Like seriously.
The writing process for me used to be very solitary. As I evolved as a writer and my shorter, series related stories became a goal of novel length books, I exchanged my solitude for a more shared writing environment.
Falling into this writing thing the way I did, I didn’t know whole lot about plotting, character arcs, motivation, and all the things you’re told are crucial to writing a novel.
Some might say I still don’t. Tee hee.
But you know what, they’d be right to a degree, and that’s because I just write. I don’t think a whole lot about those elements because when I began, I didn’t know they existed.
Ah, but now I have BFFS around who remind me I need them.
I’ve never taken a class, never entered a contest, didn’t even go to a creative writing class to learn anything. It just happened. For real. I was reviewing books at an online review site, read a bunch of e-books, thought, “Huh,” one day. Got an idea—wrote the book—had an uber awesome e-book author friend tell me I should submit it to an e-pub—submitted it—got in–wrote a bunch more—had another uber awesome friend hook me up with an agent—and then another friend do the same thing with my current agent.
And here I am.
Like shazam.
Obviously, I didn’t get here alone (without direction, I’d have totally lost my way—trust me, GPS I ain’t). Shoot, I don’t even write a book alone anymore. Typically, when I get an idea for a book, it starts with a title.
Then I’m stumped—for like ever.
Bits and pieces of it come to me, a funny scene or two—it’s stringing all that together that takes the most time for me because I’m the quintessential pantzer. That’s the term for writers like me who have no actual idea as to how the book we’re writing will end. We just know it needs a beginning, middle and end.
Technicalities, I say 
How I’ll get to the end is the hardest part for me. However, plotting is essential to outlining a story if you hope to entice your editor to buy another book from you. You sorta have to know where you’re going.
For which I mostly don’t. I’ve written myself into some deep, dark corners, baby.
Crazy that, right?
But I found a solution—my BFFS…
The plot-in-ators (cue savior-like music. You know, organs—throbbing drums etc).
So here’s how it goes down—I call say my BFF Renee George (see shameless plug #1). I have a title, some loosely connected thoughts, an idea for what kind of paranormal powers my characters will have and what I want the conflict to be between hero and heroine.
But sometimes, I don’t even have that. Sometimes, like the last phone call I got from my agent when she told me my editor wanted a proposal for the third woman in my Accidental series, and a more fleshed out proposal of an idea I’d offered up—there are those frantic ten minute phone calls.
Those are called the “Oh, sweet mother and all twelve apostles—what was I thinking when I thought I could write a book?”
And the conversation goes much like this—
Me– (all said in one paragraph, sans breathing, kinda whiny and pathetic)—“OMG, Reneeeee! My agent said to write her up a proposal and she needs it this week. Help meeeeee!” There’s usually a bunch of moaning, a panic-riddled string of thoughts spoken in our BFF language—one only she can understand. I have a full on freak—and then she says–
“Oh!” in that excited squeal that makes me happier ‘n Paris Hilton when trust fund direct deposit day rolls around at her bank.
‘Cuz it’s the signal that she has a brilliant idea—and off we go. Sometimes for hours on end—sometimes we hatch a plot in ten minutes while I cook dinner with one hand and curl my eyelashes with the other.
In fact, she helped me figure out a crucial plot point in Accidentally Dead, my latest release. Had it not been for her, I’d have had no dilemma for my potty mouth heroine, Nina and her hero, Greg. Yeah, yeah. I had a bunch of stuff going on, but I had no motivation for them to get together romantically other than the fact that Greg my vampire was responsible for accidentally turning Nina into a night dweller and she was kinda hinky ‘bout that.
Renee helped me turn it up a notch—or ten.
And bam—a book with all the goodies required, making it complete.
The same can be said for my other BFF Michele Bardsley (shameless plug #2). We spent eight hours plotting my 2009 summer release.
Eight, people! And we’re still BFFS even.
When I’m done writing it, yet another BFF comes into play. Terri test reads for me and tells me if she likes it or not. If she doesn’t, it doesn’t leave my computer until she does because it’s kinda like bad ju-ju if I don’t get her stamp of approval.
So when I say it takes a village to write a book—I ain’t kiddin’. Or at any rate, three or four of my closest friends—test readers—my mother…
I’d have never survived this without them—color me crazy grateful to have them in my life, and not just mingled in with my career, but in all aspects of my world. I can complain to them, whine to them, cry to them, laugh with them. I’m a handful, yet they still stick around
So who do you have in your life you couldn’t live without? Your mom? Your sister? Your hairdresser? If you throw a comment in the comments section, I’ll enter you in a random drawing to win a signed copy of my latest release, Accidentally Dead! Then check out my blog Monday, July 21, 2008 to see who won.
Dakota
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Renee
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 12:53 am:
Are you trying to make me all gushy and stuff. Damn, woman. Where’s the tissue when I need it? LOL. Awesome blog. Love the shameless plugs. And you would so be okay without us. But, you’ll never have to find out, because we’re like viral warts. You may not always see us, but we’re always there, popping up when you least expect. (Oh, that sounded a lot worse than I meant it to. LOL).
Love ya,
Renee
Barb
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:08 am:
Having spoken with all of the above – I find it totally awesome that you can work on books that way together.
Beth aka Scifibookcat
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:11 am:
Give yourself credit, they may help with the plot points but you still have to do the writing! I have all of your shifter stories as well as the new books and I’ve really enjoyed them (Michele’s and Renee’s books, too). It’s wonderful to have people you can count on for that spark of inspiration or slogging down in the trenches and I’m sure it’s mutual.
Unfortunately I don’t have a female BFF but my husband has been my BF for almost 24 years of marriage plus 4 years of dating.
Donna
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:32 am:
Always a fun read.
And my BFF is a psychiatrist in the real world. She always says she doesn’t do family or friends. But man when you need someone to talk to she is always there. And then I can’t forget the hubby, he is also pretty good for input.
Terri (The Other Terri)
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 3:17 am:
*sob* *sniff* That was so sweet! I don’t really have a female BFF either… My husband is really my BF. Weird, probably co-dependent, but whatev’s! I still lurve him after 17 years. Although I do have some awesome BF’s I have lunch with, a martini with, catch a flick, no one has the true “BFF” status you share with Renee, Michele and Ter. I really admire the team you ladies have working for ya! *sniff* Now go whip up some of your famous Tater Salad and I’ll send you some granola bars to celebrate BFF’s!
Margay
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 3:38 am:
Definitely my Mom. This woman has managed to help me keep a level head through some pretty trying times over the years and is a great sounding board for ideas, too. She is creative (the woman could make a purse out of a sow’s ear) and smart in the world and just a pleasure to be around. Plus, she makes a mean soup – she can cook some pretty interesting stuff (had to be innovative with six kids running around), but her soups are tops with our family. My mom is my best friend and I love her to pieces.
Ann M.
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 4:39 am:
I couldn’t live without my dh. We definitely support each other and have been through some very scary times.
I’d love to add a bevy of friends who have supported our family through the scary times but you said only one person.
Lynda
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 4:43 am:
I wish I could do what you all do, but I will have to settle with reading what you all do………….works for me. You are very lucky to have BFF’s like that, treasure them always.
Lynda
Cheri Oggy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 4:45 am:
I couldn’t live without all the terrific authors in the world! Reading is my passion!
Michele Bardsley
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:23 am:
I know that exact moment you’re talking about, D-girl. When Renee goes, “Oh!” LOL. I get excited, too, because I know she’s gonna solve my plotting problem. I feel really lucky to have you, Renee, and Ter, too. How the hell did we write books without each other? I have no idea. LOL.
Maria Lokken
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:25 am:
Damn Dakota – you’re too funny. I love your style and no matter who helps you with your books, your voice is distinctly your own.
I have a few BFFs – My sister Marisa – she knows when I sneeze and what I thought about it. My husband, and three great girlfriends — all are privy to my every move and thought… can’t live without them!
Gannon
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:32 am:
Hi Dakota! I thought The Accidental Werewolf was hilarious, and I can’t wait to read Accidentally Dead! You are a hoot!
I do have a few BFFs–my oldest sister, my husband, a couple of wonderful girlfriends who I couldn’t live without. They’ve been there for everything. Love ‘em!!!
Bonita
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:51 am:
You are an awesome writer, whether a pantser or not! LOL ‘Tis my daughter who is my BFF, although I do have a couple of other extremely good friends who are always there for me and vs versa.
Terri
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:56 am:
aww you guys are gonna get me all weepy and on the little bit of sleep I had last night that will not be a good thing.
You ladies RAWK and I are stuck with me like for-EVAH
******MWAH******
ingrid
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:00 am:
My husband all the way and my sister.
Paul McKee
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:19 am:
Just wanted to say I started reading The Accidental Werewolf this weekend and I am enjoying it greatly.
Buffie
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:26 am:
First off, welcome back to RNTV Dakota!!!!
Now . . . OMG woman you are too hilarious!!!!!! I think there are a few Lucky Charm marshmallows stuck to my computer monitor as I spit quite a few of them out while reading your blog. You really should put a caution label on your writing girl
I think it is totally fabulous that you have great BFFs that help you out in a bind, and they probably love that fact that they can help you out. That is what the sisterhood is all about, girlfriend! Writing obviously is your thang! I can’t wait to read this one.
As far as my BFFs, well there are different ones for different things. The hubby is a wonderful BFF. We do lots of things together and have lots in common. My mom is wonderful as she is always there for me to cry on her shoulders even when there really is no logical reason for me to be crying. My mother-in-law is my BFF when it comes to scrapbooking — we have spent weekends away from our families just cropping our pictures and giggling way into the night. And then there’s my real BFF Beth — we share everything together — the kids and their problems, the hubbies and their issues, how we can to this point in our lives. It is so great to sit with her and look back on our times together. See we have been BFFs since the 8th grade.
Buffie
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:27 am:
Here’s a question for you Dakota — what was the last book you read (and it can’t be yours) that you just couldn’t put down?
RachelM
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:39 am:
Definitely my mom. She is my port in a storm. I know… totally cliche. But it’s the truth.
Eva
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:45 am:
BFFs are AWESOME!
I have to say my hubby is me BFF. Not a lot of girlfriends around, I do have one or two that I definitely count as BFF material though we don’t get to chat as much as we’d like.
Kristin
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:54 am:
I would like to be all romantic and say my husband… but that would be a lie. Don’t get me wrong, he is great to talk to, but he tries to do that totally annoying “man” thing… FIX THE PROBLEM! This is where my BFF Michelle comes in. She listens to the bitching and whining, and then either agrees with me or tells me I am being a total snot and to get over myself. Now, that is true friendship!!
Terri
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:54 am:
I couldn’t live without my Chiropractor. She keeps me able to function with minimal pain. LOL
Debbie
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 7:01 am:
I loved Accidental Werewolf and can’t wait to read your new one! My BFF’s are my kids, all 5 girls ! A lot of the heroine’s in the books have felt like friends over the years, since they’ve helped me keep my sanity.
AndreaW
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 7:11 am:
Hi, Dakota! Welcome back to RNTV! Congrats on your newest release!
You have me crackin’ up! So hilarious. My husband is definitely my BFF and he feels the same about me. It’s uncanny how we always seem to know what the other is thinking and needs. I’m also very close to my mom and sisters. They’re always there when I need someone to talk to or whatever. Hmmm… I think I’ll let them all know how much I appreciate them.
Denise Elrod
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:16 am:
Although I dearly love my hubby…and he has a way of knowing what I’m thinking, I have to say my sister. She is always there when I nned to bitch about something!! The trip from her house to mine is 2 1/4 hours. I was heading down the interstate. He would fly past me, get in front of me, get on his cell phone and slow down. Over and over and over and….well, you get the picture. I was having fond thoughts of getting a rocket launcher mounted on my truck, and steam was pouring out my ears. I called my sister. She kept me from running over the annoying businessman…repeatedly!!
Laura
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:22 am:
Both my hubby and my BFF Janice. My husband keeps reminding me of what I need to do, because I’m always forgeting things. Jan is the one person I can tell EVERYTHING and she’ll be completely blunt and honest. Those are the best people to have.
Teresa W.
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:23 am:
I’d have to say my mom has always been there for me. She’s been there for me emotionally as well as financially. I can always count on her for anything, she’s not only my mom but my best friend!
~Linda~
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:40 am:
Yes Thankfully I do have people in my life I don’t think I can live with out. My BFF’s “the Sistah’s from differernt Mistah’s”
Who keep me up wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to late. Make me laugh wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much.
And always make me feel like I matter! I am truly blessed.
Pamk
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 9:13 am:
My aunt and hubby I can usually tell anything. Then I have a couple of friends that I can grip too.
kaisquared
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 10:35 am:
Well, my BFF for life is my mom, then the first runner up is my hubby for the past quarter century. And, strangely enough, my angsty teen is usually there for support, as long as I don’t get “all mushy”! She provides some of the best insights I have gotten lately.
Ruth
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 11:20 am:
Dakota, you are just too much!!!!
Funny, funny, funny! As an aspiring writer myself, I know how you feel……you get the idea, you just go with it. I’m the opposite though. I don’t have a title for mine yet, lol.
Anyway, I can’t live without my one friend. She always has a positive attitude and I need that. When I get down in the dumps, she pulls me right out of it and tells me to move my ass! So that’s what I do with some inspiring words from her — move my ass!
Count me in for this contest!
Grace Kennedy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 11:26 am:
What a great blog. I have to agree with some.. my husband is my bff. 13 years and going strong. I must talk to him twenty times a day. Between my 2 jobs and just life I haven’t had time for a bff plus now that I want one where do you find them? Good luck w/ everything!
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 11:47 am:
Wow–y’all are AWESOMENESS!! Thanks so much for stopping by, and forgive the lateness of my post, but I had a minor household crisis this morning, and coudn’t get to the comp. EEK!
Anyway–I see loads of DH’s in the mix here and I’d be a horrible person if I didn’t mention my SO, Rob. He’s simply the best ever, and in the male category of BFF–he wins hands down, he just doesn’t get eyeliner, ya know? LOLLOL
Oh, and Buffie–Odd Thomas was the last book I couldn’t put down. By Dean Koontz. Dean makes me feel like a hack
Keep ‘em comin’, everyone–and thanks for all the kind words about the blog and my werewolf!
Hugs,
DC
Kimmy L
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 12:13 pm:
My kids and My hairdresser which I also work with as a hairdresser and she’s also one of my very good friends.
Stephanie Keller
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 12:40 pm:
I could never live without my mother or my sister because they are all I have so I know where you are coming from. I love your books anyway that you write.
Anne-Kathrine
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 12:42 pm:
Love this article. My BFF has got to be my little sister. We are 7 1/2 yrs apart but we are best friends and talk about everything!!!!
Lori
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 12:57 pm:
I gotta say that I would be lost without Terri who is so good at putting things in perspective when I call her freaking or stressing out over the drama that is my life. My SIL is also someone who helps me figure out what to do when I am lost and drifting. My co-worker, friend and mentor Pat who always knows what to say and last, but certainly not least, my DH who lets me whine and vent all I want (well kind of- sometimes he gets tired of hearing it and tells me to stop bitching) and loves me even when I am having a really bad day. I would be completely lost without some of my all time favorite authors who I am so blessed to be able to call my friends too. Love you guys!
Bea
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:05 pm:
My BF is definitely my dh. Who else is crazy enough to stick with me through all the damn drama in my life??
Daun Ann Korty
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:08 pm:
There is NOT a Dakota Cassidy book/ebook that I haven’t liked AND I haven’t had to file a claim with my insurance about bleeding eyes syndrome from reading any of them.
My husband is my bff. He is my rock and has helped fix my wings so I can fly. He has given me the freedom to be myself and has helped me build my self esteem back up. I am a stronger woman because of him.
‘Kota, my 17 year old got her license last week. Oy Vey. hehe
Hugs Doll
CrystalGB
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:08 pm:
My BFF is my cousin. She is always there for me and loves books as much as I do. We can sit and talk about romance novels for hours.
Daun Ann Korty
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:12 pm:
Oh, Dakota, Jon (my hubby) is going to start reading your books. He got a new ‘pda’ and want’s some of my ’smut’ so he can read. My daughter and mother LOVED your T.A.W. Not sure if or when he’ll read that one, he’s a slow reader, but got through an ebook in a couple of days.
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:15 pm:
Eek-, Daun–poor man’ll be cursing you. LOL
I’m hearing lots and lots of mom, hubbies and sisters–oh, and a couple of hairdressers–I’m right there with ya, sistah’s! My hairdresser is the cream of the crop
DC
Marisa
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:19 pm:
Dakota, you ALWAYS make me laugh! Whether you’re writing a blog or writing a book – you always hit the right note.
I know what you mean, most things that are really worth doing and doing well take a village. My village is populated with terrific people. My BFF, Maria, is my go to girl on everything, I don’t make a move with her.
Then there are my parents, totally BFF and my other sister Claudia, couldn’t do what I do with them. With this website my village has welcomed some new BF’s, Andrea, Buffie, Kati (a.k.a. MaryKate), PJ and Gannon – The Romance Novel Chicas who I’ve met on-line
and color my world. Yep, it takes a village, and my village has some great people in it!
sherrisse
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:31 pm:
oh kay i like this author and many others …plus i cannot wait till i can get my own copy of this book.for my personal library…
cyclops8
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 1:58 pm:
Hi Dakota,
I can’t live without my family(parents, brother and cousins.) I have several friends that I’m really close to. I guess I would be consider them BFFs. How many BFFs do you have?
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 2:17 pm:
Aw, thanks, Marisa! And kudos for having so many people in your life you can count on
And thanks, Sherrisse–I like you, too
Cyclops8–hmmmmm-well, prolly like five or so people I can really count on when my world is topsy turvy
DC
Carmel
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 2:24 pm:
Aww… Dakota… that great that you acknowledged your BFFs…
anyway… I can’t live without my family. Through thick and thin they are and will always be there for me. Wouldn’t be here without them…
annalisa
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 3:09 pm:
My BF is my hubby. We will be celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary Aug. 1. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that we have been together for over 35 years – time flies when you’re having fun! LOL!
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 3:17 pm:
33 years–WOW! Nice job, doll
Carmel–family is always the core of a good BFF!
DC
Wendy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 3:50 pm:
Heh heh Dakota, your posts always make me laugh!
I couldn’t live without my parents, and my friends and my mail dude.. what? he brings me BOOKS!
RomanticBookworm
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 4:42 pm:
Welcome to Romance Novel TV Dakota
. I still need to read your first book it is in my TBR pile but I will get to it soonish 
. The person I could not live without is my mum as I can tell her anything and also my Best Friend 
. I am really looking forward to Accidently Dead as it sounds Great and I will get to Accidental Werewolf soon 
.
RomanticBookworm
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 4:48 pm:
I do also count my mum as my Best Friend but I also could not live without my Best Friend who I talk to regularly
. I have a question for you Dakota who are some of your favourite authors apart from your friends that you already mentioned 
. Count me in for the competition 
.
Tambra Kendall
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:07 pm:
You ain’t kidding when you say it takes some friends to help write a book.
My crit partners are the best. I couldn’t do it without them. Well, I could, but it would take me so much longer and it wouldn’t be near as much fun.
Hugs Dakota, you’re awesome.
Tambra
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:14 pm:
Hmmm–some of my faves are–Angela Knight, Nina Bangs, Kate Douglas, Sandra Hill, Stephen King, Robin Cook, Mark Henry, Jaci Burton, and Toni McGee Causey
Thanks for stopping in, ladies!
DC
Jeanette Jackson
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:24 pm:
I couldn’t do without my little dog, Templeton. There’s just something special about being greeted at the door by a friendly furry face.
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:25 pm:
LOLLOL–LOVE the name templeton, doll! I have fur dogs, myself–and two by proxy because they’re my boyfriend’s
DC
Rose Pressey
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:43 pm:
My mother, my son, and last but not least, (all right, maybe least) my husband. They listen to me talk about writing all day long. When one stops listening, I move on to the next one. They take turns. LOL
Dina
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 5:58 pm:
Hi Dakota,
I now would say my daughter and grandkids. They help to keep me sooooo busy.
Cathy M
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:11 pm:
My very best BFFL is my sister. We are a great sounding board for each other, I can laugh, I can cry, I can vent anything, and she totally gets me, and vice versa. What a treasure.
Gannon
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 6:17 pm:
Marisa, right back at you, girlfriend! I’ve made so many new BF’s at RNTV–can’t wait to meet y’all in person one day!
Brandy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:39 pm:
Don’t enter me! Just wanted to say I loved this book!
As for BF’s? My bestest is my hubs, weird as that may be. And all my other buddies I met on the internet. *g*
Vicki
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 8:46 pm:
My BF are my Mom, Sister, & three other women (Gail, Janet & Debbie) who have enriched my life and kept me from being a total spaz! Gotta love your best friends, next to family there is nothing better!
Martha Lawson
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 9:04 pm:
I couldn’t do without my friend, Teresa! And my sister-in-law, who is closer than my sister, Kathy!
sadieloree
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 9:26 pm:
I couldn’t live w/o my hubbins. He totally pays my bills and I have *gulp* nightmares about having to do that again. A job? Like full time? Ick! ;P
Maybe I should just suck up and say Barry Manilow. heh heh heh.
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 10:00 pm:
Barry Manilow–LOL.
You guys have been awesome! you’ve got until 12 CST to enter–keep ‘em coming
DC
Virginia Hendricks
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 10:42 pm:
Can’t live without…there’s a list. But as dorky as this may sound. My husband. He’s my rock. We were separated for a while last year and I didn’t think I’d make it through, but then we got back together and he’s still my soulmate.
dakota cassidy
on Jul 21st, 2008
@ 11:08 pm:
I think that’s lovely, Virginia!
Okay–I’m off to pick a winner–thanks to everyone who came and played today–y’all are FABULOUSNESS–and thank you to RNTV and Marissa who set this up!
Peace out, and check my blog for the name of the winner at http://www.dakotacassidy.net/:)
Thanks, everyone!
Dakota
veanna
on Jul 22nd, 2008
@ 12:34 am:
I’d have to say my daughter s my BFF and has stood by me through the death of her grandparents and everything else!
just starting to bet back in touch with some of my older BFF but know they are there for me
Amy Ramsey
on Jul 23rd, 2008
@ 12:24 pm:
I could not live with out my daughter, Trinity. She is my “Angel”. I went through several misscarriages and it was a miracle that i had her when i did. Then durring the time i was pregnant, i found out i had cerviacle cancer, then after that surgury, found out i had clusters of cysts on both ovaries and endometriosis, ended up with a hysterectomy at 33 yrs old. Needless to say, she was a my blessing and gift when i needed it the most.