I want to let you know that this Friday author Madeline Sharples will be here. Madeline is the author of Leaving the Hall Light On her inspiring memoir about how she found peace and carried on after coping with her son Paul’s 7-year-struggle with bipolar disease and subsequent suicide in 1999.
In honor of Madeline’s visit, we will be giving away an ecopy of her book. To be entered in the drawing please leave a comment on A Slice of Life Writing anytime between how and Friday and become a follower if you are not already one.
Please take a moment and watch the book trailer for Leaving the Hall Light On.

wow that is exciting…
I’ll be anxious to read that post. I just can’t imagine what she and her family must’ve gone through!
I know, Karen, it’s unimaginable.
Thank you Karen and Linda. The post is more about my writing than my life, but Linda will supply links to where you can read more.
Best, Madeline
What a poignant and powerful this story must be.Having lost one adult son at 35, and having my other child, a bipolar son, in and out of prison; I struggle to be able to write both stories and the profound affect they have had in shaping my middle age life. Grief has no boundaries and a mother’s sorrow is universal no matter what culture.
I truly must read this book. Insight is always valuable and that Madeline Sharples has shared her story makes me hopeful that I’ll be able to share mine someday.
Did not mean to be so chatty but this triggered me to write today.
Nancilynn, I’m glad you stopped by. You and Madeline have my utmost respect; I cannot imagine what either of you have experienced. You are both strong and amazing women.
Thank you, Linda, for posting this. I’m excited and look forward to being your guest next Friday.
Madeline
We are all looking forward to your visit, Madeline.
Hi, Linda. I saw your comment just now on Facebook, saying you just read my memoir. We’re obviously both interested in memoir! It’s my favorite genre. I hope your memoir is out soon. From what I’ve read about you here, I think we’re on the same wavelength.
I’m happy to hear about Madeline Sharples and her memoir. This definitely sounds like one I would like to read.
I’m going to use my wordpress blog address here. I just set up a free one, and then found out that unless you have a stand alone, which is what you must have, you can’t get Google Friend Connect. But I want to use WordPress, so I’m going to set up a folder of WP blogs to follow and will also follow those that I want to follow through email–which I just signed up for here. Other can do the same for me. I just like the sleek look and flexibility of WP. And I especially like the reply section where you can, unlike Blogger, really have a dialogue; where you can reply right beneath the comment. I did find a woman who, through the phone, helped me figure out the basics. Do you know about how much it would cost to get the stand alone?
Hi Ann,
Yes I did just finish your memoir and my hat goes off to you; you are a strong woman.
I will send you an email with some info on how I set up A Slice of Life Writing.
Best,
Linda
I’m excited to read both of your memoirs. What a wonderful genre. Best, Madeline
I am a facilitator of a support group for women who were sexually abused as children. Several of the women who have been in the group are bipolar. I am also involved in NAMI and other people in the group have adult children diagnosed as bipolar, so I am always interested in learning more.
Thanks so much Joyce for the work you do. NAMI is such a wonderful resource.
This will be going on my reading list. Thank you.
Thank you, Nancy. Best, Madeline
Linda and Madeline,
What a tough topic! I’m so sorry, Madeline, that you and your family have lost a son and brother. But how glad I am that you have chosen to write your way through to the other side and know it will help so many others. Looking forward to your guest spot here with the amazing Linda…
Thanks so much Jude.
A story close to my own life. I’ll look forward to reading it.
Deb, I’m so sorry. I hope my book helps in some way. All best, Madeline