Writer’s Block

I first met Annie England Noblin in 2015 after her first book was published. We hit it off and bonded over our love of dogs, but I was secretly in awe of meeting a published author, my first. For this West Plains resident, her story begins when she was eight years old when her grandparents gave her a journal.
"I filled that thing with the worst poetry ever, but it sparked something in me and I probably knew then that I wanted to be a writer," said Annie.
She sat down to write a story that she had stuck in her head for a few years, and the rest is history. Seven books later, Annie is a best-selling author proving to herself that people want to read her words.
But there's a new chapter writing itself, one that will change Annie's life forever.
Last December, she woke up one morning with a sore wrist, thinking she must have bumped it on something but as the day progressed the pain intensified and affected the other wrist too. By nightfall, both hands were numb and tingly. She sought medical help right away, and after several tests and a lot of travel to find the right doctors, Annie was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
"I didn't panic, as odd as that may sound. It was almost like my body knew what was going on, and I was just relieved to have an answer," explains Annie.
For this fiction writer and teacher, her main concern was her career and how it would affect her ability to write.
"Most days it's manageable and I can get 1,000 words in, but other days that simple task is the hardest" replied Annie. 
For those living with this chronic disease, knowing the triggers is key then you adjust.  Annie, who is the only member in her family to be diagnosed, remains positive and eager to educate others while she continues to do her own research so she can live the best life possible. 
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis can be somewhat of a challenge but with proper medication and lifestyle changes, a new normal can be achieved, though there is no known cure. This disease is more common in women but does affect men also, usually over the age of 50. Not 41 as in Annie's case.
"My case is aggressive, affecting my hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and sometimes my shoulders too,” she said.
But it won't get the best of this talented writer. After almost one year since being diagnosed, Annie looks great and has learned to do things differently, but it's been a rough year. Wanting to lend some words of wisdom for anyone facing this disease, Annie concludes with, “Make sure you find a doctor who understands this disease, a good support system is a must, and don't let anyone tell you it's all in your head.”
Having done all the homework in her literary life, survived over 500 rejection letters, raised a good son, and remained married through it all, there is no doubt Annie will always have a story to tell.  There's no roadblock big enough to stop her now!
 
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