Introducing Helen Gillespie
Where did the idea for the story come from?
I lived in Marshfield, Missouri for a short six months. I like to say a ghost hitched a ride with me and begged me to write the story. Before I put fingers to keyboard to write the story, I wrote a silly country song that gave me the elements for the story. The ghost turned muse guided me through the story line.
Give a quote from the books, one that says little but speaks volumes.
“And thanks for the laugh. I guess you know I needed that,”After sharing coffee and Girl Scout cookies Dianne said this to Pastor Dawn when they first met for a chat.
Laughter heals. Even if momentarily, it’s a welcome respite from stressful situations.
Give a summary of what the book is about.
As Dianne finishes her last semester in college by interning in a small town Missouri elementary school, she faces the death of her mother. As a result of the stress she feels she makes some life-changing mistakes, one being dating Michael. With the help of Katrina’s close friend Ken, and his friends, Dianne is able to escape serious consequences from her naieveteresulting in a possible financial loss through loosing her utilities and savings. By happenstance, Dianne meets Mel, daughter of JR and Betty, local truck-stop restaurant ownersand friends of Ken. Although much younger, Mel not only becomes a close friend, but helps Dianne organize her finances. Just as the new “friend family” is formed and enlarged, it breaks apart through loss of life and constant goodbyes.
What genre is it?
Young adult 18 plus. The reason I place the age in the genre is because some of the scenes in the book may be troubling to very young minds.
How many pages is it?
272 pages
Why do you think the readers will want to read it?
There are life lessons tucked into the prose, such as bill paying and learning that a person’s signature means something.
Where are you located?
Fort Walton Beach, Florida. My wife and I moved here from Huntsville, Alabama in 2021.
Description
Struggling with becoming an adult in a small mid-western town, Dianne has to confront family secrets, deception, and discovery during her last year of college. As she cares for her ailing mother, her world begins to unravel and she is challenged to navigate through lies, friendships, love…and murder. Meeting the wrong person makes it possible for her to recognize the right ones and to find the strength she needs to survive. Suddenly realizing that she is responsible for her own destiny, she learns that to say hello to a new life, she must first say goodbye.
This is a family drama that follows a woman’s struggles with her mother’s death, a murder and how she deals with all of this and learns how to say goodbye to all that she has known in her life.
Excerpt
“Do you really want my opinion?” Ken was hesitant to ask after what he’d just said about letting Dianne make her own decisions and choices.
“Yes. It was my intention to talk with you.”
“I’m very happy to hear that. Are you ready for the full story?” Dianne nodded.
“Well…” Ken was trying to choose his words carefully. “First of all, Scott Hickman bought those things for you and grabbed the package to lure you to his property so he could run a scam on you! Dianne, those papers pretty much say that you’re going to pay Michael’s truck payment and that you’re responsible for insurance on the truck. And, if Michael gets into an accident with the truck, lawyers can take every penny you have if the insurance company doesn’t pay up. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but I think I can help if you want me to do so. I’m willing, especially because you need to place all your attention on your mom right now. Did Michael put you up to this?”
“Oh no!” Dianne was shocked at Ken’s words. “That guy, the car lot guy, made it seem like there was no risk. I thought I was just saying how I thought Michael was honest!” Dianne was tired, shaken by this news on top of her mother’s situation. She stared at Ken.
“Like I said, I think I can help. Do you want me to do so?” Ken’s caring was evident. “Please remember from this point, your signature has value! It’s an important part of who you are.”
“Yes, Ken, I need your help. I feel so ashamed.”
“I, too, have been hoodwinked,” Ken said. “That’s how we learn about things like this. I’m just so glad you are willing to let me help. It’s nearly four. The sun will be coming up soon. If you can get rest in that chair, do so. I’m going home to clean up, maybe nap, then talk to the crook. I’ll stop by the house to get the papers.”
“How are you getting back? Didn’t you ride with Doctor Johnson?”
“I called Pastor Dawn when I got the crackers. She was sleeping, but she said she would be here at five to get me.”
“I can’t believe what you both are doing for Mom and me!”
“I think it’s called, ‘paying it forward.’” Ken smiled. “I’ll catch that hug later today. Try to get some rest.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Throughout grammar school and college, Helen Gillespie loved developing story sketches or full stories but kept them hidden within herself. That creative spark proved valuable in unexpected places, first on assignment as a musician in the US Army, and after leaving the Army, when she earned a degree in elementary education. After reentering the Army in 1981, she put pen to paper, or rather, “fingers to an Olivetti.” She officially learned the art of journalism to serve the Army, but it quickly became a personal passion. Interviewing fellow soldiers, exploring their jobs and personalities, and publishing useful information for the military community formed the basis of her skill and enjoyment. Those years of thought, training, education, and experience laid the foundation for crafting her first novel, The Goodbyes.
Social Media
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER
Helen Gillespie will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.
Karen J. Mossman - World of Stories 
Thank you for hosting and featuring Helen Gillespie and THE GOODBYES today.
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