Welcome to my Second Acts series!
Today, we have Jodie Esch talking about a life jam-packed with adventures.
Here’s Jodie!
Act 1— Schools, Schools & More Schools.
I appeared destined to become a teacher. Some people joked that I was born clutching a package of felt pens. I was the kind of child who constructed little classrooms around our house and dutifully instructed my baby brother and sister.
My Air Force family moved constantly. Vancouver Island, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec became my classrooms. Eventually, I took teacher training in Quebec and ventured out into the world of schools.
My college roommate and I decided we wanted to work together. In that era, there was a buffet of choices. We signed up for job interviews only in places that had access to skiing. Both of us landed jobs in Quebec City. This was our dream job because we skied every Wednesday night and every weekend.
Operating in a rather ‘abstract random’ style I then chose to work for the YWCA in Quebec City, studied Modern dance in Toronto and generally tried to find myself. I believed that the Canary Islands would be my next destination.
But I was running out of money, so I headed to Canada’s Arctic where I taught Grade 2 and discovered my husband-to-be. However, I had only two years of teacher training, so the writing was on the wall. Change careers or sign up for more education.
I decided to follow my dad’s mantra, “When in doubt, go back to school.” And so I did. I acquired graduate degrees and continued to teach. I worked at Simon Fraser University and Vancouver Community college.
In the fullness of time, I found my perfect elementary school on Vancouver Island. Perfect staff, perfect students, perfect parents. It was a stellar experience.
But something was missing. Finally, I left school administration after a total of twelve years, loving the work but on the hunt for the next adventure.
Act 2—Looking Within
I dug deep and unearthed the lost link in the land of words. I decided to embrace fiction writing. I bought craft books, took classes, joined groups, entered contests, met with editors and agents and sent my work to publishing houses. And I continued to read and read. Very obsessive I know. But that has turned out to be my style.
I wrote and wrote, not really knowing what I was doing. Everything was a thrilling venture. I tried romance, women’s fiction, romantic suspense and a middle grade novel. I finished all of these manuscripts, over a ten year period.
Finally I stumbled upon the Young Adult genre. Ah yes! I could utilize all the voices, all the drama, all of the compelling stories of my life with students.
And so, for your reading pleasure, I now have The Girlfriends Series –Best Friends Forever. (Available on Amazon). Less than a latte!
Book #1 Little White Lies
Book #2 Little White Pills
Book #3 Little White Magic (to be released at the end of Sept. 2013)
The moral of this story? It’s never too late to find what you’re looking for in your life. Embrace your own journey. You will discover what you want and need.
Thank you Joanne for inviting me to join your blog. I wish you all the best in your writing adventures.
Blurbs
In Little White Lies, Book # 1 of the Girlfriends Series, eighth grader Rachel Scott finally has the perfect boyfriend. He’s good looking, athletic and wealthy. The only problem is he doesn’t actually exist. Rachel’s escape into her fantasy world worries her parents and they insist she meet with the school counselor. Frustrated with her life and without her best friend’s approval, Rachel heads down a dangerous path, looking for love in all the wrong places.
Tenth grader Steph Baxter has it all, perfect looks, perfect grades and a perfect life. She’s a model high school student and a member of the cheerleading squad. But in her quest for excellence, she makes dangerous choices. Soon her simple solution becomes a complex problem. Follow Steph and her best friend Rachel as they cope with Steph’s unexpected journey. Can Steph find support before it’s too late?
Where to find Jodie…
Website: http://www.JodieEsch.com
Author Page: http://bit.ly/JodieEschAmazonAuthorPage
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JodieEsch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JodieEsch
Joanne Guidoccio 
Pingback: Second Act Wisdom–Part III |
Love second acts!! Thank you.
An adventurous spirit and a loving heart. You are an amazing woman, Jodie, and your characters reflects that strength and diversity. 🙂
Thanks Shereen! What a wonderful compliment. I appreciate that you tracked down Joanne’s Blog. Yes, I think all of that moving around as a young child really changed me. Made me more open and made me realize how people can live so differently, yet underneath it all, we have so many things in common. So, I guess I’m saying ‘go for the adventure’ while you can.
I loved reading this write-up of your journey, Jodie: your process and priorities (teaching near skiing!). I have a couple of granddaughters who might well enjoy reading your books – they’re now on the list for Christmas/birthday gifts. Since the only true gift (after love) is the love of reading. Cheers.
Hi Celia,
Thanks for stopping by. My books are being read by all ages, and I hope your granddaughters will enjoy them.
You are so right. Love is a true gift, closely followed by reading.
All the best.
What a fascinating life you’ve led, Jodie, and what a variety of places you’ve lived in! Great post! Did you ever make it to the Canary Islands for a visit?
Hi Ros,
Yes, I eventually went to the Canary Islands, but years later. It was fascinating. Thanks for dropping by.
Sometimes life has surprises for us and those of us who are adventurous and seeking discover those treasures and follow the pathways. After reading your books, I know you found the one you were meant to find eventually. Can’t wait for “Little White Magic”!
Thanks for stopping by Mimi. I appreciate it. I’m deep in edits for Little White Magic, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a glimmer and so I’m heading towards the finale. Can’t wait for folks to see the cover.
Hi Jodie
Love this post. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I just wish you told us what happened on the Canary Islands.
Congratulations on developing a great YA series.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann
Well, I had everything organized to go, but when an intriguing job came up in the NWT, I dropped my Canary Island plan.
And thanks for the congrats. I’m enjoying this YA journey.
Sounds like you’ve led an adventurous life, Jodie! And it shows in your writing. I loved reading Little White Lies and Little White Pills, and I look forward to adding the 3rd book your series to my Kindle!
Thanks Jacqui. I’m looking forward to the launch of Little White Magic at end of September. Thanks for stopping by.