The Voice

What are agents and publishers looking for? "The Voice" A fresh, new, unique voice.

I found one! And she reminds me of a character in my current novel, and soon to be series. Wait... who's voice is it? The voice of Karla Antelli.

 Karla Antelli

I had the great opportunity to meet a wonderful woman on Twitter. Karla invited me to meet her in Dallas to attend a Virgin Air party with Richard Branson. We met. We hit it off. I said, "You look like the character in my book!" But more than that, she has the voice, too. How could I meet a character in my book on twitter and have the opportunity to meet her in real life? Life is full of wonderful surprises.

What--- Karla wrote a book, too?  YES!

Karla told me that she'd written a story, without intention of having it published. She'd met someone at the airport who read it. Loved it. Wanted to publish it.  She said, "I didn't want to edit it. I had no intention of publishing it. But if they wanted to---do it as is." She'd warned me about the lack of editing. But you know what?

I loved this book! The thing I loved most was the voice. That incredible fresh voice. It was fun. I became friends with Gina and felt her pain, sorrow, joy and fears. Not only did Karla show me what a fresh voice sounds like, but she taught me how to write reality into fiction. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. A very fun book to read.

Not only was the voice great, but the first lines grabbed me. How could I not read more?

"The up-to-there slit in her skirt showed way more leg than should have been allowed. Her long red hair fell over her shoulders and her bright green eyes sparkled. It was Halloween night and Gina Sicana was Jessica Rabbit. She was dancing with Jesus when it all started...."

Karla currently writes a dating advice column: The Dating Diva.  She's also written, directed and produced short plays. She's got a degree in Science and studies Aeronautics. She's also working on her Private Pilots license. And she has the voice. The first lines. And Gina Sicana learned something by the end of the book.

How wonderful to have had the opportunity to meet a great woman---an author, a mom, a pilot, and a woman who is just like so many of us--- reaching for the stars.

Enjoy the Journey!

~ Karlene