Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/92498
ning up to the computer, causing skid marks as I turned corners. Being a mother of five beats the procrastination out of you." "My social life centered on writing as well. I became good friends with Jenna Blum at Grub Street, a writing program in Boston, and through her met other authors. I would host book signings and events at my home. I founded the literary blog BeyondtheMargins.com, which now includes 12 local authors." It was not only passion that drove Bernier, but also faith. "I never knew that the book would be published for sure. I was not writing this for a paycheck as I do with my freelancing work. I was taking valuable time away from family to do this…and yet, I felt compelled to. " Clearly, when one looks at Bernier's personal life, it is obvious that these six-plus years were not solely committed to her novel. Her two youngest children were born during this time. She has made a great effort to include them in the process of her book's publication and the subsequent readings. All five children, ages three to eleven, were present at her Wellesley reading, snapping photos of their mother speaking. "I think that they all truly believe that this is their book. My kinder- gartner made his own copy of the book's cover. At one reading, he actually got in line for me sign his book." As for what's next, Bernier admits that she has an idea for a second novel—a piece of historical fiction set in 1980s Russia. But, until then, she is enjoying the revelation of her current work. She has loved her book tours, having traversed the country. "It is amazing to talk to people who have read the book or to receive e-mail from folks who have inherited letters and diaries and can relate to my story. " "While I am grateful that the book has gone into a fourth printing in the first two months, the most unexpected gratification has been how much I've enjoyed traveling and talking about the book. I wasn't sure how much I could sustain extended periods of being extroverted and energetic, but it's been very fulfilling, a real pleasure. " In reading this book, one concludes that it was worth the six and a half year wait. 161 winter 2012/2013 | WellesleyWeston Magazine