The Synchronicity of Magical Firsts

Remarkable periods of synchronicity bless my life. I have always found this phenomenon fascinating, delightful, and usually helpful, leaving me with deep gratitude.

The most recent spell began after I completed the manuscript for my first book. The only people who had read it were my partner, Jim, and my friend Nancy. Reaching out for a wider audience, I located two writer’s groups. I attended only one meeting with the first group. That session linked me up with Sandra Gould Ford, a knowledgeable and experienced writer. We exchanged manuscript samples and Sandra offered valuable constructive guidance. On my first meeting with the Pittsburgh South Writers’ Group, I met Doug Weed, poet, thinker, and outstanding editor. Doug, now my friend, has been essential in helping me develop and shape my manuscript. Sandra has been constant in her support and guidance through emails.

Looking back, it appears that when I started the quest to publish my stories, a door cracked open and (1) into my life walked Sandra and Doug.

Then, as I continued to improve the manuscript, I searched online for information on how to publish a book. Having made an early decision to self publish, I needed to find an editor who could help me through the process. Soon after I recognized that need, I casually mentioned it to my friend Mark Fazzolari over lunch one day. To my surprise, Mark said (2) he had a friend in Boca Raton, Florida, who is a book editor. Soon Mark put me in touch with Penelope Love.

After Penelope read my manuscript, she agreed to edit and perform all procedures to make my work “publishing ready.” She had recently turned in her resignation to the publisher with whom she had been employed. I also learned that Penelope is married to Nick Gancitano, author of Be Still and Know I AM God and founder/director of The Self-Inquiry Center, a spiritual facility dedicated to conscious living. (3) Penelope specializes in books of an inspirational or spiritual nature, such as the book she edited and promoted for her husband. Surprisingly, my manuscript for Mystical Interludes: An Ordinary Person’s Extraordinary Experiences, had found its way to the right editor!

As I continued to expand and revise the manuscript, I became motivated to follow up with a second, and hopefully subsequent books, Mystical Interludes: A Collection of Ordinary People’s Mystical Experiences. I emailed Penelope with the idea, telling her that future books could follow a similar model to those of Chicken Soup for the Soul. (4) Penelope welcomed my decision and stunned me when she said, “I used to work for Chicken Soup for the Soul!”

During the initial months of our association, Penelope left her job and started her own publishing company, Citrine Publishing. I was thrilled when she offered to publish my book! Shortly thereafter we signed an agreement, the first for Citrine and the first for Emily Rodavich, author.

The publishing date was set for May 27, 2016, but problems beyond Penelope’s control arose as that date approached, forcing her to adjust the date to July 1^st. “That’s my birthday!” I exclaimed.

“OK!” Penelope said, “I’ll do everything I can to officially publish your book on your birthday; however, it probably won’t be available on Amazon for another two or three days afterwards, depending on their queue.”

When July 1^st came, Penelope called to inform me that not only was my book officially published, but it was also available on Amazon! What a great birthday gift that was!

Several days later, my publisher informed me that she had arranged a potential interview with Caroline Chang, host of the radio show Awake 2 Oneness — if I were game.

Having placed my book in the public domain, I felt exposed and vulnerable, almost like getting naked in public, so to speak. I had not considered putting myself out there for more scrutiny, other than for occasional book signings in small groups. I had no clue about what I could say in a radio interview other than “Read the book.”

Penelope asked me to read Caroline Chang’s biographical information, which provided the basis of her radio show, before making my decision. I learned that Caroline started her radio program in dedication to her son Kyle, who died in his late twenties of congestive heart failure. Caroline created the K-Y-L-E foundation, Keep Your Light Expanding along with her show Awake 2 Oneness, which explores the spiritual discoveries and experiences of her guests.

I approached the material with trepidation, doubting that I could put my vulnerability at risk by allowing myself to be interviewed on the radio. I read slowly, asking for guidance as I proceeded. And there it was! Near the end my reading, my eyes stopped on the date, July 1, 2014, the date of Kyle’s death! At that point, I felt as though I were passing through a synchronistic realm of firsts:

• Mystical Interludes is my first book.

• I met Sandra Gould Ford at the first meeting of the first writers’ group.

• I met Doug Weed at the first meeting of the second writers’ group.

• Mystical Interludes is the first book published by Penelope’s new company,

• The book was published on July first.
  

• The book appeared on Amazon on July first.
  

• I was contemplating a first public interview.

• The radio host’s son died on July first.

On July 31st, a Sunday morning, I sent this piece to my publisher for no reason other than to share. To my delight, she recommended that it become my first blog post on August first. I didn’t even know I was writing a blog post and yet now here are two more first for this list!

I look forward to sharing many other firsts with you as the journey unfolds. My intention is to post to my blog once a month (on the 1st, of course!) and publish a quarterly roundup on the Mystical Interludes II project. I invite you to submit a story for potential publication and contact me if you would like to receive the first Mystical Interludes Quarterly Roundup via email in Fall 2016.