Becoming an author
Ultimately, writing my book is another extension of how I serve people. When I was a child, I was an avid reader. I look forward to receiving books from my uncle Esteban “Tio Papachito” Melendez. After I learned English, my reading was voracious, and I could finish a book in a day. When my father looked at me, he saw the writer in me before I could see it myself. I dreamed of it, but moving forward to complete this journey took life-altering circumstances to propel me forward. Often, people would say you should share that story. I laugh now asking what took me so long, but I’m here now, and I am very proud of the work I have created. My new beginnings prompted my book and now will help others with their new begininngs after the storms of life.
Books
SYNOPSIS
Starting Over: A Second Line of Hope recounts my harrowing experience of escaping Hurricane Katrina and weathering other storms, personal and environmental, and still finding hope in the midst of it all. Coming soon is a Spanish version of the book.
WHY I CHOSE MY TITLE
As you read my book, you will note I started over multiple times in my life. It started with my journey to the U.S., then Hurricane Katrina, other deadly storms, and my personal health challenges. Each start meant a new aspect of life. In New Orleans, a second line is often seen for weddings and funerals. Both represent new beginnings, and where new beginnings are, hope is too.
WHY I CHOSE THIS COVER
The book’s cover encapsulates my journey. In the background lays my beloved city of New Orleans, which will always remain home in my heart, overlayed by the sway of trees from the storm. From the corner flows light reminding us of hope, that the sun comes out after the rain. Finally, it features a jazz musician ready for the festivities, a celebration of new life.
The back cover is purple. The color purple is personal and significant to me for several reasons; it’s the designated color for Lupus awareness and I am a Lupus Survivor. Purple is a color associated with calm, peace, compassion, dignity, devotion, empathy, ambition, independence, and pride which resonates with my characteristics. I am intentional about welcoming, embracing, and remaining in my purple person’s presence.
Beta readers react to reading Starting Over: A Second Line of Hope for the first time
Sharing my speech at the launch date for Starting Over: A Second Line of Hope
Insights about my experience in writing Starting Over: A Second Line of Hope
Encouraging, hopeful and helpful is my take on this book. Maria takes you through snapshots of her life journeying to specific points in time that made an impact on her life. She shares encountered obstacles as she weathered storms and her desire to make a positive difference.
This book is accompanied with a Natural Disaster Guide and an Emergency Preparedness Checklist to help one navigate before & after a storm.
This book was such a pleasure to read. So inspiring of what the author been through. It motivates me to go harder and push through difficult obstacles.
Maria Elena’s Starting Over: Second Line of Hope is a great book. The book well put together & professionally done. This project draws you in to Maria’s life. Some of her most challenging moments & her courageous triumphs. I was inspired and encouraged to keep striving as I encounter challenges in my life. Buy the book read it, you will also be embolden to face life challenges head on.