In early December, Homebound Publications received a call from the Make-A-Wish Connecticut. That was the first time I heard about Lauren Telesz, her book, and her wish. Lauren is a senior in high school, a cancer survivor and an aspiring author. Her wish was to become a published author.
Even though it meant taking on a great deal of work at the last minute (condensing 18 months work into 10 weeks), the staff agreed that we should accept the project and offer Lauren a formal contract for publication.
I know from personal experience that, when facing life-threatening illness, a wish is more than a desire. It is a reason to go on. During the long stretches of surgeries, tests and treatments, such hope is a very precious commodity.
Last night, at a Make-a-Wish event, Lauren gave a speech. She thought she would be signing 50 copies of the book printed for friends and family, little did she know that I was waiting in the wings with a full contract for publication. Surprising her and playing a part in helping her wish come to fruition was sincerely a highlight of my career.
On March 25th, THE EXCURSION by Lauren Telesz with illustrations by Sharee Miller, edited by #1 Bestselling author Brad Meltzer will be available wherever books are sold, including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and local indie bookstores across the country. In addition, our publishing house has a global reach. With printing bases in London, Sydney and here in the United States, Lauren’s story will be distributed to over 20 countries.
…so, here’s to the power of hope.
—Leslie
Founder Homebound Publications and Owl House Books
Learn more about Lauren’s story and pre-order her book here.
Photos by Kelly Kancyr
