not all about MS either. Really. That’s because life marches on whether we feel up to it or not. Mine sure did and, whether or not I’m ready, it keeps on marching. Yes, every second matters. At its very heart, this is a love story. Romantic love. Love of family. Love of life. If you take a leap of faith and give No More Secs! a read, it is my sincere hope you come away from it on a positive note. Maybe it’ll even make you smile. Now that’s when I’ll know I’ve really done good.
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Have you acquired any good anecdotes surrounding this book? If so, could you share one?
Ann Pietrangelo
People want to know what 'secs' means. 'Secs' is a reference to an incident that happened in the course of a particular chapter in the book. As with many anecdotes, it takes on much greater meaning later, something which becomes clear as you finish the book.
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Did researching and writing this book teach you anything or influence your thinking in any way?
Ann Pietrangelo
It's a memoir, so there was no research involved. However, it required a lot of soul searching, and helped me to realize just how far I've come.
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What would you most like readers to tell others about this book?
Ann Pietrangelo
I hope that readers come away with a better understanding of people who live with chronic illness. For those who do live with a chronic illness, I hope it encourages them to go easier on themselves.
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Can you suggest one question readers might find interesting to discuss, concerning you, your writing in general, or this book?
Ann Pietrangelo
Well, shortly after finishing this manuscript, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. After all I've written about MS, I imagine readers would be curious to know if my attitude has changed at all.
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How can readers help you promote this book?
Ann Pietrangelo
If you enjoyed the book, please recommend it to your friends, post on your blog, review on Amazon, 'Like' it on Facebook... I appreciate each and every reader.
About You: Ann Pietrangelo
Ann Pietrangelo is the author of "No More Secs! Living, Laughing & Loving Despite Multiple Sclerosis."
Her writing covers a wide range of topics, including multiple sclerosis patient information, her Living with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer series, copywriting, general health news, and articles for sites all around the web. Ann is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
"As a young girl, I fantasized about sitting in a smoke-filled room, a pencil behind my ear, piles of crumpled paper all around, typing away at my latest novel. I was a weird kid," says Ann. "Decades later when I finally sat down to write a book, it wasn't a novel, but a memoir. There was no smoke-filled room, no pencil, no piles of crumpled paper, and certainly no typewriter. I ended up with a look inside the thought process of a person with multiple sclerosis. But it's not all about MS, because life can't be all about MS. At its heart, this is a love story. Romantic love. Love of family. Love of life. I no longer fantasize about that smoke-filled room, but that novel is still calling."
Ann and her husband, Jim, are partners in WebCamp One LLC, a full-service website design, management, and development company with clients throughout the USA. They make their home in Virginia.
visit Ann at www.annpietrangelo.com
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Why do you write?
Ann Pietrangelo
I've always enjoyed writing. Unlike speaking, I get to think about how the reader might interpret the words and adjust them accordingly. There's always a way to say it better, and I truly enjoy the process.
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What is your greatest strength as a writer?
Ann Pietrangelo
Patience.
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What quality do you most value in yourself?
Ann Pietrangelo
Balance – I've got an open mind and heart.
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In addition to writing, what else are you passionate about?
Ann Pietrangelo
My marriage, my kids, and simply being alive.
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What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?
Ann Pietrangelo
Holding it all together despite some major hurdles.
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Is there any new or established author whom you feel deserves more attention, and what is it that strikes you about his or her work?
Ann Pietrangelo
I'm a huge fan of Rachel Simon. Her latest book, The Story of Beautiful Girl, was so moving and powerful that I can't shake it. I am awestruck by her ability to get inside the heads of her characters and to take the reader there as well.
Intrigued by this interview? Please hop on over to Ann Pietrangelo's site or check out her book at the following places:
Amazon
No More Secs
