T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling around the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order. She has published: A Woman Lost, Marionette, Confessions From A Coffee Shop, and Claudia Must Die.
For those who like a longer bio:
I realized early that life is short. Yet that didn’t stop me from wasting many years focusing on the negative instead of the positive. I spent way too much time studying in college instead of having fun. I regret that now. Then in my mid-twenties I found out I had Graves’ Disease, a treatable illness, but with no cure. After years of battling the illness I went into remission and there’s a possibility of lifelong remission. Learning that I had a disease that wanted to kill me put life into perspective. Slowly I started to make changes—mainly I stopped being a fuddy-duddy who didn’t chase my dreams. I stopped driving my car to work and rode my bike. Do you know how much more you see and enjoy whilst riding a bike? I went hiking more. Read more. I spent more time with friends going to dinner and to the movies. My life became peaceful. I felt wonderful. Then I fell in love with someone I let slip away six years before. My illness taught me not to have regrets so I held on this time.
Writing has always been one of my dreams. Now that I’ve self-published my first novel I’m realizing that accomplishing this goal is only the beginning. I don’t know where this path will take me, but I’m excited to see the possibilities.
Making My Mark 
I like your short-bio-version:
“When she isn’t writing,
she’s watching sports on the telly,
visiting pubs in England,
or taking the dog for a walk…”
Thanks! I like to keep things simple and honest 🙂
Just read your full bio. I’m sorry it took something as serious as a disease to make you enjoy what life offers more often. But I’m glad that now, you live it with passion. I’m young like you mentioned on my blog, less than a month away from turning 20, but I think I’m lucky that I realized what I wanted so soon and now, I’m going after it. It’s not easy… But nobody should quit something they love. Like you, I try to enjoy everything along the way, as much as I can! 🙂
Good for you and I’m so glad you realized that early in life. Passion makes life entertaining and fun. It’s not always easy, but I find passionate people have a better way with deal with the down bits and pull themselves up quickly to get back to living. I wish you the best of luck in good times and bad.
Good job! Now publish a second!
The second is in the works! And I’m writing the third as well 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement.
Awesome!
Good luck with your new book. Enjoy the journey. I self-published a memoir about the life and death of my severely disabled sister in the fall of 2010. I have been a slacker about marketing. But the book is out there and touching readers’ lives even if sales only trickle. I’m satisfied. Beth Ann at It’s Just Life, sent me over here. I’ll follow your instructions to see if you have any interest in reading my book.
Best of wishes.
I’m sorry to hear about your sister. I imagine writing your memoir was not an easy task, but I think many people would be moved by your story. I know I want to read it. Memoirs are on my list and I would love to read your book. Will respond to your email ASAP. Thanks for stopping by.
Life can turn around on a dime…sounds like yours is now…priceless. Hugs for good health…going forward. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, you never know what will happen in life so it’s best to make the most of each day. I hope all is well.
Glad to meet you too 🙂
🙂
TBM, I’m so sorry I didn’t read this before and I’m not sure why I didn’t. I would have responded immediately, as I’m doing now. My daughter was also diagnosed with Grave’s Disease when she was 18 (at the same time that she was undergoing the diagnostic progress for Asperger’s Syndrome) and so it was a very, very rough time indeed. I know just what you have been through. Thankfully, my daughter is now in remission but she was very ill with it and I was so worried for her. I am truly inspired by your story here, and also of course that you achieved your goal of being published! Many, many congratulations and I wish you all the very best in life. Your possibilities are endless 🙂
Thanks for the comment. I haven’t “met” too many people who even know what Graves’ disease is, let alone someone who has experience with it. It did make me quite ill for many months and the doctors took their sweet time in believing something was wrong with me and took even longer to figure out what that was. It wasn’t the best time of my life, but it did help me change my life in a positive way.
I’m happy to hear that your daughter is in remission as well and I wish her the best of luck. How is she doing with everything? 18 is a tough age to begin with and then add the other stuff and it makes it even harder. Luckily she had you to help her through it all.
I have Graves disease too. It was diagnosed about 18 months ago, though I must have had it for at least 2 years before that. Even doctors don’t seem to be that aware and symptoms get mis-diagnosed. Just back from doctors and latest blood test looks like all under control. Fingers crossed!
Glad to hear the latest blood test revealed good news. I know my doctors didn’t bother to take the time to notice all of my symptoms. After I was diagnosed I read them all and I had almost every single one. They kept telling me I was fine and one suggested I wanted to be sick so I made myself sick. I told him he didn’t care enough about his patients to be a good doctor.
So sorry you went through the same situation. I know how frustrating and scary it was for me. I have my fingers crossed for you! I’ve been in remission for over eight years now. Let’s stay in touch. It’s easy to talk to someone who has been through it.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog.
Your bio is inspiring. I can understand where you’re coming from; my mother was seriously ill last year and almost died. The experience of seeing her so ill and looking after her (I was her caregiver) really gave me perspective on a lot of things. Reach for the stars!
I hope your mother is doing better. That’s terrifying and I’m sorry to hear your family went through that. One does learn about life from such experiences. Yes, all of us should reach for the stars.
I appreciate your kind words on my blog today. My mother was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease a few years ago. She was really sick for over a year until they finally got her medication adjusted. Thankfully she’s doing great now. Apparently it’s difficult to get the dosage amounts correct with the Synthroid. I hope you’re feeling well and not having any issues. Congrats on your self-publishing venture!
I’m glad to hear she’s doing better. Graves disease is difficult to diagnose and can be hard to control. My thoughts are with her. I’ve been doing much better since they figured it out, but I was quite ill for some time. It made me appreciate things more, that’s for sure.
Thanks so much for the congrats and for stopping by!
Thank you, I appreciate that. I’m happy to hear you’re doing better. Believe me, I know about appreciating things more when you have your health. I’ve lived with Crohn’s Disease, another autoimmune disease, for 28 years. I’m thankful for the days I feel good.
A good friend of mine has Crohn’s. My thoughts are with you both. Health issues make you rethink life and to appreciate the days that are easier.
Oh, I wish I COULD ride a bike! I had bought one earlier this year, in order to do so. But after about 3 months of not being able to learn how to (was wobbling like crazy every time I tried), I ended up finally selling it. Very said about that, but am hoping to get me one of those adult tricycle bikes next time. Ever see those? I think they have a bigger basket for me to put more stuff in, anyways. Yeah!
Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing it!
I hope you enjoy the tricycle more. A bigger basket sounds great for shopping!
You are an inspiration. I ended up here through Sherri’s guest post. What wonderful luck. 🙂
Well I’m so glad we met via Sherri. She’s a great lady and I was honored to have her guest post. I really enjoyed your short story: Lunatic. Very moving. Thanks for stopping by and the kind words.
You are WEL-come. 🙂
🙂
😉
Good luck with the success of your book. Ow, Merry Christmas! 😀
Thanks Rommel! I hope you had a lovely holiday and Happy New Year.
Thank you for sharing this article quite interesting and, hopefully true happiness rays began to warm our hearts, when we can share it with sincerity. Greetings from Gede Prama 🙂
That is a wonderful thought and I hope for the same. Thanks!
You are an inspiration to all – your positive outlook, lifestyle and story cannot help but encourage people to rethink how they are living their lives, and perhaps to make some adjustments that will enrich their lives. I too had an aha moment that changed the direction of my life, but it was not due to an illness: it was the result of my asking myself the question “Is this it?
Thanks for the kind words. I really admire people who do stop and ask that question: Is this it? It takes courage and I applaud you! Thanks for stopping by and for the comment. It means a lot and helps me keep going. Have a wonderful day.
I really like how you provide such detailed info (and pic too!) about each of the authors of the books you review. First time I’ve seen that, which is way cool!
Thanks. I have to credit the authors who are willing to share so much with me and to take the time out of their busy schedules to do so.
Your bio is truly warmed my heart. I am sorry you have to live with this illness, yet I must agree that your life now is a real inspiration to others. You have made the best of a difficult situation so I applaud you for that. Blessings and all best to you! : )
I was fortunate to find a doctor who cared and many wonderful friends who helped me through a difficult time. And I learned a valuable life lesson: life is short. Enjoy it while you can. Thank you for your kind words.
So happy to hear you found the support and medical attention you needed. I agree with you TB….life is short. Every time I read about someone living with an illness, it helps me realize we need to live life to the fullest because every day is a gift. Thanks for the reminder ; )
Yes, even now that I’m in remission, I still remind myself to live life to the fullest.
Very courageous and inspiring! Sincere good wishes for an abundance of good health and a fulfilling life. Kindest regards.
Thank you very much.
Hi TB! Hope you are enjoying a great weekend and that the move is going well, and not too stressful…
I’ve tagged you in a Meet My Main Character Blog Tour. I know you have so much on your plate right now so don’t worry, but I wanted to link to you and support you. Here are the details: http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2014/05/26/meet-my-main-character-blog-tour/
Be in touch 🙂
Thanks so much Sherri. I’ll pop by soon to check it out.
You’re very welcome TB! No worries, when you can …. 🙂
Just read your life story here. I’m so happy for you that you are still in remission, and may it always remain so. Yes, our ‘Damascus Moment’, can arrive at any time. You sound as though yours was the gateway to success, love and happiness. 🙂
We wanted to thank you for your encouragement, support, and generosity towards us by sending you the Butterfly Light Award: http://bespoketraveler.com/2014/11/05/butterfly-light-award/. We hope it gives you the same hope and love you give your readers.
What an inspiring story. Graves disease is so debilitating. Have you managed to go into remission without drugs or surgery? You certainly look healthy in your photo. I’m so glad you’re realising your writing dreams and have found love.
I took medication until my numbers were normal. My health is much better, but I still deal with issues daily. But I’m really fortunate.
Marvelous. Pleased to meet you. 🙂
It’s a pleasure meeting you!