I just returned from a 5-day trip to Florida, where I taught at the Florida Christian Writers' Conference. My roommate at the conference was Natalie Gillespie, author of Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families
Her book directly competes with my book, The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting.
So, why would I choose to room with the enemy (aka, the competition)? Several reasons:
I like her book. Natalie's book offers a thorough overview of the nuts-and-bolts of adopting. It's a how-to guide for the uninitiated.
My book takes a close look at the emotions parents go through before, during, and after adopting. Both books are written from a Christian worldview. So in reality, our books don't compete with one another; they complement one another.
I wanted to get to know the person behind the book. Authors are fun people to meet, and Natalie was no exception. Although we were both busy with our teaching duties, we managed to have lunch together one day. And during a chance meeting at the bottom of the stairs when we were heading to and from our room, we shared our life stories. The only time we were actually in our room together was when we were sleeping, and usually, one of us snuck in and out while the other slumbered (she lives in Florida; I live in Washington State… the time zone difference probably had something to do with our differing sleep schedules).
The first thing I learned about Natalie is that she is generous and thoughtful. When I entered our room, a gigantic box of chocolates and gift bag filled with girlie goodies awaited me. From a woman I'd never met before.
I learned that she's had more than her fair share of challenging life experiences, through parenting bio children, step children, and adopted children (plus, twins from China will soon join their family).
I learned that she's a woman of many talents. Natalie edits books & magazines, writes professionally, and homeschools, among other things. And I thought I was busy!
In a couple of weeks, I'm heading to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where I'm keynoting at the Ours Through Adoption Conference, along with Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America
Adam is also the Executive Director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his writing about adoption in The Boston Globe. I'm looking forward to meeting another fellow journalist and sharing in educating others about adoption from the podium and the classroom.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
We were blessed to meet Adam Pertman this past fall, when he came to speak at a local FCC function. What a dedicated professional! I’m sure you will enjoy meeting him.