Laughter, Tears and Connection: Discussing a Novel Born from Alzheimer’s Experience

Ruth Stevens, author of Stage Seven

By Christy Byrne Yates, MS, LEP, California, US

For our March installment of Books & Chit Chat, our monthly Book Club collaboration with Aging & Amazing, we talk with Ruth Stevens, a former public relations professional from New York City and LA, and the author of the debut novel “Stage Seven,” inspired, in part, by her personal experience dealing with her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and decline. A fiction story acquisitions editor with AlzAuthors and a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Ruth brings a unique perspective to her writing, infusing humor and tenderness into a difficult topic. Her storytelling abilities, honed through a career in creative writing, advertising campaigns, and numerous articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals, shine through in her work, offering a compelling and relatable portrayal of Alzheimer’s and its impact on family dynamics. Like enjoying a performance of her play, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll learn a lot.

  • Delight in the surprising journey of Ruth Stevens, from crafting a stage play to penning a heartfelt novel about Alzheimer’s.
  • Delve into the unexpected twists and turns as Ruth shares her personal experiences and the emotional impact of her work.
  • Stay tuned for eye-opening insights on turning personal stories into fiction and a sneak peek into her upcoming duology.
  • Get ready to be captivated by Ruth’s incredible journey, as she shares the highs and lows of her creative process.

Have a listen.

Quote: 

“I feel like your play gave me permission to move on with my life”. – Audience member

Watch on YouTube

In this episode, you will: 

  • Explore real-life Alzheimer’s caregiving experiences and gain insights into navigating the challenges with compassion and understanding.
  • Discover the art of turning personal stories into compelling fiction, finding inspiration from the heart-wrenching yet beautiful moments of caregiving.
  • Uncover the captivating journey within the novel “Stage Seven” by Ruth Stevens, delving into the emotional landscape of Alzheimer’s and its impact on families.
  • Understand the profound impact of Alzheimer’s on family dynamics, gaining new perspectives on how to navigate relationships and support systems during difficult times.

After the Podcast

Buy the Book Stage Seven

Find more about Ruth Stevens at https://ruthfstevens.com/

Listen to Ruth on on the Hilarity for Charity (HFC) and AlzAuthors Summer Book Club

Follow Ruth on Social Media:

Instagram

Facebook

Goodreads

AlzAuthors Blog Post

About the Podcast 

AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.

Thanks for listening.

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