"...everything in life is writable...if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."..... Sylvia Plath

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Profile: Meet Teresa Rhyne, author of The Dog Lived (and so will I)

Author Teresa Rhyne & Seamus
Check out Teresa's website
Due out in October of 2012, Teresa Rhyne's debut memoir is a book about triumph over the hurdles that life continually throws at us. I was one of her Beta readers and fortunate to be somewhat on the "inside", and so privy to her writing process as she worked on the final draft of her manuscript. I found it amazing that she could write with such clarity about about a subject that could have been devastating. Her humor and warmth come through loud and strong on every page.

Having gotten to know Teresa by working with her on line, my impression of her is one of a strong, courageous and loving woman who is capable of pulling up her boot straps when under fire and forging through what ever it takes to get the job done with humor, grace, and loyalty to those around her, including her dog Seamus...qualities we all hope we have. Her writing ability is evident in this poignant memoir.

The Book 
     "The Dog Lived (And So Will I)...is a tale of a dog who wouldn’t let go and the woman who followed his lead. It is the uplifting, charming, and often mischievous story of how dogs come into our lives for a reason, how they steal our hearts, show us how to live, and teach us how to love.

     Teresa Rhyne vowed to get things right this time around:  new boyfriend, new house, new dog, maybe even new job.  But shortly after she adopted an incorrigible beagle named Seamus, vets told Teresa that he had a malignant tumor and less than a year to live. The diagnosis was devastating, but she decided to fight it, learning everything she could about the best treatment for Seamus. She couldn’t have possibly known then that she was preparing herself for life’s next hurdle – a cancer diagnosis of her own. Teresa and Seamus would battle for their lives together, while at the same time she’d bare her heart for a seemingly star-crossed relationship." (taken from blurbs on back cover).


Teresa' Story
"When I found out I had cancer I said to Chris (writer, significant other...) If I die, given that Seamus lived, you have to write the memoir The Dog Lived. I love the irony. Seamus...was diagnosed with cancer more than 3 years ago and ...I was told, Seamus still doesn't know, that he would live maybe a year. Instead he's cancer-free and well into remission. That would be the great irony of my life story--the dog lives. I don't. Not surprisingly, Chris was not amused and did not want to write that memoir. Oh, and my prognosis [was}not at all that grim. So instead, in a rare mood [I attempted] to just put a positive spin on things. The Dog Lived...and so will I."

Book Trailer



Struggle with wigs
As a result of her Chemotherapy, Teresa lost her beautiful hair. "... Buying a wig should have been easy, but it wasn't...I just completely stumbled over it."  I am pretty sure buying and wearing wigs  isn't easy for most women who have had to face the same challenge. But Teresa took up the challenge and managed to wear them with style. I've included three pictures of Teresa in wigs, one blond, one brunette and a third flaming red. I think she's beautiful in all of them.

Blond Bombshell

Brunette Beauty

Ravishing Redhead
If you had to choose, which one would you pick?


if you enjoyed this post, feel free to leave a comment

19 comments:

  1. i pick brunette! ....looking forward to your book release!

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Anonymous. I know Teresa will be happy hearing you're looking forward to her book. I picked the same wig. I think she looks great as a brunette.....Nancy

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  2. Nancy, I found "The Dog Lives" trailer had me grinning. It showed Teresa as an inspiration to all who suffer this devastating prognosis. A unique story, in that she shared this prognosis with her faithful companion. Tereas is lovely and loving, and I'm sure that highlights her work.

    I offer my congratulations and wishes for much success to Teresa with her memoir!

    Hair color . . . I like them all. Each shows a different woman living within. :)

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    1. Nancy, Thanks so much for the nice comment. I know Teresa will appreciate it. I thought the same thing about her book...unique and inspiring........Nancy

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  3. I do appreciate the comments--thank you all so much. And yes, I had fun with each of the wigs. Eventually they all had names--as in "I think I'm going to be Natasha today" (Natasha was, of course, the brunette). My website is live now too, if anyone wants to follow news of the book and my travels to Book Expo America as a debut author (squeeeeeeeee!!). www.teresarhyne.com

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    1. Hi Teresa, Glad you stopped by to take a look at what's going on over here. So happy your site is up; I'll put a link to it from my site.....Nancy

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  4. I look forward to the book. What a story. I'm emotional imagining it. What life throws at us...geez. For the record, I prefer the brunette; approachable, down to earth. But it's fun to slip into other identities.. which one is the real girl or maybe they all are...

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  5. Hi Stephanie, Thanks for the comment...yes, it's amazing what we can get through in life and most times it just makes us stronger. Another one for the brunette...that's the one I like the best too....Nancy

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  6. The brunette huh? Well, my doctor preferred that one too. When I did the poll on my blog (when I was really shopping for wigs) the ash blonde one (not shown in this post) won and the redhead came in second. I went with the redhead for my "regular" wig but then also bought the brunette one and a long blond one and a short blond bob just for fun (because chemo is fun, right? ;-). In "real life" pre-chemo I was a blond. Post chemo the hair came in much darker...but my hairstylist worked magic and made me blond again, just not as blond as before (in the video that's my real hair now...with the help of my hairstylist returning my "natural blond highlights!"). But thanks for all your comments on the hair and the story!

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    1. Hi Teresa, I saw that ash blond one on your site and liked it a lot. In fact I almost posted it. I know you must be happy you no longer have to deal with wigs anymore. Hope Seamus is doing well. I saw, on your new website, he was having some eye problems. Hope it's under control.......Nancy

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  7. What a heart-warming story! I love the wigs, too. Teresa looks great in all three. :)

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  8. I agree with you, Kelly. She looks great in all three. I tried wearing a wig a long time ago once just to see how I'd look in another color and style. I't when they first became popular....maybe 30 years ago. it was so uncomfortable, I wore it once and that was it!. I remember it being really hot. They're probably made much better and lighter now........Nancy

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  9. Wonderful!! She looks fabulous in all three.. Such a delightful read. Thank you for starting my day off with a smile.

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  10. Glad you enjoyed the post, Brenda. Smiling back at you. :=)

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  11. Nancy, thank you for posting Teresa's story.

    Teresa, what a beautiful story of encouragement. My beagle (Talei) has been and is helping me through some of my challenges after cancer also. Congratulations on your novel and wish you much success! ;)

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  12. What a nice comment, Sheri, I'm sure Teresa will enjoy reading it. Thanks so much for commenting.

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  13. Thank you all! I'm so glad to know the story resonates. And Sheri-- aren't beagle awesome?! I hope you are doing well in your recovery.

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  14. I finished this book yesterday and enjoyed it :)

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    1. I'm sure Teresa will be happy to hear you enjoyed it...so did I.

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