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Crossing that bridge ... eventually.

8/28/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
There is a bridge that lingers in the distance; a bridge that everyone must cross, one day.  I am writing this blog post in honor of a very close friend who has recently, and unexpectedly, crossed that bridge.

...

I frequent a local eatery where one can socialize for hours and hours, and the coffee just keeps on coming.  My daughter and I spent the better part of an afternoon there one day with our friend, Julie.

Her manuscript lay open before us as we discussed its merits and offered suggestions  “I don’t know why,” Julie said, insistently, “but I have this really strong feeling that I need to get my book done.” 

This has been her occasional refrain for the past year or so.  The following February, we invited her to accompany us to the San Francisco writer’s Conference.  It was her the first time there.

The conference gave Julie a unique glimpse into “author world,” by surrounded her with publishers, agents, published and aspiring authors, opportunities to seek out advise, and so much more.


We knew how much new information would be coming her way, so we advised her to just enjoy the experience and absorb what she could.  Later discussions with her helped to sort much of it out.

Meanwhile, another talented friend of ours had begun to offer her ample skills as professional editor.  So, we introduced Julie to Kelly Cozy, author of Ashes, Reckoning, and The Day After Yesterday. 


Kelly was soon editing Julie’s work.  Then, one afternoon, I received the following text from Julie: "She, (Kelly), makes me sound smart!"  This "thank you." was so true to Julie's "cheeky" sense of humor.

On August fifth, Tales of a Traveling Soul, by Julie Brand, was finally available on Kindle.  Julie announced that she had already sold one copy, and that she was waiting for the physical “proof” of her book.


We were ecstatic, and quickly sent our well deserved congratulations to her.  This was a huge accomplishment for Julie, and I told her that I would make my way to the Kindle store to obtain a copy, as well.     

A few days later, just when she would have received her “proof” in hand, Julie passed away of an unforeseen heart malady. ...  

It is with deep sadness that I write this, but it must be said: "Well done,  Julie!  Well done, indeed"  To paraphrase the comment of a mutual friend, “Julie isn't gone, she's just traveling again.”
...

To all would be authors out there, be assured that myriad resources are available to you which can help you in achieving your hopes of publishing your own work one day.  ...  Go for it!



2 Comments
TheSpyderDuster link
8/28/2014 08:24:32 am

I am deeply touched by your personal story and loss of your fellow writer and friend Julie. Warm condolences for her passing. This is so moving, heartbreaking yet inspiring. Life, creativity and talent are ever so precious, and never should be taken for granted, which I often do. We don't have a map for where the bridge is located, nor when we shall traverse it but we can try to enjoy the journey before it as much as we are able. Warm Hugs, and prayers to you and yours. May we all reach the distant silver-lined shores.

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JaniceT
8/29/2014 02:54:43 am

I thank you so much for your beautiful condolences. Their effect is breathtaking, and I'm grateful to you for them. This was a most difficult post to write ... my keyboard may take some time to thoroughly dry. In any case, I am thrilled that you found her story inspiring, which was my hope with this piece.

Thank you,

JaniceT

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    About the author:

    I've written many poems over the years.  This blog is a preview of my books: Echoes, Neo-Victorian Poetry (April 2013), Echoes ll, More Neo-Victorian Poetry (May 2014), Echoes lll, Even More Neo-Victorian Poetry, (August 2016), A Compilation of Echoes. (September 2016), and When None Command (April 13, 2019)

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