Parisian Phoenix Publishing

A simple thank you can go a long way. As a volunteer, an editor and even as a writer, I hear “thank you” many times. Some people believe in cards, or gestures like flowers and gifts, but for me, even the slightest hint of “thank you” in a text or even verbally means a lot.

Last night, I curled into bed to read (right now I’m working on Ken Tietjens’ Understanding Dad, a memoir and family history that he fully self-published in the pre-POD days. More on him another time, and later in this entry). I didn’t notice a text slip past me. At nine p.m., after a long day of meetings, I don’t think anyone expects me to be quick on responses.

When I went to brush my teeth, I noticed a text that hit me hard. It read, “Just wanted you to know that I think Ralph recommending you to me was me winning the lottery!”

Community can keep you going. Everyone is fond of saving that writing is a lonely business, but I think those who succeed at it build community. They surround themselves with other writers and find the supportive professionals to make their dreams a reality.

On Saturday morning I participated in one such community, the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group where I spoke briefly to Ken before I ran out the door for my impromptu trip to Long Island. (You can read about that here.) I mentioned that I had started his book, and he mentioned that he finished mine. I asked him which one, as I had given him several Parisian Phoenix titles that I thought would appeal to him. But he meant my novel, Manipulations, the first volume in my Fashion and Fiends horror series.

He said he enjoyed it, and he was on board with everything except the shapeshifter. Which, in a book with witches and magick and paranormal nonsense, that sits with me just fine. He also commented that he never saw anyone write about the fashion industry the way that I did and specifically mentioned process and pacing. Then, he asked what my connection to the fashion world was– none, I said, unless you count 30 years of fascination and a mother-in-law who spent a career in garment manufacturing.

Another acquaintance finished the same book around the same time. This is another person who is considering working with me on a joint project. The book encouraged him to try and write his own spicy scenes. “I thought it was great,” he said about the book. “You are an amazing writer. I absolutely want to read the rest.”

Another comment of his: “I am really intrigued with the characters. I don’t generally read contemporary fiction, but I’m enjoying your book a lot. I’m not an expert on this genre, but your prose is excellent and the story is complex, yet compelling… You seem like a confident and original talent.”

These are nice things to hear. The authors and clients who work with me every day at Parisian Phoenix remind me that they value my talent and my time, but to hear others say it, too, provides encouragement against the scary world.

So, readers and writers, cherish the community around you. They can keep you going.