From Pink Slip to Published Author
Barbara Bos, Founder of Women Writers, Women’s Books
A couple of months ago, I was approached by Barbara Bos of Women Writers, Women’s Books. She introduced herself by saying she’d learned about me from following The Stiletto Gang and wondered if I’d like to share my backstory to becoming a published author.
I’ll admit to being suspicious. I’ve had “offers” from big name authors (who likely have never heard of me), bogus bookclubs, and countless “reviewers.” I’m still waiting to hear from Reece Witherspoon or Nicole Kidman looking to option one of my books…I’m sure that’s coming next.
Anyway, Barbara’s email to me, unlike the scams, read like a human had written it. And it wasn’t filled with all sorts of fake flattery and inflated promises.
I dared to search for the website (without clicking on any links in her email).
And turned out, she was the real deal. Nonetheless, I responded with a cynical “What’s it going to cost?” Barbara assured me the ask was being made with no expectation of payment. Further, the deadline was flexible. That was a good thing because at the time, I was fully immersed in getting the beta copies completed for my current true crime in progress, A Fatal Affair. We settled on June 1st.
Judy on the way to Whistler, British Columbia
Fast forward to the end of May (and I’m not usually so last minute) and I wondered what the heck I was going to write about. Barbara had suggested an origin story would be of interest, and so I went back in time, to 2003, when two events occurred to change the course of my life.
What were those two events?
Well, you’ll have to read the article to find out, and I hope you do. Because the moral of this story is that “the end” is just a new beginning.
And that the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Here’s the article: https://booksbywomen.org/judy-penz-sheluk-from-pink-slip-to-published-author/
This post/article just proves there is always hope
Who knew a pink slip could lead to so much productivity!
Judy, I’ve read about your road to publication previously, and I’ve always admired your determination and can-do spirit.
The pink slip was the catalyst. I’m sure the writer in you was there all the time, waiting.
Barbara Bos is very generous to female writers. Glad she found you, Judy.