I've received so much email in response to my fried computer that I can't answer everyone individually. Thank you all for your suggestions and words of encouragement.
Just to update, yes, I know the data may be safe. I don't have the skillset or the tools to open my laptop. I have an appointment this morning to drop it off for data recovery if it is possible.
I don't have a home network that is unmetered. I live on the road--a nomad. I do have, and use a 3 terabyte USB drive to do my backups on a fairly regular, if not daily basis. It is not convenient to have it tethered all the time while I am writing with little space and have my USB ports all occupied.
I'm sure there were more suggestions I've failed to mention here, but I am taking action on the computer. I'm not simply crying in my beer. I drink wine.
Now I need to dress and hit the road because the repair shop is 50 miles from here and I wasn't able to get there during the Christmas rush. Today was the first appointment I could get.
Thank you for all your suggestions and good wishes!