Me, at Cake in NYC, mid-1990s (Book cover by Darlene Foster)
My very first book, “On the Guest List” not only changed my life, but the life of others.
First, let me say, as a person who had a career in journalism almost my entire adult life, I had ZERO interest in writing a book. I loved the satisfaction of writing an article, having it published, and getting paid. And I was so good at it, not only did I make a living as a journalist, I received an award for investigative journalism.
Once I started my own business, Pear Tree Enterprises, in 2008, I had many clients who I helped edit their books and get them to publication. A friend said, “You’re doing this for everyone else, why not do it for yourself?” She planted a seed.
I wrote my first book, “On the Guest List” back in 2013. It was about my adventures as a music journalist.
While writing the book, I blogged about a man who inspired me when I was a teenager. He was an ex-marine and also did the pyrotechnics for The Plasmatics. How does this tie in with my book? Well, the original drummer of the Plasmatics, Stu Deutsche, was the first person to put me “on the guest list.” I met him at a record store and he asked me, “Are you going to our show tonight?”
I told him I was only 17 and couldn’t get in. Back then there were no “all ages” shows. Well, he put me on the guest list, and at age 17, I was in a bar watching the outrageous show The Plasmatics put on.
Anyway, thanks to my blog about this, a young woman contacted me and said the owner of the health food store was her real father. I put them in contact with each other! This story was so heartwarming, it made the local news!
THEN, at my very first book reading/signing, at a local library, I noticed a young girl in the audience who really seemed to connect with what I was saying. We locked eyes several times. I signed her book and we kept in touch.
About a year later, she contacted me and asked if I’d officiate her wedding! It turned at, her date at my book signing was a guy she was interested in. They fell in love and were now engaged.
I became a certified wedding officiant, and their wedding was the best wedding, other than my own, that I ever attended!
It’s amazing how your life can change in a heartbeat. Keep being true to yourself. And if you would like to write your own book, contact me to set up a consultation. My rates are competitive, so serious only need apply! I’m at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com
If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos
Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/