My 50 Year Love affair with Books

 

My 50 Year Love Affair with Books 

This is not your typical love affair. But, I wanted to show why I wanted to start a freelance developmental feedback business. 

I'm in my mid fifties, and had to give up my cashier and cooking jobs, because of osteoarthritis and COPD(a symptom of my heart defect). I always loved reading so it seemed logical to start a new chapter as a freelance editor.

…..

I was told that I read third grade books in kindergarten. I probably ran out of books to read at the library. Back in the good old days, it was safe to walk to places without an adult, so when my mother became abusive…I would hide at the library to read. Reading was my escape from mental pain. 

English and Music kept me from flunking high school. All my favorite teachers were English teachers. I remember one teacher always told great stories about him working with the mob. I don't think I totally believed him, but they were fascinating stories. He got me on the debate team, even though I have a speech impediment. Luckily, I only had to be a time keeper. Another English teacher saw me at my cashier job forty years later and remembered me…I'm in awe of teachers who can remember all the names.

Flash forward a few decades…I ended up living in the streets(long story) and homeless shelters, the only safe place to go was the library. Once again, books were my escape, aka my hero.

Then, I got to move into a HUD apartment thanks to a few of my friends. One of them had a Mother who wrote books. She was kind enough to show me how to write professional book reviews. So, I was able to make money with readersfavorite doing book reviews.  Once again, books became my hero. 

But, readersfavorite doesn't pay much …so, I am using the library to read books for my book blog and to learn how to become a freelancer, so I can do developmental reading. I did some development reading in the past, but didn't get paid…I didn't know what it was back then. I lost my proof in a hacked email account, so I have to start over ..always back up!

Thanks to reading for over fifty years, I learned what makes a good story and what trends come and go. 

Since books saved my life...I want to save theirs. Thanks to Amazon, AI and book bans…it's heart breaking. I want to do my part to help.

If you are a Sci-fi or Fantasy author, I hope I can work with you. 

Power to the books and their creators!

Renee