Author Guest Post
Becoming An Author
I wrote, but I wasn’t serious about writing until the summer of 1995 when I sold my car, quit my job, and jumped on a greyhound bus with no idea where I was going. My life was a mess and I needed to find myself. I got off the bus to discover places like Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, before I ended up in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. There I rented a small house, bought a typewriter and started writing my story, which became my first novel, The Gentlemen’s Club: A Story for All Women.
“No matter where you go, there you are,” kept ringing in my mind. I had heard the saying years earlier but it didn’t make sense until I was alone, sitting in that house, looking for the answers that were hidden inside of me. While writing my book, I got honest with myself; I wanted to face my problems the way Angie, my main character, was facing hers. I had to stop running, get strong and stand up for my life. So with the first draft of the manuscript in my hands, I got back on the bus and went back to Minnesota.
Writing was giving me purpose and an understanding about life, so I made the commitment to myself that I would stop running from my problems. I got a job and I rented an upstairs apartment in an old, neglected, downtown building. With my feet planted firmly on the ground, I focused on work and writing.
After sending out almost fifty query letters and receiving almost as many rejection letters, I still felt an amazing sense of accomplishment—at least I was trying. Eight agents were interested in my work but they all requested I return the manuscript after having it professionally edited. I couldn’t afford it, so I put the manuscript on the shelf and kept writing.
For about two years, I lived a disciplined life of work, writing and living below my means, so I could pay off my debts and hire a professional editor to help me. Moving full steam ahead toward my goals and dreams, I knew nothing would stop me.
Then I met a man.
Never having had a healthy relationship, I was nothing but trouble. I moved to another country to be with Scott and started losing myself in the relationship, a relationship with no real commitment. I had given up my job, my friends, my apartment, my dreams and goals all for this amazing man. I made the mistake of making him more important than me.
It only took a few months before I questioned what I had done. I left him and moved back to Minnesota—jobless, loveless and homeless. While I picked up the pieces of my broken heart and searched for an affordable apartment, I realized something greater was at work when I ended up in the exact same studio, basement apartment I had lived in almost ten years earlier during one of the hardest times of my life. It was depressing that ten years had passed and I was in the exact same place in my life, literally—a sure sign that I had some work to do.
I picked up a second job and worked as much overtime as I could. Debt free with money in savings, I started writing again, I went back to school and I began volunteering with Victim Services. I needed to stop focusing on my own problems and do something positive for other women. I wanted to be a better person.
I found a wonderful editor and with her help, I made the decision to start my own publishing company. I began publishing my books and doors opened. I started giving interviews and speaking at women’s events, colleges, high schools and women’s shelters. I produced, Women Going Forward™, the first national telephone support group for women which ran for almost two years. I was also getting recognition through several independent writing and publishing competitions, which helped me realize I was on the right path.
In a nutshell, I wrote, found an editor, started a publishing company, published eight books—with more on the way, and I eventually married Scott. I’ve struggled a lot through the years—I’m still struggling, and I’ve made many mistakes—I’m still making mistakes. But, I love my life and I wouldn’t change a thing.
About The Author
Her books have won, and been finalists in, several independent competitions including the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards, 2010 Indie Excellence Awards and the 2009 IPPY Awards.
Her novels are not the same story with different characters; she has the ability to cross genres from light-hearted romance to heart-racing suspense to keep her readers entertained and inspired.
Becky has been a guest on national TV and radio programs, and the subject of numerous newspaper and national magazine articles for empowering women with her books. She has served as a guest speaker at Women’s Resource Centers, Shelters, Colleges and High Schools throughout the United States. Becky has had extensive training at Victim Services, worked the 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis-Line and was a Victim’s Advocate where she offered one-on-one assistance and support to rape victims. In 2007, she started Women Going Forward, the first national women’s telephone support group, which ran for almost two years. After receiving much recognition for her books, Becky’s focus turned back to her writing and empowering women with her novels.
Her latest book is the women’s fiction, Traveling for Love: Searching for Self, Hoping for Love.
AUTHOR WEBSITE
GOODREADS
Traveling for Love by Becky Due ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours
Book Review
Traveling for Love: Searching for Self, Hoping for Love by Becky Due
Publisher: Telemachus Press
Publication Date: December 1, 2011
Format: e-Book - 178 pages / Kindle - 247 KB / Nook - 450 KB
ISBN: 1937698173
ASIN: B006KWT724
Genre: Women's Fiction
BUY THE BOOK: Traveling for Love
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
Book Description:
Book Excerpt:
“YOU’RE A MISERABLE person. I don’t even know who you
are,” he had said to me. He was right. I am miserable, and I don’t
know who I am. I stared out the living room window trying to figure
out how I lost myself in these fourteen years of marriage. Tears rolled
down my cheeks.
Nick left town to avoid the drama of me packing and moving out. I volunteered to leave because I couldn’t afford the house anyway. My friend Teresa said she’d love to have me live with her, so that’s where I was headed.
I couldn’t believe I was leaving my home. As I watched the cars drive by, I hoped his car would pull into the driveway and he’d rush in and tell me how sorry he was and how much he loved me and he’d beg me to stay. The cars just kept passing by.
Then a big yellow school bus full of children drove by.
Feelings of failure flooded over me as I stood up to finish packing. I took many breaks in my favorite chair to look out the window and cry over memories. I was still in shock over what was really happening— we are getting a divorce.
I should have realized there was a problem when I started researching getting a facelift. People kept saying things to me like, “You look tired.” or “Are you feeling okay?” Even Nick kept asking me, “What’s wrong?” or “You look so sad.” I just assumed my face was sagging and I needed a facelift; it never occurred to me that I was tired, I was not feeling well and I was deeply sad. I had also noticed that I didn’t stand up straight, and my shoulders seemed to slouch forward. I felt old, run down.
As I walked into each room to sort through my things, my wedding ring felt heavy on my finger, but I wasn’t ready to take it off. You’re a miserable person. I don’t even know who you are, kept replaying in my mind and the tears blurred my eyes while I pulled shoes out of the closet by the front door. Then I saw my rollerskates.
Nick left town to avoid the drama of me packing and moving out. I volunteered to leave because I couldn’t afford the house anyway. My friend Teresa said she’d love to have me live with her, so that’s where I was headed.
I couldn’t believe I was leaving my home. As I watched the cars drive by, I hoped his car would pull into the driveway and he’d rush in and tell me how sorry he was and how much he loved me and he’d beg me to stay. The cars just kept passing by.
Then a big yellow school bus full of children drove by.
Feelings of failure flooded over me as I stood up to finish packing. I took many breaks in my favorite chair to look out the window and cry over memories. I was still in shock over what was really happening— we are getting a divorce.
I should have realized there was a problem when I started researching getting a facelift. People kept saying things to me like, “You look tired.” or “Are you feeling okay?” Even Nick kept asking me, “What’s wrong?” or “You look so sad.” I just assumed my face was sagging and I needed a facelift; it never occurred to me that I was tired, I was not feeling well and I was deeply sad. I had also noticed that I didn’t stand up straight, and my shoulders seemed to slouch forward. I felt old, run down.
As I walked into each room to sort through my things, my wedding ring felt heavy on my finger, but I wasn’t ready to take it off. You’re a miserable person. I don’t even know who you are, kept replaying in my mind and the tears blurred my eyes while I pulled shoes out of the closet by the front door. Then I saw my rollerskates.
My Book Review:
After fourteen years of marriage, forty year old Amanda has lost herself in the marriage, she doesn't know who she is anymore. Through the years she had given in and went along with everything that her husband Nick liked and wanted, somewhere along the way she had let herself go, but now that they are getting divorced Amanda knows what she doesn't like, and it's time to find herself again!
Traveling for Love is the charming story of one woman's journey of self-discovery while searching to find herself and true love. Author Becky Due weaves an engaging tale written in the first person narrative that follows Amanda's quest to find herself after her divorce.
Amanda's journey is filled with stepping stones of growth and independence that allows her to redefine and figure out who she is and what she wants in her life. As a full-time travel agent, Amanda's travels takes her to places that have new meaning in her life, and as a token of each place she visits, she gets a new necklace as a symbol of her new life. Along the way, Amanda dates men who provide a different aspect in her life that she wants and needs. Sam is her first post-divorce relationship, he's mysterious and intrigues Amanda, but it is a short-lived romance that didn't have much depth to it. Then there is John, who she has an enjoyable fling with, and although he treats her right, he is not the one who captures her heart. Only after discovering that she can enjoy her own company and live with or without a man, Amanda meets Grant, the right man for her.
Traveling for Love is an enjoyable feel good story, it is easy to relate to Amanda and the growth and transformation that her life takes after her divorce. Written in a light and fun style, Amanda's journey is filled with self-discovery mixed with some intimate romance scenes that keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages. I really enjoyed following Amanda on her journey, especially how each guy that she dated was in a sense a stepping stone to rediscovering the woman that she always was, only better the second time around.
If you're looking for an enjoyable quick read on a lazy summer day that leave you smiling, then Traveling for Love is the book for you.
RATING: 4 STARS ****
Virtual Book Tour Schedule
Tour Schedule:
Monday, July 1 – First Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your Book
Tuesday, July 2 – Book Review at Melissa’s Midnight Musings
Tuesday, July 2 – Guest Blogging & First Chapter Reveal at Queen of All She Reads
Wednesday, July 3 – Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Wednesday, July 3 – First Chapter Reveal at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Friday, July 5 – Book Featured at Authors & Readers Book Corner
Monday, July 8 – Character Guest Post at Melina’s Book Blog
Monday, July 8 – Book Featured at Jody’s Book Reviews
Tuesday, July 9 – Book Featured at Confessions of a Reader
Tuesday, July 9 – First Chapter Reveal at Books Books the Magical Fruit
Wednesday, July 10 – Interview at The Dark Phantom
Thursday, July 11 – Interview at Straight From the Author’s Mouth
Friday, July 12 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Monday, July 15 – First Chapter Reveal at Review From Here
Tuesday, July 16 – Book Review at Miki’s Hope
Wednesday, July 17 – Book Review at Lindsay Tampa Bay
Thursday, July 18 – Book Featured at Moonlight Lace & Mayhem
Friday, July 19 – Book Review at Gina’s Library
Friday, July 19 – Guest Blogging at My Reading Table
Monday, July 22 – Book Review at Blogger News
Monday, July 22 – Book Review at My Reading Table
Tuesday, July 23 – Book Review at Literarily Speaking
Wednesday, July 24 – Book Review at The Book Connection
Thursday, July 25 – Guest Blogging at My Cozie Corner
Friday, July 26 – Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Friday, July 26 – Guest Blogging at Cindy’s Love of Books
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