My romance novel, Hemphill Towers , started as a joke between me and
two online friends. We projected ourselves as career women, described a love interest,
and I was to write a short humor story around our ideas. Well, the words just
kept flowing, plot twists came in my dreams, and what started as fun between
friends became a full-fledged novel.
One of my friends has
Multiple Sclerosis. When I voiced concern over her condition, I was invited
(and later adopted) into her MS chat group. When she mentioned the book, they
wanted to read it too. So, I sent it in
installments, one per week. When writer’s block reared its ugly head and I
wanted to give up, I’d get an email saying, ‘We’re waiting on our installment’.
It took three months to finish the first,
very rough draft. I’m grateful to that
small group for letting me bounce ideas off them, and giving me the push I
needed.
It took much longer to clean
up the manuscript, fix spelling and punctuation, and then have trusted critique
partners to check it all out. To actually see my book published by Muse in late
summer 2013 will be awesome, to say the least.
I gave my three heroines
their own story line, but kept them intertwined.
Stella Mason, Riley Saunders and Birdie Orwell are best friends and
co-workers for an advertising agency owned by JB Edwards. Birdie is whisked
away to faraway Italy
by JB’s friend, winemaker Federico Martinique.
Stella has eyes only for her handsome boss, while Riley is pursued by a
scheming, obsessed stalker. Her work with an art museum is a labor of love, but
leaves her vulnerable to his watchful eyes. The friends are all drawn into
Riley’s nightmare, but that’s what good friends are for. The handsome museum
curator also vows to keep Riley safe.
My story switched back and forth between Hemphill Towers and Italy. A wine forgery that started in Italy made its way to the states and bridged a gap between them.
Since this was my first
novel, I had no idea how much research would be involved. I mentioned an
advertising agency, wine, Italy ,
and an art museum in the above paragraph, and each of these required research.
It was unbelievable how many different types of grapes were used to produce
wine, and how many were grown in one specific area in Italy. But, Federico was
well worth the research. Rich, handsome, romantic – and definitely, not a joke.
Bio: A lifelong resident of
Illinois, I have four children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.
After losing my husband of forty-four years to lung cancer, I turned to my
computer to save my sanity. It was only then that I started to write. One
friend recommended a free online writing course called F2K. (Fiction for 2000).
I took this course three times and then became a Mentor with my own classroom.
We get writing students from all over the world, both beginners and published
authors.
Leona Pence can be contacted at:
Hemphill Towers coming in
2013 MuseItUp
18 comments:
Hi Leona, that sounds like such a great story! I can't wait for it to come out. I admire your spirit in carrying on with your writing, after losing your husband. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you have found some comfort in writing. Best of luck with your book!
Leona,
I never get tired of hearing how this book came to be. I think you are amazing and I can't wait for the release of your book!
May this be the first of many more to come!
Congrats to you for all of your hard work!
Leona, It is always so great to have a group of friends that encourage you!! Sounds like an awesome and exciting book!! Can't wait to read it!!
I feel your pride with a book coming out. An exciting time. Congrats for seeing your own potential. Sounds like a great read. - Heather G
I think this is the most special "how my book came to be" story I've ever read. It makes me appreciate the power of friendship every time I hear it. The internet is a lifeline--a gift I never take for granted.
Thank you Helena, VJ, Rhonda, Heather, and Von for your comments.
Yes, Helena, writing did help a lot after my husband died. He'd be so proud that I wrote a novel.
It was fun to write and when it's published...*sigh*...what a wonderful day that will be. Trust me, there will be a party.
Hey, Leona. First I'm sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you found writing to help you move through the pain.
Second, I love the story line and the story of how the book came to be. I agree with Von. It may be the best I've ever heard. I share your excitement,Leona, of the first book release. I think we're just a month apart. We'll definitely celebrate. I look forward to reading your book.
Leona,
Congrats on your upcoming release! May it be the first of many.
Your book sounds interesting :) Some think research is a four-letter word. I enjoy research...sometimes.
Wishing you much success,
Beth
Leona, this is a special story on how the muse works, even through friends, to get the story out there. I am so happy for you.
Tom
Hi Leona,
I love the story behind the story. :)
A labour of love and encouragement from family and friends.
Next, we'll want a sequel!
Lots of love, Janet
That's a great story! You had some amazing motivation to carry on. I'll look forward to your book, I love the idea of the three girls' stories, and I also love Italy. (And Italian wine!)
all the very best,
Jane x
Thank you, Marsha, Beth,Tom,Janet. and Jane. I'm thrilled that you stopped by to read my post.
Yes, the motivation from the group kept me going. And all their biased praise helped too. With each installment I sent, I sat back and enjoyed their comments.
Marsha, I look forward to reading your book also.
This post moved me, Leo. The life you have, courage and creativity, maintaining sanity. In my own way I can relate to your personal story and so I read it on multiple levels. I agree with every comment here... and most directly with Von's and Tom's. I'm just plain thrilled for you. There's so much I want to say, but roll all of these comments up, and it's already been said. With love and candor. It's a great genesis of a tale. I'm glad those words and plot twists kept on coming, and you continued to catch them from the breeze.
Postscript: I love your interviewee writer's voice too!
Sounds like a great story, and I love the different story lines! Looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Leslie and Meradeth, for stopping by.
Les, you've always been a great cheerleader for me. I'm proud to call you my friend.
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