SALT LAKE CITY, August 9, 2018
The folks at WiDo Publishing™, and that includes it’s hybrid imprint E.L. Marker™, love a good story well-told, especially in the memoir genre. Author Rhiannon Gelston wrote a fascinating one written from both a child’s and parent’s perspective.
It celebrates a wide range of moments, exploring the concepts of life and death and the every-day miracles that happen in between. Gelston decided to write the book after her oldest, turned ten. “It hit me how fast time was flying. That quote ‘the days are long but the years are short’ couldn’t be more true.”
Lark and the Loon, working title, blends the genre of memoir with elements of transcendental fiction, resulting in a coming of age story that is both imaginative and moving. WiDo’s managing editor, Karen Gowen has this to say: “At WiDo we like to tease the boundaries in genre. Rhiannon’s manuscript does exactly that, with likeable, creative characters as well.”
The author believes in soaking up life’s moments before they are gone, for this too shall pass. “I ultimately like to read books that leave me a better person and am hopeful that my book might do the same for others,” she states. Gelston loves stories that make her laugh or cry – preferably both, books that make her think in a new way, or feel deeply on some level.
“Lately I have been picking up books that I enjoyed as a child and reading them again, now with my kids. I read books that stimulate me philosophically and make me self-reflect; books that take me out of myself. I often read parenting books, memoirs, and self-help/philosophy and things that are relevant for where I am and who I am.”
Gelston spoke of how she found WiDo. “I stumbled across WiDo Publishing upon the completion of writing my book. The publishing world is a new one to me. In addition, my manuscript crosses over a couple of different genres so I wasn’t quite sure where to start. I was doing a lot of research on the process and while doing so, I stumbled upon a blog on how to get published. I can’t remember how I ended up at this site but the author spoke of the memoir genre being a particularly tough one in which to find a publisher. In the comments section, she replied to a reader’s comment stating she knew of one great indie press that published memoirs directly from the author; WiDo was that publisher. I consequently researched WiDo and decided to send off a query. They asked to see the manuscript and now here we are today! Everyone I have had contact with so far has been so supportive, and I just know I am in the right hands!”
Rhiannon Gelston enjoys all things outdoors and is even taking an interest in energy work. “Most of all, I like spending time with my family and friends while sharing meaningful moments. I would love to write more books. I enjoyed the memoir genre and certainly have more stories and experiences I’d like to tell. In addition, I would love to write a children’s book one day, touching on some of the lessons highlighted in Lark and the Loon.”
The author likes to lose herself in all things creative and enjoys writing, painting, live music, playing, traveling, sports, being outdoors, exploring, spirituality and energy. She is always learning new things.
“My life thus far has given me such an appreciation of the work of art that these precious beings are and, as far as I’m concerned, as a mother I’m right up there with Michelangelo in producing something beautiful. My husband and I hope to guide our children into adulthood and beyond with kind hearts, confidence, and joy. I hope one day they enjoy reading my book. They are living proof of the lessons learned in Lark and the Loon.”
Rhiannon Gelston lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and five lovely and lively children and black lab puppy, McNasby. She enjoys time with family and friends in, on, and around the Chesapeake Bay. She was an English major in college and has always loved literature and the wonderful places one can explore through reading. Those studies took her over to Cape Town, South Africa where she spent several months completing her studies and then traveling around Africa. Upon returning, she started her career in occupational therapy and, shortly after, met her husband Kelby.