I wrote The Vast Landscape, mostly to stay alive. Because I HATE the word BiPolar and all it has taken, not only from me but those I loved madly. I wrote. When the bad thoughts came, I wrote. When the velocity in my brain was too much, I wrote. When I was curled in a ball screaming, sobbing on the kitchen floor, I wrote. The Vast Landscape is my truth sitting in hope. This book, my personal Fuk You to the insidious disease. Today, I win. I’m still here. I am not stronger than the broken mind, I know. I am resilient.
I shake my head by the visceral effect the story has had on so many.
I’m sharing a touching note (pieces of it). I hope she won’t mind.

It gives me the courage to keep fighting. Keep writing. It matters, your support matters. A lot.

“Jackie, I have to tell you, I bought your book yesterday on Amazon..my very first book on my very first tablet. I finished it this morning!!!!! I still have goose bumps! Simply amazing..raw, beautiful, soul-wrenching… details I know are truth, some I know as fiction..all stunningly emotional. This may be too rambling, but I am at a loss for words that can appropriately describe these feelings. I cried. I sobbed. This is an amazing work, filled with beautiful tributes and so much emotion..congratulations! And, thank you for sharing so much of yourself. You are gifted and generous..I know everyone who reads this, will be touched..I can’t wait for your next one!!”