Hooray For Jennie

I wrote this post yesterday, but it somehow never showed up except to subscribers, so I'm reposting it today. Blogger.com was out of commission for over 24 hours, so that may have had something to do with it.

When we got home from a few days at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, there was a box on our front porch. I hadn't ordered anything, so I couldn't imagine what it was. The return address told me that my friend, Jennie Helderman, had sent it. Jennie is in my online writers group and has been my roomie at our conferences, and I consider her a good friend.

Puzzled, I opened the box to find a shiny black gift box tied with a hot pink ribbon. Inside the gift box was a hardback copy of Jennie's book. The book was originally published as an oversized paperback. As I held the book and admired the cover, I noticed that printed at the top was Limited Edition. Inside a couple of pages it said Numbered Limited Edition 17 of 250 and on the title page, Jennie had written a note and signed it.

It felt wonderful to receive something so very special from a gifted writer who is also my friend. 

Last night, there was news from Jennie. She wrote   

"I've just been notified that As the Sycamore Grows is an award-winning finalist in both the Nonfiction Narrative and Women's Issues categories for the 2011 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS. Many countries represented and books from 2009-2011." 

Her words gave me goosebumps and brought a lump to my throat. 

Jennie spent five long years gathering material, writing and rewriting this book. She subbed many chapters to our online group for suggestions and to have more objective eyes on her precious words. Those of us who followed the story through her subs and heard of all the trials and tribulations involved, felt very much a part of the entire publishing process. We cheered with her when good things happened and we commiserated when they didn't. She persevered and achieved publication through hard work.

Jennie's nonfiction book tells the story of an abusive marriage and the woman who had the courage to walk away and start a new and successful life. As The ?Sycamore Grows has rceeived recognition  more than once since its publication. You can read more about it and order the book at      http://www.amazon.com/As-the-Sycamore-Grows-ebook/dp/B0046ZRFXA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305209484&sr=1-1-spell (the Kindle editon) and    http://www.amazon.com/As-Sycamore-Grows-Jennie-Helderman/dp/098277320X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1305209657&sr=1-1 paperback edition) There are editorial reviews and customer reviews at both sites.

Hooray for Jennie!

As The Sycamore Grows--A Great Book

Jennie M. Helderman--Author of As The Sycamore Grows

You may remember a blog post about a writer I admire--Jennie Helderman. We met through our online critique group, wac. Jennie was taking a writing class in her home area. One of her assignments was to write a 1500 word magazine article on poverty in Alabama which described real people and their actual names.  She found a subject with help from the Director of a Women's Shelter. After an interview where she gathered enough material for her article, Jennie realized she had enough to write an entire book.

Perhaps it was a fleeting thought at first, but after the teacher read the article she'd written, he agreed that it could easily be expanded into a full length book. Perhaps the word easily is not appropriate as it took a journey of five years duration to bring the idea to published book. But today, the book is a reality.

Jennie submitted her book a chapter at a time to our wac group, and we picked it apart, giving suggestions about places that might not be clear enough, or exclaiming over a particularly well done section. We watched as she wrote and rewrote so that the story would do justice to the people in it and send the right message to those who read it. We watched at a conference where we had all gathered as she pitched her book to an agent.

Once the book was complete, she began the masochistic marketing process. That adjective may be a bit strong, but anyone who is trying to sell a book knows they are putting themselves up for being rejected time and again. It can feel like standing at a whipping post with agent after agent, or editor after editor thrashing you. But if you believe in what you've written, as Jennie did, being published can happen.

I have been reading my copy of  As The Sycamore Grows, and even though I know the story of a woman's fight for freedom well, I'm captivated by it, thanks in part to excellent writing. In only pages, I found myself completely drawn into Ginger's story as told by Jennie. She gives equal time to Mike's story as well. For, in any abusive marriage, there are two characters  playing out the story. Ginger's tale is one of escape from a controlling, abusive husband, of finding a safe haven, and finally of making a new life for herself and her two boys.It's a fascinating read, and I feel privileged to have been able to watch this book grow from a seed to full fruit.

Amazon has a page that has the book details and an editorial review. They are also selling it at a reduced price. To learn more, go to: http://www.amazon.com/As-Sycamore-Grows-Jennie-Helderman/dp/098277320X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285768860&sr=1-1