This is a piece written by an author in New York City by the name of Christa Rose Avampato. This piece details her publishing journey. It is written in the style of a lessons learned type piece and offers the advice so many gave to her. I am hoping this will be of use to many of you writers out there. To learn more about Christa, go to: Double or Nothing Media – Creating products and stories that matter.
In 2022, I sold not one book but three! I signed a contract with a publisher for my Emerson Page trilogy. The second book, Emerson Page and Where the Light Leads, was published in May of 2024. This is an especially sweet personal triumph for me for four reasons:
The first book, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was previously published in 2017 by an indie publisher that went out of business just as the pandemic hit.
I sent 77 queries for the second book over the course of 2 years and 5 months.
I haven’t written the third book.
I don’t have an agent.
Conventional publishing wisdom says I did many things wrong in my latest query process. Still, the story won. The acquisitions editor had an immediate connection with me, Emerson, and Emerson’s story. I want to share this story with authors in every stage of their careers, publishing professionals, and book lovers who wonder how this process works. I am only one specific example. Everyone’s publishing journey is different. Still, I think my story can help others on their journey. These are the pieces of advice I received many times from writers and publishing experts who made me doubt myself throughout my process. These are their opinions, not facts. My experience proved otherwise.
1. “You can’t query agents and independent publishers at the same time.”
I did. I received some kind rejections from agents and publishers who accept direct queries, a few discouraging rejections, and radio silence from the majority of them. I would have loved to get an agent. I thought the success of the first book might help with that. It didn’t. In the fall of 2021, I looked at independent publishers one more time to see if there were any others that might be a fit for me and Emerson. I’m so glad I did. That is how I found my new publisher.
2. “Since the first book in the series was already published, no one else will pick it up. They definitely won’t take the other two books in the series. You’re sunk.”
In my query letter for the second book, I mentioned Emerson’s first book, the awards it won, and the reviews it received. However, I was very careful to explain that the second book could stand on its own. This was a delicate balance because I wanted people I queried to know about my publishing experience, but I didn’t want to sink the property with a previous publication. In a wonderful turn of events, the publisher asked if I was interested in finding a home for the first book as well. If so, they wanted to consider acquiring it along with the second book.
3. “The first book came out in 2017. That was a long time ago. Move on.”
I heard this a lot, and it hurt. Due to the pandemic and my cancer diagnosis in October of 2020, I felt like I missed my chance to get my second and third book published. When I wrote Emerson’s first book, I always saw the series as a trilogy. It is in the DNA of the story architecture. There are a lot of Easter eggs planted that come to life in the second and third books. You don’t need the other books to enjoy any one of them, but together they do create a complete, rich world that is hopeful and emphasizes the power of creativity, two themes that we need now more than ever.
4. “You’ve been querying for over two years. Shelve it and move on.”
I heard this a lot, too. In October of 2021, I almost believed it. I decided I would send out one more round of queries. If that did not yield anything, I’d have to accept that this book just wasn’t meant to be. Maybe someday the rest of her story would be sent out into the world but now was not the time. That last round of queries included my new publisher. As the writer Anne Lamott said, don’t quit before the miracle.
5. “Publishers don’t want YA books with magic in them.”
This advice is everywhere, yet there are so many books and television series that defy this and that audiences love. This world could do with more magic and light, especially in these dark times.
6. “Don’t pitch a book you haven’t written.”
At my meeting with the publisher, I explained that I saw this as a trilogy. I told them about my working title for the third book, its logline, and how it completes Emerson’s arc in her coming-of-age story. I was very honest that I had not even outlined the third book - much less written it. That didn’t phase them one bit. The offer I received was for the entire trilogy.
7. “If you really want this story to be published, you’re going to have to self-publish and do everything yourself. Don’t expect too much to come from it. That’s the only option for this story at this point.”
I know a lot of people who have had success with self-publishing and enjoyed that process. In my gut, I knew that route was not the right thing for Emerson. That’s why I kept querying publishers. I wanted to find a partner who loves her and her story as much as I do. Having that partner to help make her story shine as bright as possible was important to me, and I found that partner with my new publisher.
My publishing story is not one that tells you to never give up and to keep pushing through, regardless of result. I knew what I needed and wanted to do with this particular story and character. There are plenty of projects I have shelved. Sometimes for years. Some I pick up again and some I don’t. There is no one way to get a story out into the world. I am so grateful I can share Emerson Page’s story with the world, and the story behind the story with all of you.
Marilyn Anderson: A Pure Powerhouse in Film, TV, and Books
Authored By: Cindy Mich
Marilyn Anderson is an award-winning film & TV writer, produced playwright, bestselling author, and popular public speaker. Truly a treat to speak with her about her career.
Of all the fabulous things you do, public speaking stands out to me. I say this because it is hard to get established in this area, and also, it can be intimidating at times to do. Do elaborate on how you got into public speaking, and in what ways does this get your message out vs. your words on paper.
I was a comic for several years in New York and was used to appearing in front of crowds. I did not continue with standup comedy because it just was not fun anymore. The schlepping to comedy clubs every night, waiting to go on, and then getting a late or limited time slot. After I wrote my book, How To Live Like A Millionaire When You Are A Million Short, I started doing more speaking engagements. I still put lots of humor into my speaking engagements – but with these, I give lots of useful information and pepper them with comedy. I like speaking in front of groups because it is “immediate gratification”. The audience shows their appreciation right away with applause and laughs, and I get to meet a lot of people after the talk, which is fun. Frequently, they buy my books on the spot – which is even more fun! I also do a one-woman show every year at the Santa Monica Playhouse Binge Fringe Festival. The producers tell me I have been the fan favorite for ten seasons, which is very gratifying, too.
Years ago, you earned a degree in Biology and Physiology, which is very far removed from film and TV. Many of us do get an education so as to solidify a financial future - was this the reason or did you want to sincerely be a scientist? Moreover, I am guessing that a background in these fields can somehow be helpful when creating certain elements on a set? Finally, were you referred to as Julie L. Saunders even back at that time?
I got my degrees in Biology and Physiology because I was strong in those fields and thought I might go to medical school. My mother wanted me to marry a doctor! I met them, but I just never married them! In graduate school, I realized the laboratory and research were not for me. I am more of a people person. I did work for a while at the National Academy of Sciences, but that was more of a public relations job. However, I acted in dinner theatre productions at night and on the weekends – and realized that acting and showbiz were really my passion. So, I quit my job, sold my car, furniture, and my boyfriend (did not get much for him) and moved to New York to become a star! I got into a Broadway musical a week after I got to town. Sadly, the show closed after eight performances, but I kept acting and started doing standup. I worked at the Comic Strip where I performed back-to-back with Jerry Seinfeld. Then, one day I realized I either had to take a vacation or get a job. I took a vacation to Los Angeles and never went back to New York. In LA, I started writing for film and TV. Regarding the name Julie Saunders, I only used that pseudonym on just one film I wrote. My dad had just passed away and his name was Jules, so that is why I chose the name Julie.
To date, you have written a total of four books. Book writing vs. screenwriting are two different types of work, in my opinion. Would you agree or not?
Yes, book writing and screenwriting are quite different. In screenwriting, you are creating a template for a film. It is not the final result. A screenplay is a blueprint for a film. Films are a visual medium, so your descriptions tell the producers and directors what you envision for the movie. There is usually lots of dialog between characters and you have a limited time to tell the story, which is generally between 90 -120 pages. Much of it will be dialog that should sound conversational, like how interesting characters would really talk. Scenes should forward the story and reveal character. I always try to flesh out all the characters in advance so that each one has a distinct voice and rhythm. Dialogue is a big part of screenwriting and making sure each character sounds unique and real is crucial. A book is quite different. If it is a novel, there is lots of prose and less dialog. You can use more flowery language or verbiage for descriptions and relay thoughts and feelings of the characters as well as their dialog. You can go on tangents and have multiple subplots. In a screenplay, the descriptions are minimal because audiences will see the story happen. In a novel it is described so we must imagine or visualize it. Also, in a nonfiction book, there is not as much flowery language or descriptions.
One of the occupations you held is screenwriting judge and consultant. Two part question here: what do you feel are the most important parts to an award-winning screenplay, and would you consider yourself to be a flexible or more fierce judge?
The most important parts to an award-winning screenplay are: a good story, fascinating characters, sparkling dialog, a solid structure, and most of all – an original voice. Regarding what kind of judge am I? – I'm fair and honest. It does not matter what genre a screenplay is – I respect and admire good writing! I love to read a script and think – “This is so good, I wish I had written it!” Newer writers have to understand that writing is rewriting! The first draft is never the best draft. They should always get feedback to see where and how their scripts can be improved. They can go to writers’ groups, in person or online – or they can seek courses, consultations, etc. I do script consultations for people who have written screenplays and want to make them the best they can be. I will read the script, then go over my constructive ideas on how to improve it and make it shine. It is a very competitive field, so writers do not want to submit their work to producers or companies until it is truly special. More people than ever are writing scripts these days, so you must make your scripts totally stand out and be page turners!
Turning to the film and TV side of things - you are mainly more of a writer of television. Additionally, you have penned plays - and one that stands out to me was Not Tonight, Vito. Can you tell us the synopsis of this story, and how complex is it to create in this genre?
Regarding my play, Not Tonight, Vito, it is a comedic mob story told from the female point of view. There are so many gangster stories out there—but most are centered around men. I wanted to explore the world of mob wives and the dynamics from their side of things. Writing for the stage presents its own set of challenges. Unlike film or TV, plays are far more intimate. You rely on dialogue and performance to carry the story. There are not multiple locations, flashy effects, or editing tricks. It is a different kind of complexity, but one I really enjoy. Sometimes, the story itself determines the best medium. A piece might begin as a play but eventually evolve into a film or even a musical. These days, we are seeing all sorts of crossovers—books becoming TV shows, movies turning into Broadway productions, and more. The possibilities are endless once you get your work out into the world. The bottom line is—start writing, and make it great!
Inquiring minds want to know, as I am aware that you have met both the great Michael Shannon and George Clooney. How did you manage to do this, and any impressions of them?
Well, it looks like you have seen a couple of my photos on Facebook—ha! I have been lucky to attend a mix of industry events and receptions where some big stars were promoting their new films. That is how I met both Michael Shannon and George Clooney – at film receptions after screenings. With Clooney— I went up to him and told him how much I enjoyed his film. He was charming and warm, and when I made a joke, he broke into laughter! How exciting it was to make George Clooney laugh! Wow – he was extremely nice and appreciated my humor. With Michael Shannon, on the other hand, it was more of just a selfie at the reception.
It is always good (if you go to these functions) to know something about the actor and be prepared to perhaps discuss something personal that they will relate to and possibly even remember you for! Also, a compliment on their previous work is a good idea. I met Jessica Chastain twice – after two different screenings of films she starred in. I had taken a photo with her the first time – so when I went up to her after the second screening, I showed her the picture of the two of us on my phone and took a photo of us both looking at the previous photo of the two of us! We had a chuckle together over that! Sometimes you don’t expect those encounters, but they end up being memorable, especially if you have some kind of meaningful conversation with the actor.
I note that you have only acted in one production back in 2015 - and that is entitled How To Beat A Bully. Would it be fair to guess that your heart lies more so in writing a series vs. starring in one? Moreover, are we able to see this production at this time?
I have definitely been more active in writing than acting since I have been in Los Angeles. Although I started first as an actress, I worked harder and felt more confident as a writer since being here. Even with my plays, when asked if I wanted to star in them – I always responded that I would rather get a better actress to do the part! On the other hand, I do feel my acting has gotten better because I am a writer. I have also been performing a one- woman show entitled, “How To Live Like A Millionaire When You Are a Million Short”, that is based on my play. Of course, I also wrote and produced “How to Beat a Bully” – so I gave myself a small part, and did not even have to audition! I don’t think I even got paid as an actor. People can watch the film on Amazon, YouTube, Tubi, iTunes, and lots of other platforms.
I noticed that you often get media attention, and through quite an array of diverse outlets. Can you share with your readers on how you go about solidifying solid press? Moreover, any suggestions on outlets that best spotlight artisans of all types?
Getting press and publicity is a job in and of itself; a 24/7 never-ending one! Some people hire publicists but that is often expensive, so there are many things you can do yourself. For starters, you have to be a shameless self-promoter. Tell everyone about your shows or your books or products or your business. Post on social media. Send press releases. Reach out to others who do the same thing and do cross promotions. Join groups and talk about your accomplishments! Join in-person and online groups and organizations. Go to conferences and workshops. Do not be afraid to tell people about yourself and what you do! I have promoted my projects and been on numerous radio/TV shows and podcasts, as well as being featured in different magazines and newspapers. Sometimes I will write articles myself. The truth is - you could spend all day, every day, doing publicity and promotion! Yet, you never know what little thing could blow up. People should just allot a certain number of hours each week to work on publicity for their projects or businesses. People should definitely try submitting information or press releases to their local newspapers or groups. My favorite ones where I have been featured include articles in the National Examiner, Forbes, and my local Beverly Hills Living Magazine. Further, these days it is also easier than ever to start your own podcast. You just have to keep getting out there for publicity any way you can!
Finally, I see that your two latest upcoming projects are listed as being in pre-production. Any status on when these may be shot?
Cold Feet is a romantic comedy about a wedding and Farewell Tour is a thriller about a music group. We are trying to complete the financing for each of them. If anyone out there wants to be an executive producer, I am happy to talk to them about investing in one of these films!
For further details, go to: www.MarilynAndersonEntertainment.com
3. Might I be able to ask about your husband Dan – does he have the same creative passions as yourself? How has he helped to make you stronger or perhaps even more sane? I can only imagine the trauma and terror involved with the type of abuse you endured.
My husband Dan served thirty-three years in the Massachusetts Fire Department as a Fire Lieutenant. During that time, he had also served thirty years in the United States Army National Guard, from which he ultimately retired as a First Sergeant. As my most rigorous critic, and my number one fan, he has helped me to become stronger in all that I do. His wonderful support has helped to fuel my emotional freedom and to create my own path forward. He is very creative and, though behind the scenes, he is the force that pushes me to continue my mission of being a voice for those who have suffered. Yes, sometimes he is even more sane, but we have both learned how to pull back the reins when necessary. Once I learned and better understood that the abuse I had suffered as a child, wasn't my fault, it was then that I was able to begin balancing my life, and now those earlier reins hardly ever have to be pulled back. That onetime imbalance I had felt for so long started to level itself out, where I felt emotionally free and in better control, allowing things into my world that only served me.
4. I saw that one of your feel-goods is food, aka home-cooked goodness. It has been said that certain diets can affect brain function. Have you catered your nutritional intake in consideration of this fact?
Yes, I really enjoy cooking and baking. In many ways, this process of creating something delicious that I am good at in my kitchen has turned into a therapeutic form of release and healing, just like gardening has also become for me. I like to see things develop from scratch and become how I had envisioned… to be able to see, for example, how planted flowers in the spring start to bloom by summer. That is truly exciting and freeing for me. The same release applies for when I am cooking or baking; working with food in its rawest form. It is such a warm and amazing feeling I get when I create a beautiful meal, and yes beautiful as it is delicious. So, when I sit down to savor what I have made, like with baking, I enjoy the smell that fresh baked goods create. I especially enjoy sharing it all, which is the other part of this exciting process for me… when I invite family and friends over for a gathering. I so enjoy serving everyone and making sure this shared moment together means something to everyone. I also believe in healthy eating and portion control, where I cook balanced meals. I eat to live. I don't live to eat.
5. In broad terms, your book Shayla, tells the story of a trapped child – manipulated by a predator. Please, in your own words, tell us a short summarization of the story arc. Further, the title is rather interesting, and one meaning for the name Shayla is "little mountain." Was this why you chose this salutation?
When I was very young, I loved being outside gardening with my father who was a farmer. I ran through the fields and I loved picking flowers for my mother's table. During and after the abuse I endured at the hands of the priest, I would often hide in the woods where I imagined the birds being my pets, the trees and the wild flowers were my garden, and I was a fairy fluttering through it all… my imaginary safe world. My part of the island was a great big mountain that could be seen from anywhere on the island. I used to look at this mountain called Pico which is the highest mountain in Portugal, and I remember feeling so tiny in comparison to that giant mountain. I remember in conversation with my mom one day, she could not pronounce the name, Sheila, and would instead say, Shayla. I enjoyed that moment with my mother so much. It was 2014 when I had visited her in her late eighties. That day, I told myself that I would name my next pet Shayla because I just loved how this was my mother’s way of saying Sheila. Shortly after this time, in 2015 after having a vivid flashback of my abuse, I decided that if I ever wrote a book about my experience, I would call it, Shayla. Now here we are. Thanks Mom!
Funny that you mentioned the meaning of the name Shayla… I looked it up today and not only does it mean ‘little mountain,’ but it also means fairy home/palace. Wow! I find this to be an amazing fluke. Considering that as a child while running through the woods, I felt as if I was small mountain in a fairy world.
6. I am told that when one writes of personal experience, it likely could lead to either further trauma or desensitization. Did the book affect you negatively, and was there any thought that perhaps your audience may be triggered by your words?
Writing my book, Shayla, did not affect me negatively. Actually, it had a beneficial contrary effect. Just writing about my past was a healing experience in itself. It taught me about self-awareness and self-love, in terms of recognizing the power I still had within myself that I would make this discovery through the cathartic process of writing my book. It brought me peace of mind and helped me blossom into the emotionally free person that I am proud to say I am today. I learned that by practicing self-love techniques, this created confidence and empowered me to become a voice for children and adults who are still suffering from trauma they had endured as children, teens, or young adults. My book’s message is powerful and I make it clear to my readers that even though Shayla may create triggers for some, my greater message is to teach those affected by similar trauma that my book is about healing, self-love, and practicing the survival techniques that I have found worked for me… and I trust will also work for others. My passion is to create a movement where all people can retire their ‘victim badge’ and join me in proudly wearing their ‘triumph badge,’ instead.
7. Within the book, your main character struggles with physical and psychological wounds, anger, fear, and sadness. How much of this emotion was saved solely for your creation, or was this direct from your own heart?
Every word or phrase in Shayla is a direct message from my heart. In this book, next to writing about the traumatic events of my youth, I also wrote about what I did to become free of the emotions that impacted my growth… such as self-doubt, anger and sadness. As part of doing my own self-work, and before I could discover my actual freedom, I had to look in the mirror several times and say: Self, it wasn't your fault. You were a beautiful child and a victim of abuse. A very bad person made poor decisions that resulted in years of pain and suffering for you. You are now still a beautiful child, turned into a beautiful adult healed woman, and you are enough!
8. The book itself was listed on Amazon as the #1 new release in Teen and Young Adult Nonfiction on Sexual Abuse. Are you finding that your target audience has become adolescents and millennials? Might I ask about your father's reaction to this reading? (assuming he is not deceased)?
As my book was recently published, it’s still a bit too early to know who my most prominent audience will be. However, as I had mentioned before in this interview, my message of strength, power, and encouragement, is for all people who have suffered from abuse and trauma… And as well, this absolutely further includes all people raising children, the parents. My book is also for them to learn from and pay attention to the ‘signs.’ It is important for me to keep creating this awareness about looking out for signs coming from children who may be in distress and who simply don’t know how to speak out. If you come across a child, perhaps your own, who appears to have been victimized, they need comforting and reassurance the most from people they trust.
My father has been deceased for my years. In my book, as part of my healing and release process, I wrote a spirit letter to him, detailing for the first time, his first awareness, all of what had happened to me when I was a young child at the hands of the priest, the trusted community figure he had pushed me onto for music lessons. And these were the repercussions of being handed off to a pedophile. In this sensitive letter, I also forgave my father and let him know, that despite my earlier suffering, the result of all my hard self-work had paid off and I had grown to become the emotionally free woman I am now.
9. You have been selected to take a week-long mission in summer to the Bahamas. Please elaborate further on your mission there, and how you began your partnership with Leah's Hopes and Dreams.
While I appeared as a guest on the podcast, ‘Rise and Thrive together,’ I had learned about this inspirational organization called, ‘Leah's Hopes and Dreams.’ I immediately felt a connection and strong desire to be part of this vital group, especially because their main focus is all about helping the less fortunate. So I reached out to them and made myself available to participate in their upcoming summer mission to the Bahamas. I look forward to joining them in delivering love and giving back to those in need.
10. Is there another book on the horizon, or perhaps a film in the works?
Yes, I actually have two more books on the horizon that will complete my ‘Tell-All Trilogy’ book series, of which Shayla is the lead book. These other books are centered around two individual women, separate and apart, though tied to Shayla at later periods of her life. These two women have also suffered a great deal… as revealed in the two books, in their own respective stories. If only the parents of these women had known to look for signs of their own daughters, also in distress, their suffering (as with Shayla) could have been prevented.
Before I began writing Shayla, I wrote down two main goals:
1) My book will help me and many other women to become emotionally free.
2) My book will become a big screen movie.
A calling and a movement dedicated to survivors of abuse, Shayla already reads like a movie (an incredible story that should never happen to young girl, and yet it did, and must be told)… Hollywood, are you listening?
For more information, visit: https://www.lafrancemedia.com
Regina LaFrance is a survivor of childhood abuse who chose to use pen and paper as a help for healing. Read below to learn more.
1. You are originally from Portugal, which I understand is one of the most affordable and safest countries in the world. It is also full of folks who are incredibly polite. Hence, how do you end up leaving that for North Carolina?
I totally agree that Portugal is a beautiful country filled with history, gorgeous landscapes and beautiful weather. The people are very welcoming and, yes, very polite. In fact, I am familiar with a group called, "Women Over 50 Moving To Portugal." I grew up in the 1960's on an island in the Azores where farming and fishing were the main source of work for men. Women worked at home and cared for their children. The culture did not allow for women or children to have a voice.
Have you seen the movie, The Color Purple? It was a lot like that. When I was eighteen, I had the opportunity to move to the United States. I took it, and I never looked back. As it turns out, regions such as California, Massachusetts, and Toronto, Canada are heavily populated with emigrants who originally traversed from the Azores in the 1950s and 1960s. People growing up in the Azores sixty years ago had only one goal in mind… to immigrate to the United States or to Canada.
2. I have read that you attended the Fisher College of Business. Were you able to utilize your studies before becoming a published author? Have you found that a heavy base of business knowledge can at times interfere with the creative process?
When I moved to the U.S. at eighteen, I was very focused on achieving certain objectives: learn how to speak English, to learn the culture and development skills that would enable me to support myself and live a good, fulfilled life. So, I started working in a factory while I attended school at night until I could apply for better jobs and start creating a professional career for myself. My studies and my relentless eagerness to learn more gave me the knowledge and the empowerment tools to gain the confidence I needed for ultimately writing about my very personal and traumatic journey. This was done in my published debut book, Shayla, which is a semi-autobiographical novel inspired by the real events of my life. My creative process came from a deep desire within me to create awareness about keeping children safe. The story in my book, Shayla, is essentially about when the opposite happens and young innocent children are not kept safe. This is basically what happened to me… the nightmare that unfolded to unconscionable enormity. It is the story of when my parents (who didn’t know better) had forced me to take music lessons as a young girl with our village priest, who was a trusted community hero. I would quickly discover, at the price of being deflowered too young, that he was actually a monstrous pedophile. So yes, my message to the world is quite strong and protective of those voiceless ones who have suffered from similar trauma as children.
Author Cathy Shields
Cathy is the author of the memoir, The Shape of Normal. Her first true love before writing is here children, as she is a mother of three. One of her children has an intellectual disability, and at age 40, resides in a group home. While doing research on the subject, she learned that there are roughly eight million people with said disabilities - and 425,000 of these are children.
Cathy’s hope with this book is that it will serve as a bridge between parents of typically developing children and those with disabilities.
To hear our interview, go to:
Harris Kligman
Harris L. Kligman embarked on his writing odyssey from his home in North Stamford, CT. For an entire decade, this unassuming abode served as his creative haven, fondly referred to as the "downstairs dungeon." Within these unpretentious confines, he diligently labored amidst Spartan surroundings—a bare floor, a rickety chair, and an aging Windows desktop PC that Microsoft had long forsaken in terms of updates. Harris Kligman's storytelling wellspring drew from a deep reservoir of life experiences, including his globe-trotting adventures, an extended residence in South Korea spanning four and a half years, and a twenty-year tenure as a Reserve Military Intelligence officer with the United States Army. In sum, Kligman's literary repertoire boasts an impressive collection of approximately eleven novels, five children's stories, and numerous short stories, each contributing to his literary legacy.
As 2024 unfolds, the literary treasures cultivated during those ten years in the "downstairs dungeon" persist in captivating audiences worldwide. Fresh titles, including "A Woman To Die For," emerge to enrich the literary landscape, promising more captivating stories and enduring narratives for readers to savor.
Listen here for our interview: Interview with Rob and Harris Kligman