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Local Author releases new book: an emotional journey

It’s her vehicle for self- expression to share all thoughts, feelings and emotions and in her new book, Bucked Off.

Barbara Latkowski

Caledonia Courier

For Joyce Helweg, writing is a release.

It’s her vehicle for self- expression to share all thoughts, feelings and emotions and in her new book, Bucked Off, Helweg is ready to bare all.

“I cried a billion tears writing this but it was something I knew I had to do,” Helweg said.

The novel, Bucked Off deals with grief but this wasn’t originally the case when Helweg began writing it.

“It was a mixed inspiration,” Helweg said.

“It started off as humorous stories about my life. Then my husband passed away suddenly. The book then switched to be about both of our lives. You have to be continually inspired by others who have been through grief and writing this gave me a sense of forward motion.”

Helweg was married to her husband John for 44 years. The couple both grew up in Fort St. James, B.C. where they raised three daughters.

John suddenly passed away in March, 2014.

“When writing this book, I could go back and see where healing had happened. It helped me get through. It was my security blanket,” Helweg said.

Helweg loves Northern B.C. and has found that through the years, it has offered her many opportunities that she might not have otherwise experienced.

During her life, she has worked as: a weigh master, a delivery truck driver, cattle rancher, Marriage Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, painter, photographer, seamstress, carpenter, bee keeper,equipment operator, bookkeeper, switchboard operator and caregiver.

​            Recently retired from being a Notary Public, Helweg, also the author of A Change in Direction, keeps herself busy writing and enjoys spending time with her eight grandchildren and one great grandson.

She continues to volunteer in her community and manages Cranberry Creek Ranch.

“When I worked as a notary public, we encouraged people to make a will, to make all financial plans before they or a loved one passed away but no one ever talks to you or prepares you when making a plan from the mental and emotional end of it,” Helweg said.

“I put my heart on my sleeve when I wrote this.”

Even though her book has only been out for only a few weeks, Helweg has already been receiving heartfelt feedback.

“Someone told me that they laughed, they cried and that they just loved it. Another friend said that the book helped her through her husband dying,” Helweg said.

“I’ve always had a supportive audience in Fort St. James. I hope that by writing this, I’ve been able to inspire people, encourage discussion and help them get through these difficult times.”

For more information about Joyce Helweg and her book, Bucked Off, visit: http://www.joycehelwegauthor.com/