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Cooking with Author Marilyn Nutter

Today we welcome author Marilyn Nutter who has a new book out that offers hope for widows. She also has a recipe for us to bake. So let's get rolling.

I'm glad to have you here, Marilyn. Thank you for joining us at the blog today.

What were the circumstances that led you to write Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living, and Change?

I was encouraged by a fellow writer to write articles and a book to help widows--sharing my thoughts, responses to grief, and how to help someone navigate this journey. Some of my book comes from my journal entries. Other parts are experiences with friends and family that once I was encouraged to write a book to help widows, I began to record and apply to grief, mourning, and life changes. And some are responses to scriptures in my devotional reading or Bible studies.

How long did it take you to complete your book?

That’s an answer with many layers. The book evolved over several years. As I said, I was encouraged at a writers’ conference to write a book to help widows walk on their path. I attended conferences and a writers’ group for critiques, so the work went through much editing and changes. I took out a section from each vignette that I might use now for another book. It was declined by several editors because I didn’t have a large platform and some even thought there isn’t a market for widows’ books. That was disappointing. Each day 1,000 women are widowed and the average age of a widow is 59. Finally, once represented by an agent who believed in the message (she has a widowed relative and saw the relevance) she shopped the manuscript. That was about nine years since I began writing, then rewriting. It was a good example of Isaiah 60:22 “When the time is right, I, the Lord will make it happen.”

What was the most difficult part of writing your book?

Probably reliving the night my husband died and the days and months that followed. I could visualize all that I wrote about-even the details. In grief or trauma, when we do that-tell and retell our story- we are in that experience again. We have to re-ground and look at our surroundings to go back into the present.

What do you hope readers will gain/learn from reading it?

I wrote the book for widows- to support and encourage them that they are not alone. The book is interactive and following each vignette, I offer two opportunities: Treasured Reflections where they can respond to their application of the story, such as- did they have a similar experience and what were their thoughts. The other is Treasured Thoughts – asking them to journal how they want to respond and move forward. So the book isn’t just my story but guiding widows to write theirs. The book is not just about the reality of grief but also change, living, and purpose.

I also wrote the book as a widow’s advocate. Everyone, even those with the loss of the same person, grieves in different ways. But aside from the grief of losing the person physically and relationally, there are other losses. We call those secondary losses. An example might be always driving alone somewhere, learning new skills such as banking or home maintenance, and of course loneliness. I want others who know and love widows to have insight into the dramatic life changes and challenges a new path brings to a widow and read Hope for Widows too. Grief is far more than the death of her husband. Hopefully, others who are not widowed will read it and then care more intentionally for the widows in their lives.

Please share a recipe with us.

Sticky Rolls

2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed

1/2 cup butter

1 large package vanilla pudding (cooked variety, not instant)

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Spray a 9x13” pan with cooking spray. Tear off pieces of bread dough and place in pan, pieces next to each other. Set aside. Melt butter and add milk, dry pudding mix, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and pour over bread dough. Our family doubles the butter and milk so we have lots of caramel with the rolls. Cover and refrigerate three hours or overnight. When ready to bake, remove cover and place in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Leave in pan to serve. Have a spoon ready to scoop up the caramel!

Why is this recipe special to you?

It was a traditional Christmas morning breakfast when my girls grew up. Now they have carried on the tradition and do the same for their families.

Thank you for joining us today, Marilyn!

You can get a copy of Marilyn's new book on Amazon.

Read more about Marilyn and her writing at her website.

Weep Boldly; Write Bravely --- A writing workshop in Raleigh, NC

Excited to announce the next grief and loss writing workshop!


Weep Boldly; Write Bravely


Navigating Grief through the Gift of Writing

April 27, 2024

All-day Writing Workshop

9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Hampton Inn and Suites Raleigh NC

111 Hampton Woods Lane

Join us for an inspiring workshop where we explore the healing power of writing in times of grief. At this in-person event, held at The Hampton Inn and Suites at 111 Hampton Woods Lane, Raleigh/Cary, NC, USA, we'll delve into the depths of our emotions and learn how to express them boldly through the written word. Led by author, bereaved mom, and grief-writing advocate, Alice J. Wisler, this workshop will provide a safe space for sharing stories, finding solace, and embracing the therapeutic benefits of writing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop will help you navigate the challenging journey of grief with courage and creativity. Don't miss this opportunity to weep boldly and write bravely as we embark on a transformative writing experience together. Lunch and coffee breaks are included.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ So, folks, it's been a few years since I've facilitated an all-day writing workshop to help those in grief and loss discover the benefits of writing. I enjoy these workshops so much, and feel it's time for one to be held in 2024. And, guess what? We have a date, time, and place. There will be a dive into what grief and writing through it entails, what to write and not write, tips on expressive writing, making your writing the strongest it can be, learning from each other, and silent time to freely write without distractions. I hope to see you there!

REGISTER TO ATTEND


PAYMENT

Send $70.00 payment via Paypal (use PAYPAL link below), check*, or send using Zelle to awisler3@gmail.com

Who is this for? Those who want to write from sorrow and trauma for healing, health, and hope

What will we do? We’ll discover how to express our thoughts onto the page; instruction from author and grief-writing advocate, Alice J. Wisler

What’s included? Coffee, tea, chocolate, lunch, instruction, and handouts

What to bring? Pen, notepad, and creativity

* Make your check to Alice Wisler for $70. If you sign up with a friend (you both need to acknowledge and pay together), the cost is only $67 each.

Mail check to:

201 Monticello Avenue

Durham, NC 27707

Pay NOW with PAYPAL to get The Early Bird Special.

No refunds or cancellations. Feel free to email me at awisler3@gmail.com with any questions.

Watch the video to learn more about the workshop--