Apex writer Heather McCollum has written six novels and published four, but her writing has taken a detour in the face of an unexpected obstacle: ovarian cancer.

Earlier this year McCollum had a nagging pain in her right side and felt bloated, but she wasn't worried about cancer. The busy mom of three went on a diet and joined her husband's recreational soccer team.

One night in March she was injured in a soccer game and couldn't put off going to the doctor any longer. After she explained her ongoing symptoms, the doctor immediately ordered an ultrasound. The scan revealed a five-inch mass on her ovary.

Throughout the months of chemotherapy, McCollum, 40, has turned to nonfiction, blogging and reaching out to other women through her writing.

Q: How has writing helped you as you fight cancer?

A: Writing is cathartic to me, but I found I couldn't write my fiction as I was dealing with cancer and chemo. I started blogging for friends and family about how I was doing, and I (would) include survival tips for both physical and emotional crises. I want to relate my experiences to others, for any type of pain they are dealing with. I have several nonfiction books I'd like to write now.

Q: How have other writers responded to your battle?

A: My main group of writers is the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, which has been wonderful. Virginia Kantra organized "Critiques for Heather," where writers can bid for a critique from a novelist. She also sends me funny clips.

I came up with the slogan, "Shout Against the Whisper," because we need to let women know the warning signs of ovarian cancer, and author Katharine Ashe is working with Avon Romance's "K.I.S.S. and Teal" campaign (which lists ovarian cancer symptoms in the back of each book) and started a Facebook page for Shout Against the Whisper.

Q: And now you and your writer friends are starting a new program that will benefit ovarian cancer research.

A: Yes, the Lady Jane's Salon began in New York, and we are starting a chapter here on Sept. 28. We will do readings and collect authors' books or a $5 fee. The books will be donated to a local charity, and the fees will go to the Duke Raleigh Cancer Center research fund.