I am a believer in fate.
I had all but given up on my second book six months ago when I got an email from a student at Westfield State University who was interested in working with me on literary pursuits as opposed to assignments relative to my PR and communications business in western Mass – Beetle Press.
I met with Vanessa Pesa at my home office in October 2014, and she presented as professional and put together, and I realized I had been granted my reason to get back to the book. If Vanessa was to offer up her time to complete a literary internship with me, I needed to make sure there would be a manuscript for her to read and promote.
That was four months ago. I had 60 pages written at the time, and I knew I needed at least 100 more to tell the story that was loosely kicking around in my head.
So I started writing and now I’m at 152 pages, some of which will be deleted in the end I’m sure, but the story has evolved in exciting ways I wouldn’t have imagined. I feel so close to done, and I have Vanessa to thank for that. She is my carrot on the stick.
Vanessa officially began two weeks ago and will be doing things like applying for copyright permission, researching appropriate publishing houses and agents to whom I can send the manuscript and even sending a copy of my first book, Divine Renovations, to Oprah with a note.
Then Vanessa will be my first reader! It’s her job to tell me what works (hopefully something does!) and what doesn’t. That’s scary and exciting both.
Stay tuned next week, when you will hear from Vanessa about her background, experience and interests. I’m going to have her introduce herself to you.
And stay tuned as well for her thoughts on the book.
It’s going to be a great semester.
Janice, I am keeping you and your writing energy in my thoughts and prayersâ¦I loved your first book and I cannot wait to read your next oneâ¦all the best to youâ¦hugs, norma
Norma, thank you so much for reading and staying in touch! All the best to you as well!