SIT DOWN SATURDAY WITH SYNDI POWELL




SIT DOWN SATURDAY WITH SYNDI POWELL



What does the back cover say?
       Border patrol agent Desmond Jackson would gladly take a bullet for his partner. Instead, it’s Detroit border patrol agent Sherri Lopez who ends up wounded in a drug raid…then
blindsided by a shocking diagnosis. The woman Dez secretly loves is a warrior now in a fight for
her life. Strong and independent, Sherri won’t let anything defeat her—or let herself rely on Dez. Doesn’t she realize how good they are together? All Dez knows is he can’t lose her…or the friendship that’s slowly evolving into something even more precious.

Where did you get the idea for "Afraid to Lose Her"?
       When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2014, I sought out books that dealt with my illness. Because I deal with life through the lens of stories, I especially looked for fiction about women who were diagnosed and dealing with the same issues that I was. I read as much as I could so I would have a better idea of what to expect. (Disclaimer: No matter how much you read or prepare, you have no clue what it will be like).
       Even as I was going through treatment, I knew I wanted to write about my experience but I figured it would be more of a memoir. Remembering how I'd searched for fiction on breast cancer, I changed my direction and came up with the Hope Center Stories, three books about women in different stages of treatment.
       This first book is what happens when you hear the word cancer and how it changes your plans. Like me, Sherrita Lopez is thrown for a loop. She's a strong independent woman who has trouble accepting help from family and friends. And  Dez Jackson is the man who is determined to love her through it.

What is your favorite scene?
       Ugh, this is a tough question. I used a lot of my own experience to pepper details throughout the story and those tend to be my favorites. (Look for the bright orange hoodie!) Plus, I fell in love with Dez while I was writing so I enjoy any scene he's in.
       However the scene where Sherri gets her head shaved has a special place in my heart. I was lucky enough to not have to go through chemo and lose my hair, but I remember my mom volunteering to shave her head with me if I had to. That stayed with me, so that scene is a tribute to my mom and her strength throughout my treatment.

What's up next for you?
       Book 2 in the Hope Center Stories, Healing Hearts, comes out February 2018. It's about April, a woman who has just finished treatment. When she was sick, she created a list of things she'd do if she got a second chance. As she works through her list, she keeps running into Zach who rubs her the wrong way. But they just might be able to heal together.



A last fun note: I lived in this orange hoodie for months during treatment, and it's still one of my favorite things to wear when I'm feeling a little blue or need a shot of comfort. In this book, they have to practically peel it off Sherri because it gives her the same comfort it gave me.



Comments

  1. Your mother sounds like a special lady, Sydni. I look forward to reading AFRAID TO LOSE HER.

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    1. Thank you, Jill. And she really is special! She helped me through so much of this journey.

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  2. Such a special series, Syndi. I know I'll enjoy this release--a lot. In these situations where support is needed, I've always been touched by how women tend to pull together.

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    1. Thank you, Virginia! That's my hope: to show women that they are not alone and can find support around them.

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  3. I like your orange hoodie Syndi! I'm glad you decided to write a series of romance novels using some of your own experiences dealing with breast cancer to highlight its impact on all women and will be keeping your post in mind as I read "Afraid to Lose Her".

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    1. Thank you, Janice. My mom had to peel that hoodie off me at one point in order to get it washed. It's such a happy color and made me smile!

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  4. Congratulations on your new series, this first Hope Center book--and on being well again, Syndi.

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  5. I liked the orange hoodie in the book, and now even more that I know it's based on your hoodie. Great story.

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    1. Thank you, Beth! I really appreciate that. I love my hoodie :)

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  6. Congrats on your release, Syndi. We saw your cover up on the big screen at the Harlequin Party last night!!

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    1. Thank you, Catherine! Wish I'd been there to see it.

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  7. Sydni, you are amazing! Love that you turned your experience into a story that will no doubt touch others! Can't wait to read your story. I have it loaded on my nook and ready to go...as soon as life slows down and I get a chance to read. (School started last week and I haven't had a chance to breathe yet!)

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  8. I'll be looking for the bright orange hoodie in the story (I like how it brought you comfort during your treatment) . Your mom sounds like an amazing woman. I like the way you wrote the series to reflect the different stages of cancer. I am so excited to read this.

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    1. Thank you, Laurie! My mom is amazing. I think she was relieved when we found out that I wouldn't have to go through chemo and lose our hair!

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  9. What an encourager you are! And your mom sounds so special. Can't wait to read Afraid to Lose Her!

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    1. Thank you, Patricia! Your comment touched me deeply. I always hope that my books will encourage readers.

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  10. Congratulations on your latest release, Syndi! I am happy to have shared a release month with you.

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    1. Thank you, Kate! It was an honor to work with you!

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  11. Sorry to comment late (I was at Nationals), but had to say that I love reading about your story background. I'll be looking for the orange hoodie too and can't wait to read the book! Here's to you!

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