Writing Through the Pain: The Lynn Marie Jones Story

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Lynn Marie Jones, a pulmonary sarcodosis survivor and former singer/dancer is at peace now after overcoming huge life changing obstacles. (Photo Courtesy of Lynn Marie Jones)
Lynn Marie Jones, a pulmonary sarcodosis survivor and former singer/dancer is at peace now after overcoming huge life changing obstacles. (Photo Courtesy of Lynn Marie Jones)

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Lynn Marie Jones in 1983 during her days as a professional dancer and singer. (Photo Courtesy of Lynn Marie Jones)

by Thelma Sardin

In the 1980s, Lynn Marie Jones lived a whirlwind life as a professional dancer and singer. She partied with celebrities, traveled extensively and made a living doing what she loved. But in 1989, Jones life came to a screeching halt when she was diagnosed with pulmonary sarcodosis, an illness that attacks the nervous system and causes inflammation in the lungs. According to doctors, she had five years to live.

Nearly twenty three years later, Jones is still thriving. A native of Chicagos Chatham neighborhood, the single mother of two relishes each day--and owes it all to love of writing.

Following the sarcodosis diagnosis, Jones fell into a deep depression because she gained over 100 pounds. As part of her treatment, she was required to take steroids. Jones speculates that a side effect of the steroids caused her to gain weight.

Too embarrassed to go out in public because her face had swollen out of proportion, Jones contemplated suicide. She did not want to live as a full-figured, disfigured woman.

I decided I didnt want to live anymore, she told the Chicago Citizen.

However, Jones cites a 1997 visit to The Oprah Show as her motivation to keep living. From the audience, she told Oprah she needed help with weight loss and overcoming the pain of failed relationships. The talk show queen encouraged her to begin journaling and to set goals.

Jones did begin to journal and then started scripting stories.

Jones writes erotica under the pen name Luscious Lynn. According to the author, she has always had a love for writing.

I started writing in eighth grade and I was given a diary for my eighth grade graduation. Though I became a professional singer and dancer, I still wrote songs, she said.

At first Jones was concerned with writing erotica; she was worried about what people would say. But when she met renowned author Walter Mosley, he told her not to worry about what people saidand Jones took his advice.

In 2007, Jones visited The Oprah Show and Oprah called on her to comment. Jones told Oprah and the viewing audience that she had followed the talk show hosts advice and had begun writing. I have been waiting 10 years to tell you the good news, Jones said to Oprah.

Jones told Oprah about the progress she made as a writer and then something happened. Oprah called Jones to the stage and the two took a picture together. Jones cites the encounter as one of the best moments in her life.

Jones love for writing inspires her to live for her children, a boy and girl, every day.

I wanted to be a good role model for my children. I wanted to encourage them to strive to do their bestI didnt want to give in to my illness, she said.

Now, Jones life mission is to help others who may have a story similar to tell.

I want to motivate people because a lot of times we are overwhelmed with things that happen to us, she said.

The author has been busy with her writing career. Last year, Jones was included in an erotica anthology titled, Mocha Chocolate Remix: Escapades of Passion. Just last month, she signed copies of the book during the African Festival of the Arts in Washington Park.

Convinced she has more work to do on earth, Jones believes she has a guardian angel.

I believe God has more for me to do... to motivate people who have been molested, [battling] weight problems or depression.

The next goal on Jones agenda is to meet R&B superstar, Usher. She calls herself an avid fan and would love to work with him one day.

Later this year, she anticipates releasing a memoir, Why Me? The Sarcodosis Dance.

by Thelma Sardin

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