Part Two: From WRiting Lesson Plans to WRiting Stories

My first book of science-fiction/humorous horror was not something I wrote for Bob Reese, under contract.  It was a book I had written before ever knowing Bob.  It was about a girl, part human and part alien.  At that time, it was the longest book I'd ever written with a word count of 35,000 words.  The character in this story came from an ongoing dream I had while a child.  You see, I dreamed about being this superhero having powers and so I had always wanted to write a story about her.  I have much more to share regarding this book, but for now I will finish how I got that publishing contract to write six, sci-fi chapter books for intermediate readers from Bob Reese.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I began writing educational material for Bob.  Around that same time, I self-published the sci-fi book about an alien girl and was given an opportunity to have an author's event at a local shop known as, The Kindred Spirit.  A week before my author's event, my budding career as a new author was published on the school district's website, inviting everyone to come to my author's signing.  I was a bit embarrassed about this short blurb, because anyone who read it would think I'd been given a publishing contract, when in fact, I had self-published this work of fiction.

So, when John Bushore, a horror novelist, having a few prestigious writing awards, showed up at the door to my little room (I was a literacy specialist at the time and not a classroom teacher), he introduced himself and wanted to know more about my book.  He was interested, because no one else he knew, who worked for Norfolk Public Schools was an author.  John was still employed as the head of maintenance and crafted his books in his spare time.  We became instant friends!

Soon after, we decided to write about the area behind Willoughby Elementary School, known as 'Monkey Bottom,' and see who could get their story published, first.  Well, of course, John's story was horror-driven, while mine was more suitable for kids.   Of course, since John was a talent in his field, his sold his story in no time and received a fat check.  Well, that got my dander up and so I took the initiate to send my story to Bob.

Once Bob read my story, he stated it was not a fit for what his company published.  About a month later, Bob contacted me by phone and changed his mind.  He offered me a contract, only if I were willing to add more to the story, creating a six-book chapter series.  It took five long years to get it right and having Bob as the illustrator, I truly thought this book series would become a money-maker.  

The series did get some sales and Bob would have promoted it more, but his health got in the way.  Currently, Bob is living in a retirement center and is limited in what he can do.  He still likes to draw and is completing illustrations from my brother's chapter book, "A Ball Goes A Long Way."  Warren, my brother, had completed the book before he passed away. His dream was to have Bob illustrate it.  So, Bob has been working on it, off and on, since he really likes the book, and maybe, he knows someone who just might publish it.

Now, since Bob is somewhat retired, I have taken the six books I wrote, added questions, and republished them as interactive readers on Amazon Ignite.

I have more to share about my writing endeavors, such as having Joy Cowley as my mentor, as well as being the author of a song that hit national airwaves during the Persian Gulf War.