Nick Grabbe was a longtime editor of the Amherst Bulletin, a weekly paper that covered Amherst, Massachusetts, and was owned by the DeRose brothers, who also were the publishers of the Daily Hampshire Gazette. 

I met Nick in the late 1990s, when I was working for the Gazette as special sections editor; it was my job to assign, edit, and lay out the stories in 52 sections the paper put out each year, from its Wedding Showcase to Spring Home & Garden to First Snow.

Nick worked in Amherst most of the time, but when he was producing pages for the Bulletin—laying them out and walking them through the process of getting plated and readied for the press—he worked in the Northampton office. He and I often were readying pages at the same time.

Nick is roughly a decade older and wiser than me. Back then, he kept to himself, yet his reputation spoke volumes. He was known as a tireless advocate and defender for the Bulletin, a hard worker, and a particular editor. I was a bit intimidated by him for all of these reasons. I don’t remember that we spoke much, aside from idle chitchat in the break room.

I left the newspaper in 1998 to start my business, Beetle Press, and Nick was still plugging away for the Bulletin. I didn’t hear from him or of him until late in 2019, when he contacted me because he had written a book and was looking for an editor.

In true Nick character, he had a healthy list of questions for me to answer about my editing style and approach, and wanted to know what other clients I had engaged. He sought permission to speak to a recent client and ask some questions, and I was happy to agree.

Nick’s questions for my client were good ones. First posed by Nick to author Judith Kelliher, these queries continue to be put to use when I complete a project and seek client feedback. They tend to get at the heart of each client’s work with me.

A Q&A with Nick, which also makes use of his questions, will post in the coming weeks.

Even better, Nick’s book will be available soon.

Called “Print and Privilege: Newspaper writer tells his own story,” the memoir is about Nick’s life, beginning with his privileged childhood, growing up in Washington, DC, in a family with a Russian count in its family tree.

“Print and Privilege” tells the story of Nick’s forty years as a newspaper editor and writer, taking readers from the age of manual typewriters to the decline of print journalism. He shows how he survived an elitist childhood, struggled through his erratic twenties, somehow found fulfillment in career and marriage, and became an advocate for simple living. 

Nick also describes pioneering as a man at a traditionally women’s college, raising a son with Down Syndrome, and taking part in a campaign to change a local form of government. Through it all, Nick discovered his own meaning of “privilege.”

As a journalist in Western Mass, I found the book to be fascinating. I enjoyed reading about Nick’s roots and his early entry into the local scene. I also recognized some of the characters Nick worked with and was impressed by the methodical, thorough way in which Nick led the Amherst Bulletin, the creative stories he assigned, and the meticulous notes he kept about his work and ideas.

In reading Nick’s book as I made my edits, I also enjoyed Nick’s own introspective look at himself as he matured into a husband, professional, and father of two.

When we started working together, Nick asked me to read his book and offer my feedback and suggestions. These ranged from starting the book with a broader look at his world to providing readers with a deeper look at his parents, sister, and wife, Betsy Krogh. Nick accepted almost all of my recommendations, and I enjoyed the easy way in which we interacted.

As we neared the design phase, it was exciting to enter into email conversations with Nick about particular words, phrases, sentences. I don’t often have this level of engagement with clients, as many of them are not longtime writers, as Nick is. Nick and I kept each other on our toes, and together, we did our best work.

Whether you live in Western Mass or read the local papers here, you will enjoy Nick’s book. It is an honest look at a life in which things didn’t always run smoothly. “Print and Privilege” also provides seasoned journalists and those with little knowledge of how a newspaper runs with an inside look at what’s involved, the pressures, the ethics.

“Print and Privilege” is coming soon. Make room on your shelf!

The post Helping a seasoned writer tell his story appeared first on Beetle Press.

What prompted you to write a book? And why?  

 I have always wanted to write a book for many years. I believed that I had enough experiences in my life that I could share with others who might be experiencing different traumas.  I hoped that if my story ever reached the right people that perhaps my small contribution would help someone.

How did Janice help you get started?  

Janice was kind enough to even consider taking a chance on someone with no experience in writing. She gave me words of encouragement that made me believe that I could indeed write my memoir.

How did she help you complete your project? 

She was my right-hand companion, guiding me every step of the way, and showing me how to better my work with each new chapter.  

What did you consider the most valuable part of working with Janice on your book? 

Janice turned me completely around from being insecure in my writing to finding the courage to dig deep into my emotions and bring them out in a descriptive way. It was not easy reliving some of my low moments, but Janice gave me the courage to follow through so that I would be able to reach out to others in hopes of helping someone.

What kinds of suggestions did Janice make? Did you act on all of them? If you had differences, how did you resolve them? 

One suggestion Janice made was not to be repetitive. In my case, with the English language, I found myself writing as if I were writing in French. In other words, I had the tendency to put the cart in front of the horse; Janice said my sentence structure needed work. Anyone who knows the French language understands what I mean. I did rely heavily on Janice’s knowledge in writing, and when I saw her suggestions, I saw she made me sound like I was already an author. She did so with such grace and poise, it was easy to act on her recommendations. The only very little differences we had were resolved easily. She let me own my story; it is mine, and she so freely let me be who I am. She let me tell my story my way.  For that, I am truly indebted for her wisdom.

In what way did your book turn out differently from what it would have been if you had not worked with Janice on it? 

I have no doubt whatsoever that this book would not have happened at all if it wasn’t for Janice. There is no one who had more patience than Janice did, and for that I am truly grateful that I do have a book that actually exists.

How are you feeling, now that the book is nearly out?

I have mixed emotions. Mostly, I am so excited to have reached this point. I just can’t wait to see it all come together. I also have a little fear that because of the experiences I went through, that some people might not accept me for who I am in the present and think of only my past. But I can truly say that I am not that person anymore, except for the fact that I have always cared for people, even though I didn’t always know how to show it.

Anything else you want readers of Janice’s blog to know?  

If there is anyone out there who has ever considered writing a book, and you don’t think you have the capability, and it’s stopping you from making your dream come true, don’t look any further. With Janice in your corner, you will succeed. I have no doubt whatsoever that you can do it. Janice is a very compassionate, lovable, caring, and brilliant person. She could not have picked a better profession for herself. Janice is one of a kind, and I have been blessed to have found her, and you will be too.

The post Feedback from a Client appeared first on Beetle Press.

Writing a memoir is like painting a landscape or sculpting a jewel-studded necklace. Each work of art starts as a vision, an idea; then, it evolves into a sketch, and slowly, something real and meaningful emerges. 

As the artist applies more heart, soul, truth, reflection, creativity, time, and talent, the richer the piece taking shape.

My second memoir, Willful Evolution, started merely as a reprint of the original blogs I wrote over the past 10 years. Those online posts were the canvas—or the gold chain. They planted the seed of an idea that I thought well-enough conveyed the story I wanted to tell.

But the more I worked on the compilation, the more I realized many of the blogs were written in haste and did not carry a level of detail that would make me proud. Nor did they well lay out the story. They were only a level above a sketch, an uncut stone.

I tinkered, and my fussing added enough dimension, color, and depth that I felt comfortable showing the book to others for feedback. As I received others’ thoughts, the deeper I dove into my own process.

As a result, there is very little left of the original material I mined for the book. It’s been replaced by insights, honesty, and other gemstones I wrenched from my heart, wit, and wisdom as I reflected and dug deeper into my own truth. 

Willful Evolution tells the story of the 10 years that have passed since my late husband, Ed, died from lung cancer—only four days after I was laid off from my full-time job. It’s a painful story, with turns I own and feel pride in, my own Cinderella story, with me as the prince holding the glass slipper.

Just as my inner psyche, confidence, and abilities grew and developed over the past decade, so too has this memoir, which is a sequel to Divine Renovations, the story of meeting Ed, falling in love, and losing him.

Early readers said things like this: “It’s great, and there’s too much of your travels with your daughter Molly in the beginning, but I don’t know what to suggest you cut.” (I didn’t either.)

“There’s so much of Molly, but not much of your daughter Sally.” (I knew that was because the past eight of those ten years were difficult for Sally and me. How to tell that part of the story?)

Others said they wanted to see more of Craig, my housemate for most of this period and also a best friend. 

While I had gobs of time in March and April to work on the book, getting it to the point where I showed friends and colleagues, as soon as I began receiving feedback, I began receiving client work again as well. 

I used the lack of time as an excuse to not really think about how to solve the very real problems and holes people had poked in the manuscript. Then, as often happens when I am working on a long body of work, the inspirations started to come. 

I focused on the images that showed my vulnerabilities and the ways in which I began to conquer them, and that led me to know which of the travel scenes with Molly to release from the book. 

I followed my heart, and that showed me what to include in terms of the evolution of my relationship with my daughter Sally. And my heart helped me have the conversation with her about the material.

It was easiest to add scenes featuring Craig. Some are amusing, some are sweet; some bittersweet. 

Including Craig also pointed me toward the real beginning of the story—the two women I hosted when they were students at the International Language Institute. It was welcoming them into my home for a month at a time each that helped me know I wanted to find someone to live with me permanently.

Focusing more on Craig also brought another a-ha. I met Craig in a business networking group called Business Network International. BNI played an enormous role in my personal growth, and in my ability to secure my own future. Of course it belonged in the book, along with several other of my colleagues, and the work I did to grow my business.

A discovery of my grandmother’s writing last fall has also been woven into the prologue. 

Each addition brought new and finer brush strokes, more painstaking cutting and polishing of the gemstones.

This week, I will begin designing the inside pages of Willful Evolution, and I expect I will have the book out in print in the first quarter of 2021. That brings me to the “overcoming fear” part of the process—the part where you have angst over hanging the work in a gallery for others to gawk at and evaluate. 

I’m working on that part! 

One moment at a time.

The post Weaving in the Gemstones appeared first on Beetle Press.

I have promised an excerpt from “Willful Evolution,” and today, I deliver. What follows is the book’s prologue.

My second husband, Ed Godleski, died in September 2010, four months after a terminal lung cancer diagnoses was dropped on us like a four-slice toaster in a bubble bath. I had been laid off from my job four days earlier. It was the worst week of my life, and it ushered in the worst year. 

I wrote a book about my grief journey called Divine Renovations, and I self-published it in 2011. The book tells the story of the jolt that was Ed, coming into my life in 2002, and the tight bond that was created between us almost instantly, growing exponentially stronger over time. 

Our story was also my story of learning the importance of emotional connection, trust, and unconditional love in a marriage. I lost it all, abruptly and traumatically, along with the companionship and compassion I thought was lifelong. It was debilitating. 

When Ed died, it felt I had lost everything, but I soon recognized that what I had left were the things I needed most—my daughters, Sally and Molly, and my grandson Eli. Yet, I was weak, rudderless, and needy. 

Divine Renovations ends on a note of hope, as I came to realize that what was also left for me was me. But at that time, I didn’t know one redeeming thing about myself. 

That was a decade ago. I began a long fight to strengthen and rediscover—or, more accurately, finally discover—myself and grow up. 

I created a blog site, JaniceBeetle.com. Initially, it was a personal endeavor, focused entirely on grief, grieving, my book, and the readings I was holding to promote Divine Renovations and sell it. As I reached across Western Massachusetts, sharing my story in venues from bookstores to living rooms, I heard the stories of others who were grieving, and my blog became about them as well.

Time passed. After a few years, I moved into a new phase of life, and my blog did, too. I began to write about my own creative writing, local authors, and little by little, I wrote about what was happening in my life. And then more time passed, and I got bolder in what I was sharing, blogging about dating, finding personal strength, seeking adventure, and travelling. 

Last year, as I approached the tenth anniversary of Ed’s death, I asked my interns from the fall and spring semesters to choose their favorite blogs that posted over the past decade; I had thoughts about compiling a “Best of the Blogs” book. As I reviewed their picks, I realized the posts, seen in their entirety, told a story of finding myself. They show how much I have transformed since that major loss ten years ago, how much I have grown as a person—and how I have grown as well. 

I have reinvented myself, slowly and deliberately, blogging about it all the while. For me, the categories in this book were the somewhat accidental components of my willful evolution— travel, family, working the core, romance, bad shit, and adventure. The book moves through these sectors the way I did in life, the way we all do, one at a time. Back and forth. Sometimes all at once.

My original plan was to compile the best-of blogs and also write a memoir on dating and finding Steve, the love of my life. I am very satisfied, though, that in this work, I’ve achieved both goals and said what I wanted to say, which is this: 

Success and fulfillment don’t come to you from others. You have to create them in yourself.

Sometimes our fear keeps us safe, but more often, it gets in the way of the things we want. We need to figure out the difference and push past the doubts that are holding us down.

When we are lost and lonely, we shouldn’t set out looking for a partner. You will never find what you need that way.

You must set out looking to find your center. Then, when you’ve found your inner strength, you work your way out, using it to strengthen the bonds around you.

You can’t love anyone well—parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, a partner, or friends—without loving yourself first. Without knowing who you are. What you want and need. What you are worth. What you deserve.

This books tells the story of how I learned these most basic truths.

Note: I am still working on this manuscript.

The post Sharing the Prologue of Willful Evolution appeared first on Beetle Press.

My summer intern, Olivia Greeley, a student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, interviewed my friend and fellow author Judith Kelliher this week about the publication of Judy’s book, “A Wartime PhD: One soldier’s story of Vietnam and learning to live again.” The book tells the story of Judy’s brother Bobby’s two tours in Vietnam. The conversation between Olivia and Judy appears below.

Olivia: What was your original reasoning for wanting to share your brother’s story through this book? 

Judy: It started when my brother and I read the book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand, which shares a soldier’s unbelievable story of survival. Ironically, at the time, I had no idea that Bobby and I were both reading it but as I read, I realized I had never had a conversation with my brother about his time as a soldier in the Vietnam War. He had served two terms when I was very young (around 8 years old), and it was never something my family talked about, because of how hard it was for Bobby. The book was really my inspiration to sit down and have that chat with my brother. Originally, it was going to be an interview that I would write up, with zero intention of sharing it to the public, but rather for Bobby to have for himself. It was after the conversation began that we both realized Bobby had a real story to share and one that could help a lot of people struggling the same way Bobby did after returning home. That was when I made the switch from the interview to writing my book. 

Olivia: Is “A Wartime PhD” like any other book that you’ve written before? 

Judy: Even though I’m a writer, this is actually my first book! My background is in journalism, so I am used to writing for newspapers. 

Olivia: What was the biggest difference between writing a book and writing for a newspaper? 

Judy: First of all, I was always used to interviewing strangers for my articles. This time I was interviewing and writing about my brother, someone I look up to very much. The other difference was that the writing style itself is very different. I was used to writing quick, punchy language that caught the reader’s attention right away. The biggest difference of all was how afraid I became almost halfway through my writing process. I was afraid that no one would want to read it and even worse, that I wouldn’t do my brother’s story justice. I had felt these fears before in past projects but nothing at this intensity. I started making up excuses to not write and kept pushing it off. It wasn’t until I attended the Women and the Art of Risk Conference in Holyoke with a few colleagues, that I had my writing epiphany. There was a panelist there that was sharing a story about a client she had who was a writer, but they had become so afraid of failing that they no longer wanted to continue. This story resonated with me immensely, so after, I spoke with the panelist and shared with her my similar thoughts and feelings. She said to me, “celebrate how far you’ve come and how much you have written, not that you have not finished.” That was the epiphany I needed to keep going. 

Olivia: What has it been like to have your book out in the world? 

Judy: It ended up taking six years to finish the book, mostly because of the fear I just talked about, so right now it feels very relieving. It’s wonderful to know that people struggling with PTSD, or any mental battle at all, can read this book now and feel that they can overcome this challenge with the help of family, friends, and professionals – there is redemption and they can come out on the other side, just like Bobby. Overall, after so long, it feels remarkable. 

Olivia: What is some feedback you’ve been receiving on “A Wartime PhD”? 

Judy: All of the feedback really has been positive. I’ve had so many people reach out via Facebook, text, email, and in person to give their congratulations and positive remarks. Bobby and I have even received hand-written notes in the mail! A common theme in the feedback I’ve received was that readers “read it in one or two sittings” or “I couldn’t put it down!” A lot of friends of Bobby’s said they were really surprised to hear his story. The best feedback came from some of the men that Bobby had served with. He was able to reconnect with them, and they loved the story! 

Olivia: Can you provide some statistics and numbers on your book sales and orders? 

Judy: I did an initial print run of 300 copies, which has already sold out, so we have since ordered a new print run of 200. With the second run, I hope to do more promotion to expand my audience even further. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we couldn’t do a book signing or reading, but hopefully we can do that soon, with the second run. 

Olivia: What are some media interviews you have done for the promotion of the book? Do you have any favorite quotes from those interviews and stories that have been written? 

Judy: I was recently interviewed with my brother for the Wilbraham Hampden Times. It was a lot of fun to do the interview with Bobby, and I really enjoyed how the article turned out. My favorite quote from the story was, “Perhaps worst of all was hearing his internal struggle dealing with the loss of two comrades to suicide and the fight against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which went un-diagnosed until the mid-80s and nearly cost him his marriage and a relationship with his daughters.” The writer, Tyler Witkop, did a wonderful job sharing the most important aspect of the book, which is the harsh aftereffects of the war – he really got it! Bobby and I were also interviewed by MassLive. That article has yet to be published but we look forward to its release and getting to read it ourselves.  

Olivia: What would you recommend to other authors who feel nervous about publishing their stories? 

Judy: After my experience with fear and everything I’ve learned since, my biggest piece of advice would be to understand that the fear of failure is natural especially for first time authors. If an author feels passionate about their story and feel it would be something others could learn from and be interested in reading – go for it! Now that I’m on the other side and my book is out there, I am so grateful. It’s so worth it!

The post A Q & A with a New Author on Inspiration, Feedback appeared first on Beetle Press.

Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a Discovery Session through Janice Beetle Books with Charlene Moses of Laconia, New Hampshire. She is working on a memoir about painful events that occurred in her family when she was growing up.

Charlene has taken some correspondence courses in writing for children and teenagers, but she has not had formal training or experience, and as she worked on her manuscript, that fact concerned her. She sought me out to serve as a resource and an objective voice. I told her to keep writing. She is well on the right track.

“I’ve always had the urge to want to write,” she says. “It just never really happened. I’ve written songs or poems in the past, but this book is my first biggie.” 

Indeed, it is.

I am grateful that Charlene took the time to answer the below questions about our Discovery Session. 

What are you working on as a writer at this time?

I am working on my life story as a child and young adult. The dramatic experiences I went through.

What prompted you to have Janice review your memoir-in-progress?

I knew I would need help because of my inexperience. When I saw Janice’s ad in the Laconia Daily Sun, it caught my attention. Her picture indicated to me that there was something special about Janice. She had a spiritual look and honesty in her eyes. My instincts were right on.

What were you hoping to achieve in the session?

I was hoping to feel a sense of accomplishment and to hear that I did have the ability and compassion to continue my journey. The session taught me just that. I received the encouragement I needed to proceed.

What did you learn that was helpful?

I received some wonderful critiques that could help make my story come more alive and exciting for the readers.

Any other specific tidbits that will help you to self-edit your work?

The suggestions that were given were so helpful that I can’t wait to go back and review my work and make it even better.

Did you feel you made a connection with Janice? If yes, in what way?

I definitely felt a connection with Janice. I felt as though we have known each other for a long time. I felt she could actually feel my experiences with me and knew where I wanted to go with my story. Her sensitivity showed she cared about who I am and that she wanted to help me in every way possible.

Anything else that might be helpful feedback for Janice or someone thinking about working with her?

Janice is a very knowledgeable and professional person. She is also very caring and compassionate. She makes you feel right at home and makes you feel that you can accomplish anything your heart desires. Even though I have not had a lot of experience in writing, she made me feel that I was already a successful writer and could reach beyond what I ever hoped for. I can see why other people have asked for her help, and I am so glad that I found her. I wouldn’t have gotten even this far without her. Anyone else would be blessed to work with her.

The post Coaching a Writer in Progress appeared first on Beetle Press.

Note: I recently did what I call a Discovery Session with a writer named Charles Merida. He calls himself Chaz and describes himself this way on his Twitter page: “Published Writer, YouTubist, Actor, MBA, echnoGeek, F/Vlogger, Father, Brother, and Jedi Knight of the Order of Starfleet.” Charles had a dream in 2015 that inspired a trilogy of books. I had the chance to read a portion of the first book recently and provide Charles with some feedback and direction on publishing. When we were done, he told me, “My brain is having a celestial party with all of this information.” I asked Charles to answer the following questions for this blog.

Your name as you would like it to appear in the blog.

J.M. Charles

What are you working on as a writer at this time?

“The 151,” a fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi trilogy.

What prompted you to have Janice review your work of fiction that is in progress?

I work at Fisher Auto Parts in Raymond, New Hampshire, as a shuttle driver, and a colleague of mine, Tom Marden, saw Janice’s advertisement in the Laconia Daily Sun. He mentioned it to me and then scoured the entire warehouse for the newspaper, finding it at the tail end of the work day. I called Janice shortly after and the rest is history.

What were you hoping to achieve in the session?

I have had over 40 beta readers handle various parts of my book, and only a handful had some kind of response. Janice, after reading just 39 pages, provided me with more insight than any of them. She was an absolute joy to talk to you. The Force is most definitely strong with her.

Name three things you learned that were helpful.

#1  I am not alone in trying to make my dream happen. Janice is proof that with effort and persistence, it can and will happen.

#2 I am walking my own path, and, although I have had doubts, my work is really good.

#3 Janice has recommended various resources and the initial steps of moving forward with “The 151.” The Force works in mysterious ways, and I am grateful that Janice entered into my non-linear timeline.

Any other specific tidbits that will now help you to move forward?

I wouldn’t call them tidbits, maybe BigBits. Janice helped me understand that even though the flashlight of imagination can have moments when it stops working, to jiggle it and shine it on another part to re-inspire.

Did you feel you made a connection with Janice? If yes, in what way?

Absolutely! The moment I left the first voicemail when I called Janice, I felt a certain energy frequency with her voice, despite it being a two-dimensional, electronic recording. The following phone conversation would confirm that realization. I look forward to the wonder and magic that will come from our connection.

Anything else that might be helpful feedback for Janice or someone thinking about working with her?

We all have that a moment when anxiety and fear, meet eye to eye with confidence and courage. I felt all that up to that moment I called Janice. Since that call, anxiety and fear have had their ass kicked. Janice’s honesty, and integrity, took center stage of our conversations as we discussed my project. I look forward to hearing about the amazing works Janice will be involved in.

The post Coaching a Sci-fi/Fantasy Writer appeared first on Beetle Press.

I’ve known Bobby Kelliher for over three decades. He is one of my favorite people.

Bobby is the kind of person who does not specialize in one-word answers. A story about a thing that happened to him might take twenty minutes, but it is sure to make you bust a gut laughing. Because Bobby speaks his own language. A computer, or a cell phone, for instance, would be referred to as “The Machine.” Google isn’t just Google. It’s The Google. 

The Bobby I know is loving and affectionate. He calls me Buglet and makes me feel special, noticed, understood, valuable. He calls himself Roooooberto. That makes him feel special.

Bobby is my dear friend Judy Kelliher’s older brother. Recently, I helped Judy finalize the manuscript for the book she wrote about Bobby and his two tours in Vietnam. I got to read the book several times, and I learned about a whole new Bobby—the Bobby who was torn apart by war—and with the help of others—put himself back together again.

It nearly broke my heart to know and understand what my sweet, funny friend has endured—and survived.

Judy’s book, “A Wartime PH.D.: One Soldier’s Story of Vietnam and Learning to Live Again,” takes a close look at Bobby’s life, growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, and his young adulthood—hanging out with friends and his girlfriend, Margaret, and spending a semester in college in Florida before his father, unimpressed with his grades, “invited him home.”

Bobby decides to enlist in the U.S. Army, and it’s then that his hell begins. 

Judy well describes scenes from Bobby’s two tours of duty—including one that most devastated Bobby. I must say, though, that the moments in the book that I found most profoundly sad all occurred after Bobby has returned home and doesn’t know how to live with himself, with the images in his head.

His parents must comfort him when he awakens from nightmares, screaming in the middle of the night.

His marriage to Margaret becomes troubled because he is devastated and doesn’t know how to express, even to his wife, the ghosts that haunt him.

His children don’t fully know him.

In a pivotal moment of crisis, Bobby’s sister Mary connects him to help at the Veterans Affairs Center in Leeds, Massachusetts, and the road up—to a PTSD diagnosis, still so new in that era, and to peace and acceptance—begins there. 

While I saw glimmers of the Bobby I know today during the war—in his dedication to his men, his bravery, his modesty, his humor—it is in this second part of the book that I begin to recognize the Bobby I know today.

The Bobby who works at the bank and has tremendous compassion for people who are falling behind in their mortgage payments.

The Bobby who works at the jail and brings humor and empathy to the inmates, who bond with him and miss him when Bobby retires.

The Bobby who works with young people with disabilities.

The Bobby who drives seniors to their appointments.

Although a minor character in the book, Margaret shined out for me. I know Margaret somewhat, having met her at Kelliher family gatherings over the years. I had no idea what grace, tenacity, and steadfast love she brought to her marriage and to Bobby’s healing. I am so grateful to her.

I admire her, and Bobby, too. 

I am so proud of Bobby for sharing his story; of Margaret for giving permission; and of Judy, for capturing it all so well. Writing a book based on someone else’s life and experiences is a tremendous undertaking. It’s time-consuming and all-encompassing, and Judy handled the process with grace, as she handles all difficult matters.

When the project was tough for her, she persevered. 

When she worried she wouldn’t be able to finish, she kept going.

I will be honored to feature “A Wartime Ph.D.” in my NEW! section on the Janice Beetle Books Home page very soon, and in Clients’ Books. In addition to copy editing, I also designed the book’s cover and inside pages. 

As it was for Judy, it was, for me, a labor of love.

The post A Book About Healing That Broke My Heart appeared first on Beetle Press.

Note: I recently did what I call a Discovery Session through Janice Beetle Books with a writer from Laconia, New Hampshire, named Claire L. Hebert-Dow. Claire is writing a memoir, and she came to me for some feedback on her work. I read thirty pages of her manuscript, and we met on the phone for two hours to talk about what inspires her and where she feels stuck. Afterwards, I asked Claire to answer the following questions for this blog.

What are you working on as a writer at this time?

I am preparing a recap of my life adventures, told in part from multiple perspectives.

What prompted you to have Janice review your memoir-in-progress?

It is awkward to maintain a balance on one’s emotions when reiterating difficult passages which, in some cases, adjusted the trajectory of my life. Getting a professional’s opinion is invaluable for bringing my story to life and, hopefully, to publication.

What were you hoping to achieve in the session?

A clarity on whether she felt I was on the right path and encouragment to continue this lonely journey through the past.

What did you learn that was helpful?

There are two voices within my writing style—the insightful and logical one, fighting against the emotional, brow-beating one. I need to separate myself from these emotional tentacles. I will consider writing separate letters to my son and give myself the opportunity to release these nagging feelings. Also, I learn to be alert to hackneyed expressions.

Any other specific tidbits that will help you to self-edit your work?

Focusing on moving the narrative forward. It’s easy to get consumed in words for the sake of word count. If a section doesn’t accomplish that objective, delete or revise. Also be attuned to the need to describe a thought or a scene in enough detail for third-party understanding.

Did you feel you made a connection with Janice? If yes, in what way?

Absolutely. Her voice is soothing yet projects confidence in her analysis. She supports without casting judgment and stays focused on the details to be covered.

Anything else that might be helpful feedback for Janice or someone thinking about working with her?

One has to be prepared to hear negative feedback on sections that I, as a writer, had thought were well-stated and finished. Flexibility is required for a successful partnership with a coach. 

The post Coaching a Talented Writer appeared first on Beetle Press.

While I don’t feel at liberty at this time to talk openly about the people whose stories I am helping bring to life through Janice Beetle Books, I will give you a glimpse of the range of topics and services I’m providing. 

I can tell you I am helping my dear friend, Judith Kelliher, take the final steps to bring her manuscript to life. For the past five-plus years, Judy has been working on a book about her brother Bobby’s two tours in Vietnam—and life after.

As you might imagine, “A Wartime PhD: One soldier’s story of Vietnam and learning to live again,” is a powerful story with moments that hurt the heart. Judy’s writing is clear and wrenching, and also loving.

The manuscript is now in my hands. I have copy edited it—as has another friend of Judy’s—and now it is time to design the book and work with Levellers Press and its Off the Common Books division to get it printed. I adore both Judy and Bobby, so this work is a labor of love. 

I am so proud of Judy—and Bobby as well; it is often not easy to share such a deeply personal story. I am also proud of these clients, whom I am helping at this time:

• A retired pediatrician, who founded a health center in the South End of Boston in 1969 and is telling the story of the center’s founders, staff, and its 50th anniversary last year. 
• An octogenarian, for whom I’m writing a memoir that tells the story of various crises she faced in her life, including polio and breast cancer diagnoses, and how she overcame those challenges. 
• A local entrepreneur, who’s story centers on a system she devised and uses in coaching her clients to become stronger leaders and employers. (I will use my systems in coaching her to write this book.)
• A retired English teacher, who has written a clever and loving story about her mother’s life, which I am editing. 
• A retired engineer, for whom I’m editing a fictional who-dun-it.
• A nurse, who wants to share the story of a brutal beating she suffered at the hands of a patient and how she believes change is needed in health care management.

I hope to tell you more about this work as time passes.

The post Covering a lot of Ground appeared first on Beetle Press.