elaine williams  

Press Release
2008-10-25 15:27:27 -

Award winning author and contributing writer Elaine Williams understands the pain of being left alone during the holiday season. Her book, A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss, offers a message of hope that is particularly needed by many left alone during this time of year.

'For most people,' stated Ms. Williams, 'holidays center around family and celebrations. For widows, especially new widows, this time of year is one of the hardest times to get through. After the loss of your partner there is nothing quite as painful as feeling alone during these special times.'

According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are approximately 700,000 new widows every year. Widows and widowers are not the only ones who suffer during this time of year. Surveys and studies also illustrate that a staggering 10% of all marriages end in divorce. The emotional problems that affect those experiencing widowhood or divorce can be overwhelming. These feelings are exacerbated during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's seasons.

32% of women aged 55 and older live alone, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss addresses the important issues involving loss created through death or divorce and offers real hope to those left alone and those left behind.

'I personally don't see much difference in dating after loss or following a divorce,' stated Ms. Williams, 'as both occurrences involve a major life change, subject to emotions of loss and anger or perhaps betrayal and abandonment. At no time do these feelings surface more strongly than during the holiday season. Some who have lost a spouse may argue that death is worse, being final and out of your control -- while divorce is a choice. I disagree. If the spouse you love has divorced you, the choice has been taken away from you, similar to losing someone to death. You also have an added complication of perhaps feeling as if you've been thrown away, an understandably devastating experience. I have experienced both divorce and death, and the aftermath in each instance is neither pretty nor painless.'

'Does the death of a partner hurt more than divorce? When you lose the person you love, regardless of how that occurs, it is a permanent wound on the heart. Loss of any kind is never easy. It can be especially difficult during the holidays,' stated Ms. Williams, 'but try not to totally isolate yourself during moments of stress; instead allow family and friends to help you get through difficult times. You can be alone with your thoughts to sort through your grief, but also remember to allow those who care about you to help you on your journey.'

A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss is a finalist in the USA Book News Best Books Awards for 2008. The book has received a 5 star rating from Midwest Book Reviews. Copies of 'A Journey Well Taken - Life After Loss' are available at her website. A portion of the profit from each book is donated to charity. Ms. Williams is available for media interviews by contacting her at the address below.

Contact
Elaine Williams
On Wings Press
Phone: 518-589-6229
Web: <a href="http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com">http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com"></a>
Email: onwingspress@yahoo.com

One of my first emails I received this morning was exciting, in that I was notified by USA Book News that my book, "A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss" had finaled in the Health:Death and Dying category of their National Best Books 2008 Awards. The winning book in the category was awarded to a book by New Horizon Press, Voices of Strength: Sons and Daughters of Suicide Speakout by Judy Zionts Fox, RN.

I was quite excited to find myself honored by such an award. It just proves the book is needed and will end up where it needs to go, and in whose hands it needs to be.

"USABookNews.com is the premier online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year's contest yielded an unprecendented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists." (www.usabooknews.com)

For information on this award, please visit: <a href="http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2008.html">http://www.usabooknews.com/bestbooksawards2008.html"></a>