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Date Posted: 10:26:46 08/13/07 Mon
Author: Catie
Author Host/IP: h32.237.213.151.ip.alltel.net / 151.213.237.32
Subject: Neysa the fact that you had a visit with the Pope
is no small thing! Please, won't you share more about the children's story you presented to him. As a writer I know how hard it is to get a publisher for a book. If it's not too personal I would love to hear more about your experience of writing and publishing your book.
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Part 1 -- Neysa, 12:15:35 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-2inik79.dialup.mindspring.com/165.121.80.233)
It is very strange how it all started, although I enjoyed writing in grade school, as I got older I didn't like it anymore. No thoughts about writing anything.
It started in February of 1995, when I went to the library. I was very depressed because my dad was told on Christmas Eve that he had cancer. I like reading biographies, and went to the library to get a book to read, thinking it would take my mind off of my dad having cancer. While at the library I saw a few books on Pope John Paul II. All I thought was I am not interested in reading about a pope.
However, I couldn't move from the spot where the books were on the shelf. It was a strange feeling, as if I was stuck in cement. So, I took three books and went home and read them. I was really impressed. I went and got more books and read them too. I went to the college's I attended and did more research. Also the the college's near my home. Then, this thought came into my head about writing a children's book. I checked but couldn't really find a book written for children about his life. All I thought was I am no writer, I don't know what to do.
In my last semester of grad school I took a course in Children's Lit. I was a history major, but that semester I didn't like what they were offering. My advisor said I can take one elective that is not a history course. In that Children's Lit class we had to write a children's story.
I wrote to my prof. who taught the course and she told me to go ahead and give it a try, writing a children's book about the Pope.
So, I did just that, sat down and starting writing. I really had a difficult time at first. I was so used to writing so many papers on a graduate level that I had trouble bringing my writing down to a children's level.( I read a few children's books to help bring me down to their level).
So much info on the Pope I couldn't write about all of it. I was really scared. His writing is very difficult to understand. He was a philosopher, I am not. I really cried.I thought this is crazy, I can't do this. Just, like the time I felt I was being called to be a nun. I was really being called to write this book. The thought wouldn't leave.
So,I locked myself in the bedroom ,and prayed to the Holy Spirit to fill me with his light and to please guide and help me. I said this prayer the entire time I worked on the book.
I cannot remember when I finished it, I think in June, but I cannot remember.
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Part 2 -- Neysa, 12:31:20 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-2inik79.dialup.mindspring.com/165.121.80.233)
When I finished it I bought a Writers Digest Children's Books. I began sending my manuscript out to children's book publishers. I would get back that they liked it, but not what they're looking for at this time. I remember the date exactly,it was Tuesday, October 3, 1995. I received a call from Pumpkin House Publishing Co. in California (No longer in business) the woman I don't remember her name. She said she wanted to publish my book. (She owned the Co,) They only published children's books. She was a very strange woman. She told me that she took my manuscript that I sent her, to church with her that morning while she attended morning Mass. Then, she sat there for over an hour praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. While she was there, she gave my manuscript to the monsignor who was the pastor, for him to read. He blessed the manuscript.
My dad was very ill already. When I got off the phone, I ran into the room where he was and told him the good news. My dad smiled and tears began rolling down his cheeks. I remember this part so well, because my dad died nine day later.
( I'm sorry I have to stop here for a bit, I can't stop crying). I'll be back to continue in a bit.
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Part 2- continued.............. -- Neysa, 13:40:25 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-38lcia2.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.73.66)
Sorry, for having to stop. Even after all these years I get choked up and start to cry when I talk about my dad.
Then, I received the letter stating that Pumpkin Press. would publish my book. I would get a one time payment,for the manuscript that is all. Its been so long ago that I cannot remember. I remember it wasn't very much money. Then, again I wasn't doing it for the money.
Then the owner said that she needed a letter from the Vatican giving me permission to write about John Paul II. I wrote to the Vatican, I received a reply as if I wrote a fan letter. Not even answering my question.
I wrote to Mother Angelica of EWTN, who had been to the Vatican and met the Pope dozens of times. She wrote and told me that you don't need permission to write a book about the Pope.
Then, the owner of Pumpkin Press, said ( I can't think of what it is called) she wanted the Pope to write, is it a forward ? Letter to children to be published in the book,and she still wanted a letter saying the Vatican approves the book, so she could put that in the book as well. Now, her requests were getting crazy. The only way the Pope does something like that is if he asks you to write a book, or you are a good personal friend of his.
As the months went by she would send me chages she made or things she wanted me to add. When she edited parts of my manuscript, it was as if a part of me was being torn away. It really hurt. It got to the point, that I said this is no longer my work, it is turning into hers!
It was dragging on, the Pope looked really bad. So many of my friends would say she better hurry up and publish that book before the Pope dies. I felt pressured that time was indeed running out, that the pope would indeed die soon.
In order to add some of the information she wanted and to get photos. In July of 1996, I traveled to Poland to do more research and get photos.
Two months earlier, a college friend called me and said she told a priest about my book. This priest was a friend from high school. He had studied in Rome and was ordained there. He had met the Pope. I called this priest. I thought boy, I really would like to present my book to the Pope.
Now, I start trying to figure out how one meets the Pope. You cannot just ask a priest. The majority will never get a chance to meet a pope. Here they are dedicating their life to the service of God, in a way the Pope is their big boss. I have a better chance.
It is if it is a big secret. No one will tell you how to meet the Pope. I even called the Vatican, and spoke to the operator, and she wouldn't tell me.
Neither would dear sweet Mother Angelica. So I wrote to the nuncio in Washington D.C., and asked if I could meet the Pope.
I received a very rude letter back. In capital letters it stated NO YOU CANNOT MEET THE POPE. I was stunned and very angry. This lit a fire within me that no matter how long it would take I would not give up, but I would meet the Pope.
These bishops who tell you no or will not help you. They get to meet the Pope every 5 years. Cardinals all the time.
To my surprise even my mom told me to give up trying.
I cannot remember what month it was but I wrote to an American Archbishop who has worked at the vatican for years. I received a letter from his secretary telling me who to get in touch with at the Vatican. I did, and this person called me from the Vatican and said he would need a copy of my book by a certain date for approval, and then it would be decided if I would be allowed to present it to the Pope.
The owner of Pumpkin Press, said that there was no way she could have a book ready by the date the Vatican wanted it. So, I pulled away. Really I didn't mind because I didn't like the changes she was making.
I took the original manuscript just as I had written it and paid myself to have it published. It was ready in April of 1997, just in time. I sent it off to the Vatican. I received a letter in May. I was told to come to Rome, and that I would present my book to Pope John Paul II, on Wednesday, July 2, 1997.
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Last part........... -- Neysa, 14:47:31 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-2inik6j.dialup.mindspring.com/165.121.80.211)
I made a mistake in part one ....it was Pumpkin Press Publishing House.
My book is written for children 7 to 14 years old. It is divided into five sections about the life of Karol Joseph Wojtyla ( Pope John Paul II ) The five sections are: childhood,teenage years, young adult, priesthood and pope.
The book ends in 1997.
When I was finished I never felt such a peace. This was something I was meant to do.
I realized after thinking back, I was not being called to be a nun. But was being called to do this.
I sent the woman from Pumpkin Press my book, and about a year later she contacted me. It was 1998. She wanted to re publish it, do a book tour, etc.... I told her no, I was finished, didn't have the time now anyway.
The book I self published I just gave them away. I cannot remember how many I had published 250 or 500. I sent a lot to colleges and universities that had a lot of elementary education students. To a lot of catholic schools, colleges as well.
To publish a book on my own was very expensive. My cover is in black and white, that is because some of the photo's are black and white photos.
There was a self publishing company near me. He wanted over $3,000.00 dollars to publish it. For a fancy colored cover it was $7,000.00.
I found a company that was in Florida and used them.
Also very expensive to pay the publishing companies for the right to use an authors work. Just to paraphrase or use a quote. Looking at $ 150.00 and more that I had to pay them. It depends on what and how much you use. I think the most I paid was $ 380.00.
I had also thought about doing a book on Mother Teresa, for children. I did find a lot already written. I wrote to Mother Teresa, and asked if I could come to India, and meet her and work with her, so I could get a personal account from her about her life.
She agreed, but then Mother Teresa got sick, and I recieved a letter from her that she was ill. If I wanted to talk to her she was coming to New York and I could meet with her there. When I called New York to make the arrangements, the nun I spoke with said Mother was too weak to meet with anyone. A bit later Mother Teresa died.
I'v never had any desire to write anymore.
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Your story reads like a story....if you know what I mean, Neysa!............ -- Barb, 15:33:20 08/13/07 Mon [1] (clgrtnt9-port-56.dial.telus.net/161.184.54.56)
What a process. Have you any regrets? I am sorry you did not get to meet with Mother Teresa. The very fact that you were intentioned to, is something to hold on to for the rest of your life. I congratulate you for your efforts and I am sad for your disappointments.
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No, Barb, I have no regrets ! -- Neysa, 16:17:55 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-2inik2n.dialup.mindspring.com/165.121.80.87)
I accept that meeting Mother Teresa was not meant to be, but my desire to meet Pope John Paul II, was alot greater.
The fact that it was soooo difficult to do so, made my meeting with His Holiness that much more memorable. Presenting the book I had written to him was a thrill. Barb, he just beamed. He took his right hand and caressed my left cheek.
Maybe, the only regret I had was that I presented the book to him upside down. As I went to turn it around, the Pope's, valet snatched it from my hand, and placed it on a table.
The greatest moment with the Pope, was about two years later when I was invited to attend a morning Mass, celebrated by John Paul II, in his private chapel located inside his apartment. My mom was with me.
I remember thinking to myself, my mother's mother (my grandmother) traveled to the USA in steerage to Ellis Island. I wonder if she is looking down from heaven in awe that her daughter and granddaughter are in the Vatican in the presence of the Pope again!
I am just a middle class American. When I was at the Mass, the majority were very wealthy people. Infact, there was a woman there from West Palm Beach, Florida. She was allowed to bring 14 or 15 guests with her. For years, she held parties that you paid a lot of money to attend. She donated all the money to the church.
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Barb,.............. -- Neysa, 21:12:49 08/14/07 Tue [1] (user-38lcibm.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.73.118)
I just wanted to add a thank you, for your kind words. As you mentioned the fact that I was suppose to meet Mother Teresa, is something to hold on to for the rest of my life. I have the two letters she sent me. I will always cherish them.
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oops! Barb,I forgot you get a heart too !!! -- Neysa, 21:17:21 08/14/07 Tue [1] (user-38lcibm.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.73.118)
Thanks again for your kind words!
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Catie.................... -- Neysa, 18:11:26 08/13/07 Mon [1] (user-2inik2k.dialup.mindspring.com/165.121.80.84)
I'm not sure I answered what you wanted to know. I am not a writer. When I did this: it was in the evenings, into the early morning hours.
I am not a morning person, and my mind is not awake until noon. I wasn't always like that, around 14 it started and I've been like that ever since.
For this book in the evenings I would lock myself in my room, no one was to bother me at all!
A lot of times I sat on the floor ( habit I got into in college) used a a large wooden bed tray as my desk. I wrote everything out in long hand on a yellow legal pad. The room looked like a tornado hit it. There were books, papers all over the room.
But, once I started writing I didn't have any writer's block. The words just flowed freely. I really believe that a higher power did indeed guide me.
I don't remember how many days it took me to write, and how many days I stayed locked in my room. It was all well worth it in the end.
As for the sending out my manuscripts. I don't remember how many I sent out it was a lot. Rejected by all, except for Pumpkin Press.
What really bothered me was when I would get a rejection, and there would be a hand written note attached to the rejection letter. Stating that they enjoyed it. All I kept thinking was if you enjoyed it, why didn't you publish it!
I hope Catie, this is what you wanted to know.
Neysa
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Add........ -- Neysa, 00:39:32 08/14/07 Tue [1] (user-38lci0b.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.72.11)
After reading through what I'ld written. I want to correct some mistakes.
I stated that Pumpkin Press Publishing House, Shasta, CA, was no longer in business. It is still in business.
When I mentioned calling the Vatican. Then, asking the operator how to meet the Pope. I want to clarify that statement. It is not the telephone operator. It was the Vatican operator at the Vatican switchboard. They are nuns, priests, and brothers.
When I mentioned the nuncio. It is the Papal Nuncio, to the USA, from the Vatican. Instead of the Vatican calling them an ambassador they call them nuncio's. They are bishops or archbishops in the Vaticans diplomatic core.
A few things, I forgot to mention Catie, was how bad my nerves were during the whole process. My stomach was in knots all the time.
I remember that right before the book went to press. I was sent a copy. I had only a week to look at it. It had to be returned by a certain date. Every day I was late returning it, I had to pay $100.00 dollars, a day. ( I returned it in time). I remember I was horrified and upset when I received the copy, because of the mistakes that were in the copy they sent me. Once, I corrected the mistakes they made when typing it. I wouldn't see it again until they sent me the books.
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Neysa -- Catie, 10:31:49 08/14/07 Tue [1] (h32.237.213.151.ip.alltel.net/151.213.237.32)
I read all of that in amazement! That is no small feat what you have accomplished in your life! Amazing!! I am sorry you didn't meet Mother Teresa. What an awsome treat that would have been for anyone! But God knows best for all things and has his own reasons. I am sorry that something so good brings you sad memories of your dad. I know he would be so very proud of you today!
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Thank you so much, Catie, for your kind words ! -- Neysa, 13:15:48 08/14/07 Tue [1] (user-38lciga.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.74.10)
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Catie............... -- Neysa, 21:29:11 08/14/07 Tue [1] (user-38lcibm.dialup.mindspring.com/209.86.73.118)
It has been on my mind all day. Listen to your agent, take the chance and send your proposal to PPPH.
I didn't know how to write those proposals. I forget what the correct term is for them is it a query outline ? I don't remember after all these years.
Even if you were only suppose to send an outline. I still sent the manuscript. I believe that with PPPH, I was only suppose to send them an outline.
Go ahead and take the chance!
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