An Interview with Brenda S. Cannon

Brenda Cannon was born on a farm in Western Kentucky and most loved her pet calf and her horses. After graduate school, she developed a reading program for soldiers at Fort Campbell, KY called Eagle Prep. Her specialty was reading and she always focused on at-risk students. She finished her career at San Jacinto College in Houston in the 1990s, when she succumbed to chronic fatigue syndrome, three years short of thirty years completed.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I chose the title quite easily. We all bounce back many times during our lives and some of us have experienced being on the edge of an abyss as I did when I had a “widow-maker” heart attack. I still marvel that this gentle little man who was born in Zimbabwe came running and literally saved my life. Today, on my worst day, I find something to be grateful for that day. It could be as simple as my neighbor helping me return a microwave to the store, or a lovely email from a friend in India.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

For me, the book cover symbolizes the dove flying upward out of the darkness and, of course, doves are symbols of peace, love, kindness, and hope. When I held the book for the first time, I was well pleased but also wanted to ensure the blurb was easy to read for potential buyers.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I had a wonderful professor who told me my answer to an exam question made her feel as if she was reading a book. We were going to collaborate on a paper about gifted students, but her husband was tragically killed when the Challenger exploded. I keep the fond memory of her sweet spirit.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I worked for a judge who helped me fund graduate school. I learned a lot seeing the world through his eyes. Many people were afraid of him, but underneath he had a gentle, caring soul. Of course, many women worked as secretaries in the past. I have taught all levels in education focusing on reading and at-risk students. I know that words can change the path of an individual and words have power in our darkest hours.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part of publishing my book was to hear my doctor say she was proud of the book and knew that many CFS patients would benefit long after we are both gone.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“Roll With It,” “Born Free,” “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” and “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.”

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I envisioned a person, probably a woman sick with CFS, but not knowing what had happened to her once-healthy body, reading the book and finding help, comfort and hope. Hope is like oxygen for people with chronic, long-term illness.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

At the moment, I’m just coasting, resting, enjoying the fall days and just being grateful for the wonderful staff at Atmosphere Press who have helped me along this long journey.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I have gained some dear friends. As you begin this process, be patient and kind. Sometimes what is not clear to a novice like me is everyday jargon to the person who sent the email. Keep all of your emails, especially the contract, so you have easy proof to show which contract and price you initially chose. Keep your sense of humor. Keep your gratitude and enjoy the journey.

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