When I was a kid I wanted to be everything. I practiced tight rope walking on the chain-link fence behind my buddy Jeff’s house in preparation to join the circus. Explored the city sewers, preparing to become a world-class archeologist. Drew up plans for a professional theater in my backyard… All of this fueled by the books I’d read and the imagination that fed on them.
But when I was older and wiser (age 12), I realized there wouldn’t be enough time to become everything. I grieved. Deeply. But then one day I discovered a magical device that would allow me to do it all!
It was called Writing.
So I decided to become a world-famous novelist (is there any other kind?). I even chose a pen name: “Jules Paris Casino.” Soon, however, other passions like acting and music pushed poor Jules into the attic.
I did become a writer. My work in theatre and music led to writing comedy sketches, songs, plays and screenplays. But Jules the novelist was still there brooding in the attic.
Finally, when Disney TV asked me to write a novelization of my in-the-works animated series The Wishing Map, Jules came down from that moldy garret. Disney eventually dropped the project, but I finished the novel anyway. Why? Because I’d discovered I loved long-form writing, loved returning to the same world again each day! (The Wishing Map was offered a deal by a large educational publishing house, but I let it go because their fiction sales were weak.)
Meanwhile, opportunities arose to write and direct feature films, so it looked like The Wishing Map would remain my sole novel. And then my movie Healing River became one of the highest-rated inspirational films ever released by Amazon Prime.
And that was the just excuse I needed to return to the literary version I’d begun two years earlier. Yet the moment I resumed writing, I felt like a charlatan: What am I thinking? I’ve written one young adult fantasy. This is serious fiction. I’m not a novelist.
Do you want to be? asked my heart.
“Oui!” Jules shouted from the attic.
Well, then get to it!
And now, having completed the umteenth draft, I’m seeking the right publisher (i.e. one that doesn’t specialize in Amish romances). The two dozen beta readers who’ve pre-read the book have been tremendoulsy encouraging. But regardless of what happens next, I’ve finally come to believe…
I really am a novelist!
Oh, and one quick update: Jules Paris Casino has agreed to publish under the pen name…
“Mitch Teemley.”
P.S. Here’s the trailer for the movie:
Anticipation!
Hey, Mitch!
I’m a novelist, too! (Self-published, but still…)
Welcome to the club.
Thanks, Alex.
You’re welcome!
Wonderful, Mitch! I wrote a full-length novel about a revolutionary era sword some years ago (I re-read it occasionally) but my husband Tim Cox and I owned and operated a business services company in those days, and the process required to actually publish a book was WAY TOO COMPLEX AND LONG for me! So, the novel still exists on my computer but doubtfully will ever be read by anyone but me, myself. All the best in your writing / publishing endeavors, author Mitch!
I bought the movie Healing River, started watching, can’t wait to finish it, your name is in the credits, you’re real lol, great job.
Congratulations! And best of luck! Maggie
Thank you, Maggie!
Congratulations for the completion of your novel!
It is interesting to read your journey.
Most of us wanted to pursue more than one profession. One of them is closer to our heart.
Writers are a strange breed. We ask, am I a real novelist?; even though we’ve written novels. It’s like plumbers pausing before the day’s second or third drain clearing job to ponder, “Am I a real plumber?”
I think you’re right, Loku.
I have no doubt you’ll find the right publisher soon. Who’d turn The Wishing Map down?! If they do, something better is coming after them. Trust and believe. 🙏🏽💙
Thanks, trE. <3
You’re quite welcome!
thanks for the P.S.! i’ve just added the film to my watchlist 👍
⬻𓂀✧ ✬ღ☆ ∞ ♡ ∞ ☆ღ✬ ✧𓂀⤖
Great. Enjoy, Graham!
👍
Congratulations, Mitch!
Thanks, Mark!
“Healing River” is a fabulous movie with a powerful message of forgiveness. Congratulations, Mitch, on completing a novel that will share this story with many more. 🙂
Thank you so much, Nancy.
Jules, don’t sell yourself short! If you use Mitch’s name, be sure to get a pre-nup or some sort of protective agreement! Remember all those years in the attic!! He can’t be trusted unless you can see his hands on the table.😉
Merci, monsieur!
Congratulations! The trailer was excellent! Will have to watch.
Thanks, Mitzy. Enjoy!
Such a powerful trailer. I’ll look for it on Amazon
Great. Enjoy, Kara!
YAY! Looking forward to it.
howdy cora
Given how well you write, I have no doubt that your book is fantastic! Congrats!
Aw, thank you so much, Aline.
Whoot!!! Congratulations!
Thank you!
I was just thinking of asking you about this project the other day! Congratulations on completing it! I have finally decided to take my hidden, blocked, cloistered writer self out of the dungeon he’s been sentenced to and let him ramble and roam a little. I am being guided by the book, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron which I am thoroughly enjoying. I’ll let you know how Writer Russell likes the fresh air!
I look forward to hearing more, Russell!
You are indeed! I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to seeing it published and recommending it to friends and family!
Thank you so much, Ruth.
Well done on finishing your novel Mitch – every time I think I’m finished I review and rework to the point I’m concerned I will never get there – but I will.
I know you will, Kate.
Congratulations!
Thank you, David.
I’ve watched both “Healing River” and “Notzilla”, two very different genres, and I enjoyed them. Looking forward to reading your novel.
Thanks, Bob!
Congratulations Mitch! It’s really inspiring. O hope you get to publish your book soon. 🙌
Best of luck 🤞
Thank you, Sarika.
Awesome! Congrats!
Thank you, Cari.
Mitch, this is great news. It is also powerfully inspiring for me. We have a similar journey, and I am sitting on a half-finished screenplay, two short stories in need of endings, and I write, teach, and blog. I would love to reach out (via email, chat, text, a phone call) to encourage you and for you to encourage me. Hallelujah, let’s always be about telling the GREATEST of all stories. Email me at stevebarto1959@gmail.com. Thank you brother for your heart for Jesus.
I’ll send you an email, Steve.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Daisy!
Well done!
Thank you, Susanne.
Congratulations Mitch! 💐
Thank you, Nancy!
Congratulations to you! I have been procrastinating. Writers do procrastinate. What do you say?
Oh, yes.
That looks fantastic!
Congrats, Mitch! 🎉
Thanks, T!
You’re most welcome.
“(i.e. one that doesn’t specialize in Amish romances)…”
Now I’m confused. I always thought this was precisely the market you are targeting???
;>)
I keep praying a publisher will jump at the chance to publish your book, Healing River. There have to be thousands of readers out there who’d like a book less patterned and sweet, more realistic and surprising. I’m another who LOVED the movie and the book version.
Oh, for a million of you, dear Nancy!
Best of luck, Mitch, on the publishing! 🍀
Wonderful 🧡
Thank you, PK.
Your email is not working …
Sorry to hear that! WordPress can be terribly glitchy.
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Glad to see you embrace that realization, Mitch! As I read, I found myself wondering about Jules. I also have a pen name for the novelist in me, and I’ve recently been thinking about whether I’ll still use it when the time comes. Anyway, the trailer looks exciting and heartfelt! Congratulations! I hope to watch it soon.
Thank you, BK (is BK what you prefer to be called?). Enjoy the movie!
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