A New Year…And Losing a Friend
As a writer, you need someone in your back pocket, someone to encourage you, remind you to keep going, even though you have been rejected; even though you are doubting your abilities.
James Wagenvoord was that person for me. A fellow writer, we met as many writers do…at a dinner party. The hostess mentioned that we were both writers, and that began a wonderful friendship. But James was truly an accomplished writer as opposed to me! A New Yorker who had worked for the Time-Life Organization, he had published many books, all still available on Amazon. And being a true writer, he was more than willing to read my work, to meet at Borders Book Store, where we would talk for hours about writing…and he would make suggestions about character and plot development, becoming my amazing friend in so many ways.
MEREDITH PUBLISHING
When we met, we were both living in Des Moines, Iowa. James and his wife had transferred from New York, Linda taking on a major rule as head of Meredith Books. James, with all his successes, was content to watch over their daughter, Julia, and to spend time writing and reading–and slowly becoming my mentor.
When James was asked to oversee a photo shoot in Miami, where the tattoo artists Miami Ink were making it big with a television show, he went willingly. Back in Iowa with video and many notes, he asked me to write the text that would accompany the photos. It was the only writing project we did together, but it was a great opportunity for me. I had already been doing copy editing for Meredith’s decorating and nonfiction books, so I knew the Meredith routine. The book was fun and a success.
But in the publishing world, there are always changes, and eventually James and his family moved back east. We kept in touch by phone, and I flew out once to visit them in Philadelphia. Time passed, I called him a few times and left messages, only to learn just days ago that James died at the end of July. His belief in me and my abilities will always be a wonderful gift. His stories and his enthusiasm about writing are memories I will hold dear.
THE ZAPRUDER FILM
One of the most interesting parts of James’ New York life, was his ability to fly to Texas and procure an early copy of the Zapruder film, immediately after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. James’ interest in the film and all that it might reveal about the identity of the shooter never left him. James was bright, intuitive, kind and funny. I will miss him…he was truly a gift in my life.
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