What doesn’t kill you can make you stronger.
That age-old saying is apparent after speaking with Stockton author Rita Dearion, who recently published “The Day that Changed My Life for the Rest of My Life.”
Dearion, whose book published Aug. 1, will host a launch party for her work on Sunday in Stockton.
Based on a true story, Dearion gives her account of the triumph of an active single mother and career woman who was forced into an early retirement due to a medical condition.
Dearion said she never had any intentions of writing a book, but had a premonition.
“I had a dream one night that I wrote a book and that night I typed fifteen pages,” said Dearion, 51, in an email interview.
Dearion said she shares really private things with readers that even her friends and family didn’t know.
“My inspiration for writing this book was I wanted to share my personal story to many, to let them know that even though you go through a catastrophic ordeal, it is your will and determination to get your life back,” said Dearion.
So far, Dearion has received positive feedback for the book, particularly on Amazon.com.
“I’ve been told that I am a strong woman and that I had given them emotional strength,” said Dearion, referring to a review on the online retailer’s site. “I was touched by the words the person said. I didn’t realize when I was writing that my book would help so many people.”
Dearion said she wrote her book with no particular audience in mind, but has shared her story with young and elderly people alike.
“My book is a memoir, self-help, motivational and inspirational tool for all to read,” she said.
Although she is getting recognition as an author, Dearion said she has aspirations towards becoming a motivational speaker.
She first spoke for the Sistahs in Conversation and Sistahs in Harmony Christian Book Club in August. The occasion was a scholarship luncheon to honor local high-school seniors, prior to them attending college.
Dearion also offers simple advice for those who want to write a book — start writing.
“I tell people that ask me this question all the time, first of all you can start with the introduction, the table of contents and often some people have the title of the book before they start writing. Once you start writing share with someone you trust to give you honest feedback,” she said.
Dearion will host a launch party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 29 in The Clubhouse at Spanos West, 6226 Mokelumne Circle in Stockton.