Running with Roselle, by Michael Hinson with Jeanette Hanscome

Thanks for visiting today. This will be my last blog post here on Blogger. Starting next week, I will begin posting book reviews from my new website! I'm still fine tuning things, but I'd like to leave you with the link: www.joannereese.com.

Here is this week's review:

It's rare to find a story that shares two points of view--that of a blind boy and a dog. I found the combination delightful!

Written for children, this book really got into a youngster's head and answered all of the questions one would ask about what it feels like to be a dog. Roselle, a golden retriever bred and trained to become a guide dog, passed all of the rigorous testing needed in order to ensure she could be trusted to guide her companion safely. The internal dialogue was a lot of fun and masterfully written. 

Mike, a blind boy who was raised by parents that never wanted him to feel different from other kids, did not allow the limitations of blindness to keep him from succeeding in life. He brought inspiration to every page. 

Bring the two of them together on one of the worst days in America's history, September 11, 2001, and you have a real page-turner. Come and see this pair find not only find their own way through the rubble, but also help others to safety. 

I highly recommend this story for adults and children alike. If you are an animal lover, or if you like learning about new things, this book will entertain you the whole way through. 

A Collaborative Effort

One of the amazing things that came out of my time at PENCON, was the inspiration for my next project. There I sat, across the table from a seasoned editor, with pen and paper in hand ready to soak in every last detail, when it hit me. Ghostwriting. It was a familiar term, but not one I had ventured very far into. But as I listened to my new colleague and friend share about a woman who was looking for somebody to help write her book, I knew I was supposed to offer my services.

After getting home, I rushed over to the library to read everything I could find about ghostwriting. Writers Digest also had a great article on the topic. Then I took the leap and introduced myself to this budding author. She sounded very interested in moving forward, and I hit my knees for God's guidance. It's taken us some weeks to iron out the details, but this summer I will begin piecing this woman's book together so she can share it with the world.

I can't think of anything more exciting than to help somebody else tell their story. We've agreed to make this a collaborative deal, which was a new concept for me. It means that my name will still be on the book cover and title page as one who came alongside the author. But as far as the story goes, it will be all hers. Every word placed on the page will be a reflection of the way God showed up in her life. And I get to be a part of the process.

I will be attending a memoir-writing conference in the fall, as I think this format will suit her story best. My hope is to help guide my new client to a place of great success, and at the same time I will be building my own collaborative platform. One simple conversation in the scope of fifteen minutes brought about this amazing opportunity. I can't say enough about networking, and I will be posting about the benefits of it sometime soon.

Do you have a story inside of you that you'd like to share with the world? Perhaps you would benefit from the help of somebody like me who would love to help you tell it.

If so, let's talk.

Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott

I really appreciate you stopping by today. As this blog takes shape, I will be making small changes to things. The first change I've decided to make is the day of the week I'll be posting things to. Mondays are pretty dreary by nature, so I thought I would try and lift a few spirits out there with a beginning-of-the-week post. If this ends up making Monday even more difficult for you, I invite you to say so in the comments. But please keep in mind, that as a writer I am hyper-sensitive to rejection. As a result, I hope you will choose the kindest vocabulary you can find.

As I mentioned, I will be posting a book review from time to time. I just read a real beauty, so I wanted to share it with all of you. If you haven't read this book yet, I hope you will consider doing so. I've come away so much richer. 

Here is my review ...

I had heard about the impact of this book in various writing circles through the years. It was one of those books that conjured up a desperation in the sharer's face. With scrunched cheeks and evened out eyebrows, she'd speak with the intensity of somebody calling a person back from the ledge. "You've got to read this book." And as I listened, I let the words swirl around, but they would not yet land on my already full calendar. But the intensity with which the message was delivered kept the title tucked away somewhere. And now I know why.

Lamott, a writer who has reached every plateau of publishing success, tells the truth about what it really means to pursue such madness. Her rendition of a writer's insecurities put names to the characters who follow me around each day. This made me feel known and understood. I somehow felt less haunted. Tears poured down my cheeks and my stomach muscles ached. She'd given me permission to laugh at myself, and because of this, my spirit was lifted to new heights.

With composure and tact, Lamott dares to debunk every myth we've ever believed about what it means to pursue publication. I came away with a new reverence for the hard work that goes into being brave enough to write. And because she shared with such honesty, I will also be able to entertain the little moments of magic. But no longer, will I be ruled by them.

The book's message is a cry for humanity and the need to look outside of ourselves long enough to consider giving back. Writing demands that we take the time to be filled, whether that means working in the garden, placing ourselves at the center of a party or getting lost in a deep conversation with a friend. This is not simply for the sake of becoming whole, but it is encouraged so that we can turn around and invest in somebody else.

I've been deeply inspired and my whole outlook on writing will never be the same. I highly recommend this book for anybody who'd be interested in writing. But even more, this book is for anybody who feels courageous enough to stare their fears in the face, invite them to have a seat, and to be willing to learn from each one. 

What have you read recently that has changed your whole outlook on life?