Chapter 3
Sarah peered up and through the glass sliding door that led to the balcony outside her apartment, saw the sky had turned a light shade of purple-gray. She arched her neck and caught the time on the wall clock: 5:00 p.m. She would need to leave for work in an hour.
She closed her Joan Morgan book and stretched the numbness from her legs and arms. It had been as brilliant as she’d remembered. Her stomach gave an involuntary clench at the innocent thought. Joan Morgan was a brilliant, multimillion-copy-selling author. And who was she? Sarah Woodward, an unpublished, unheard of nobody. This woman, whom she’d admired for eight years, would soon be her mentor.
“How can I possibly measure up?”
She scrunched her face. The urge to know everything about the author came. Her eyes darted toward the computer on a silver metal desk beside the bookcases. She went to it, turned the computer on, and sat down in the comfortable black leather office chair in front of it.
The computer flickered to life. She clicked on the internet icon and typed her soon-to-be mentor’s name into the search bar. Seconds later, the results flashed up on the screen. She read the first link.
Joan Morgan moved to America from her native England and quickly established herself as one of America’s most popular romance writers. Despite decades of success, the author has announced that her latest novel in the Million Dollar series will also be her last.
In an exclusive phone interview with our magazine, the author confirmed her retirement, saying, “I’ve released an average of three books a year for the past four decades. It’s time for a break. I’m in my sixties now and the long hours have started to take their toll. I don’t bounce back from the late nights the way I used to.”
Although she claimed her long-held interest in European travel as being another motivation behind this decision, die-hard fans will wonder whether the events of the past year were of any influence.
It started with the very public falling out Joan had with Linda Scott-Jackson, the winner of her annual mentoring program for unpublished authors. Linda claimed the writing veteran often behaved like a “diva” by indulging in “ridiculous outbursts” over trivial matters.
Of course, Joan denied these claims and alleged the problems arose because Linda was “fame hungry.” Either way, the usual two-month-long mentorship was canceled after five weeks. Further controversy erupted when Joan’s agent, Mara Jessop, announced that she’d been fired.
Mara told us: “I am still stunned by this decision.” Joan refused to comment on the incident.
It was unknown whether the mentorship would run again this year. However, doubts were put to rest when it was advertised on Joan’s website and announced in several subsequent press releases. Joan’s website further stated over five hundred manuscript entries had been submitted. The winner of this year’s mentorship will be revealed on Friday at the twenty-first annual EWA (Emerging Writers of America) awards in New York.
When asked about the future of the mentorship, Joan confirmed that this is the last year it will be offered.
Joan ended our interview by asserting these decisions had been undertaken with careful consideration: “It was a long and difficult process, but, after some serious reflection and discussion with those closest to me, it was decided retirement would be the best outcome for all involved.”
This news is sure to break the hearts of loyal Joan Morgan fans, though some of this heartbreak may be soothed with the knowledge that her final novel, Million Dollar Lover, is due for release at the end of November. More details will be given closer to the time.
Sarah felt her mouth go dry. The word “diva” wedged in her mind. What would Joan Morgan be like? Would this mentorship give her the skill she wanted or would it end in controversy? Her concerns were pushed aside by the sound of her cell ringing. She jumped from the chair, retrieved her phone, and smiled at the name that flashed on the screen. Amy Benson.
Sarah didn’t get the chance to speak before her best friend’s panicked tone said, “I got your message, Rah Rah. What’s the matter?”
Sarah smiled, “Nothing. In fact, everything is perfect.”
“Why?”
Now there was excitement in Amy’s voice. Sarah laughed at her best friend’s ability to switch between emotions so fast and told her about the mentorship.
Amy gushed, “That’s fantastic.”
Sarah felt her smile deepen, “I’m so excited.”
“Knowing you, I’m guessing you haven’t sorted out the most important thing?”
Sarah paused. What was the most important thing?
Her hand shot to her mouth, “Oh God, the speech, I haven’t even thought about––”
Amy laughed, cutting her off, “I didn’t mean the speech. I meant the dress.”
Sarah grinned, “The dress is the most important thing?”
“Of course. If you’re going to be a famous author, you have to look the part. I’ll head over now and we can hit the mall.”
“I can’t, I have to leave for work soon.”
“Tomorrow then?”
“As long as it’s during the day, I’m working tomorrow night too.”
“The day before you have to leave?” Amy growled, “Is Paul being a prick since the breakup?”
“No. The schedule was made last week before I knew about the win, and I asked to be put on night shifts.”
“Because Paul’s not there then?”
“Exactly.”
“Why is it up to you to avoid him? He should work nights.”
“His job doesn’t really allow for that.”
Being the boss had its perks, including set hours. She frowned at the thought. How stupid had she been to get involved with the boss? Never again.
“But it cuts into your writing time.”
Sarah smiled at the thought that her best friend knew her routine so well. “I can write anytime, I just prefer the night.”
“It’s not––”
“Really, Ames, it’s fine. But thank you for caring so much.”
Amy relented. “Fine. But, if he gives you any more crap, you call me straight away, and I’ll sort him out.”
Sarah smiled, “I bet you will.”
After a pause, her best friend chirped, “Okay, back to shopping . . .” A noise that sounded like the pages of a diary being turned filtered over the line. “I can do tomorrow at lunch, but you’ll have to come to my office. We can go from there.”
“I can do that.”
“I’m going to make sure you look like the superstar you are.”
“Thanks, Ames. What would I do without you?”