Knowing that the sharing of our story was going to help others and their journey with grief made it worth while and at times come a little easier. I don’t think that I could say that any of this came easily.
Doug Lawrence – 28 July 2025
The Back Flap
Grief is a profound and universal experience, a natural response to the loss of someone or something deeply cherished. Yet, for many, the journey through grief is made even more difficult by a lack of personal understanding and a society rife with misconceptions about what it means to grieve. This widespread misunderstanding has contributed to a mental health pandemic, leaving countless individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and without the tools to heal.
In Grief: the Silent Pandemic, Doug Lawrence offers a guiding light in the darkness of loss. Drawing from decades of experience as a grief mentor and the deeply personal pain of losing his beloved wife, Lawrence provides a compassionate and insightful exploration of the grieving process. With raw honesty and profound empathy, he delves into the complexities of grief, shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges it presents.
Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and actionable solutions, Lawrence empowers readers to navigate their own grief journeys. He challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding grief, offering a roadmap to healing that is rooted in understanding, connection, and hope.
About the book
What is the book about?
The book provides a look at grief and its complexities and the solutions that can be used to end what has become a pandemic. The book is about my story and grief but more importantly my wife’s story. Debra lost her life to cancer in 2021,
When did you start writing the book?
I had started to write the story right around the time that Debra became ill. I had been asked to write another book based on my second book, You Are Not Alone. It would have been around 2021 when I committed to writing this book – Grief: The Silent Pandemic.
How long did it take you to write it?
Time seemed to slip by but I would say that it took a year and a half to two years from start to finish. I found it to be very challenging this time and emotionally draining so it was a long process.
Where did you get the idea from?
There are so many people that are struggling with healing after the loss of a loved one. I had family and colleagues suggest that I should write another book so Grief: The Silent Pandemic” was launched and the writing and the research began. I had first hand experience with Debra getting cancer. Debra’s story and mine had to be told and people needed to know that there is “Hope”.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I found that I became very emotional when we were doing the editing as it forced me to relive the times when Debra was in the ER at the hospital. My recollection was quite vivid.
What came easily?
Knowing that the sharing of our story was going to help others and their journey with grief made it worth while and at times come a little easier. I don’t think that I could say that any of this came easily.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The entire book is premised on our two stories blended together. It is based on lived experiences that we both had but with me as the story teller.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Ken Blanchard is my favorite author. He is a story teller and that has influenced my writing a great deal.
Do you have a target reader?
With this book I am focusing on people that are struggling with their healing journey with grief. You may be wanting to help others or may be trying to understand why you are struggling. You may be looking for “Hope”.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I try to capture my thoughts when I get them. I experienced writers block this time so I needed to have a means to get past that. In my case I went on a private retreat and used that to unlock the block and get back on track. I also schedule writing time which seemed to work better for me this time.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I didn’t use a structured outline and I guess I would call it chapter headings more than anything else.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Edit as I went. Easier for me to stay on track if I am making my edits as we go. Helps me focus on the journey.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I did work with a professional editor and it was money and time well spent.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I don’t listen to music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
My publishing journey was recommended. My manuscript was provided to a publisher who saw protentional and agreed to publish my book.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Book cover was done professionally.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
My marketing is being done by my publicist and his business marketing partner.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Set aside time to write and commit to that process.
About You
Where did you grow up?
On a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada
Where do you live now?
I live in Regina, Saskatchewan.
What would you like readers to know about you?
If you are grieving it is okay to reach out and ask for help.
What are you working on now?
Researching grief and spirituality as a potential next book. I am helping others with their healing journey.
End of Interview:
For more from Doug Lawrence, visit his website and follow him on Twitter and Youtube.
Get your copy of Grief: The Silent Pandemic from Amazon US or Amazon UK.