Interview with Delores Hackett Rutherford
Delores wrote a number of articles before she wrote To Send A Dove, One Woman's Triumph Over Breast Cancer. She is active in the fight against breast cancer and when she is not on the road making personal appearances, she lives with her husband in Moline, Illinois.
How long ago did you discover you were one of the many women who must face the reality of breast cancer?
I was diagnosed in 1987, so I'm a 17-year survivor.
Other writers and health care workers were eager to endorse this book. We actually had more endorsements than we could use on the cover of the book. Do you know why?
I'd like to think that each person who endorsed To Send A Dove truly believed the book would help others dealing with breast cancer.
Readers are sometimes surprised by the humor in this book. After all, the subject matter is not a bit funny. How did that happen?
If we look for it, there is usually some humor in all of life's experiences. Humor gets us through tough times. I'm glad there were humorous incidences during the cancer treatments that I could include in To Send A Dove.
You also showed a strong curiosity about your own treatment. Did that come naturally, or did you decide to take an active interest?
I believe each person must be an advocate for our health care. I asked questions of my doctors and nurses, and read the materials about treatment they provided. Knowing what was happening to my body enabled me to better accept the changes cancer caused.
Why did you decide to write this book?
To bring a message of hope to frightened women.
How long did it take you?
From the first written words to actual publication, the process took thirteen years.
You are active in telling people about your book and breast cancer? How do you go about that?
Since the book was released in 2000, I've had 33 speaking opportunities, 15 book signings, modeled for "Runway for the Cure" (Susan G. Komen Foundation event) and served as Honorary Co-Chairperson for "Relay for Life", among other events.
How many interviews have you given?
Several. They include: "Paula Sands Live", KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA; Perspective, WQPT-TV, Moline IL; WDLM Radio, East Moline; The Moline Dispatch, The Quad-City Times; The Tuscola Review.
You are currently involved in a special program for newly diagnosed patients.
Midwest Hope and Healing is a local non-profit organization that provides gift baskets to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm thrilled to have To Send A Dove in these baskets.
Before you were diagnosed, were you a writer?
Actually, my first endeavors at creative writing began with To Send A Dove. During the many years I worked on the manuscript, all the magazine articles I wrote were published. Many of those articles dealt with the grief I experienced after my husband's death in 1992, five years after breast cancer. Writing gave my life purpose during those difficult years.
When did you first write something you were pleased with?
I wrote a poem entitled "Triumph" a testament to God's faithfulness during grief. It was published in three magazines.
And when did you first publish?
My first magazine article was published in Standard, a take-home Sunday School paper. It was a bittersweet moment when the sample copies arrived, a mixture of pride and accomplishment, tempered by the longing for my husband to share the moment.
To Send A Dove is a candid and inspirational account, and so well written readers have asked if you will be writing other books.
I've wondered the same thing. For now, my life seems too full with family (27 immediate members, including 13 grandchildren) and the opportunities to speak and promote To Send a Dove. Who knows what tomorrow may bring!
You grew up in central Illinois. Shed some light on your family and your influences.
I enjoyed a happy childhood, living on a farm in Douglas County, Illinois, with my father, mother and twin sister Deliece. We were a Christian family, active in our church in Tuscola. Being an identical twin meant "everyone is watching you," as Mother often said, and our behavior was to be beyond reproach. I tried to live up the high standards expected of me.
Life centered around the farm, church, extended family and good friends. I'm thankful for the love I felt, and the responsibility and self-discipline I was taught.
In addition to writing, you played tennis and participated in a number of other activities. Do you have time for those now?
When I married Jim Rutherford in 1997, I quit playing tennis. We've had the pleasure of traveling together, plus we're active in two churches and involved in endless family events. Morning walks replaced tennis.
It seems you have always been active, and still are. Has writing To Send A Dove changed your life?
Having a book published opened a new world to me. I've met many wonderful women through speaking engagements and books signings, and received dozens of notes from readers, expressing their appreciation of the book. Writing To Send A Dove is one of my greatest satisfactions.
Do you have any encouraging words for unpublished writers?
Don't ever give up!! Becoming a published author is incredibly difficult. I never dreamed it would take me 13 years to complete To Send a Dove. I was often discouraged, but determined not to quit.
The essence of good wring is re-writing. I lost track of the number of times I revised the book. I continued to re-write after the manuscript was accepted by Mayhaven!
Attend Writers Conferences. Meet other writers. Join a writers Critique group.
Few people begin with a book. Start with magazine and newspaper articles. Read, read, read. Try to emulate the style of good authors.
Don't expect to get rich. Write for the joy and satisfaction of offering something worthwhile to others.