SALT LAKE CITY UT July 5, 2016
“It is extremely difficult for a non-writing individual to put together an effective memoir,” says WiDo Publishing™ submission editor Allie Maldonado. “There’s so much more to it than just giving details. One must be able to turn the experience into a story that others can relate to. This is exactly what Ali Barton does with her medical memoir.”
Once Maldonado opened the manuscript, she was immediately drawn into it and quick to request a full. “It’s not just the compelling circumstances but it’s the people. You really care about them and have just got to know what happens next.”
Ali Barton’s memoir is about a thirty-two-year old healthy psychotherapist, extremely fit yoga instructor who one day, thinking she has the flu instead receives the shocking diagnosis of a rare autoimmune heart condition called endomyocardial fibrosis. Against doctor’s orders, which is also the working title of her book, Barton continues with her pregnancy.
“Ali has chronicled an amazing account, with easily identifiable situations– a young woman, newly pregnant, who faces life-altering decisions,” Maldonado continues. “It’s a story of love, family, hope, sacrifice, and ultimately joy. We at WiDo absolutely love this book.”
There were several reasons Barton, having never attempted writing a book before, decided to write this one. First and foremost was her desire to educate people about the importance of organ donation, a cause she highly values.
“Donate Life New England is an organization I work with and love for their mission,” Barton says. “Since my surgery, I have mentored several people and their families who are waiting for their own transplants. I’ve been told that sharing my story is helpful for them and gives them hope.”
It was therapeutic and at times painful for Barton to revisit her experience. She says, “We had been through so much since initially getting ill and misdiagnosed in 2010, to several traumatic IVF procedures, to finally getting pregnant, and going to heart failure and needing a transplant soon after birthing my son at 31 weeks.”
With so many people suggesting she share her story with others, the author finally decided to write it, hoping her experience might help and comfort those going through similar challenges.
“Many people tell me I was crazy to go against doctors’ orders and remain pregnant with my son. Other mothers tell me they would have done the same thing,” Barton states. “I really like to emphasize the power of positive thinking and trusting my gut. I think my book will resonate with any parent, or any person who has faced a life-changing decision of any kind.”
Once the book was complete, Barton researched smaller publishing companies in hopes of finding the right home for it. “WiDo stuck out to me, as many authors noted that the publisher truly cares to work closely with them individually,” Barton recalls. “I anxiously decided to submit a query letter and was thrilled to receive a request for my manuscript. When WiDo expressed interest in publishing my book, I was beyond excited and I am honored to work with them!”
Ali Barton is a thirty-four-year-old full time mother, wife, and heart transplant survivor. She practices psychotherapy, health coaching, and yoga and fitness instruction in her private practice in the Boston area. She currently stays at home with her son Ethan, as she put her life and career on hold when she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune heart condition during her pregnancy in 2014. Ali went on to receive her heart transplant when Ethan was six months old, and she is here to tell her story. She blogs at http://aliweinbergbarton.com/