Janet Nitsick's "Seasons of the Soul"

Title: Seasons of the Soul
Publisher: Tate Publishing and Enterprises

Cover blurb: "'Help!' said the eyes of my husband, Paul, as he stared glassy-eyed at me. He was submerged in the deep end of the hotel's swimming pool. Quickly, I swam over to him ... to pull my oldest autistic son, Brad, off of him. ..." This begins one personal story presented in Seasons of the Soul, a 20-short-story collection written by Janet Syas Nitsick. Change is a fact of life, and that change is experienced through each person's own seasonal, spiritual journey. Janet and Paul's spiritual walk includes two autistic sons. Seasons of the Soul, an inspirational book ... will make readers laugh, smile, cry and know God heals the hurting soul.

1. How did this story come to you?
"Autistic Sons Brings Struggles, Joy," a personal story detailing the trials and blessings of having two different autistic sons, and "This Day will Always be Special," describes my oldest autistic son's low-key graduation ceremony, both were published in a newspaper where I worked as a journalist. I was granted permission to run these highly-praised articles in my book. Other stories, such as my youngest autistic son running out of the plane before we took off for Boston, show how autistics react in stressful situations and highlights the small joys they bring into our lives. The book with its faith stories and personal accounts is similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
My reporter background provided me with good writing skills and gave me a leg up with the manuscript's professional appearance. This, I believe, helped secure it getting read and published not too long after its submission.

3) Tell me three things about you that would surprise your readers.
(1)My story, "The Silver Lining," placed 10th in the Writer's Digest short story competition in the mainstream/literary category last year. You can read this moving story by visiting my Web site: www.JanetSyasNitsick.com.
(2)You are the product of your environment, and this is the same for me. I am the daughter of late Nebraska State Sen. George Syas. He served in the Unicameral for 26 years and was distinguished in his knowledge of the state's constitution, fought for educational issues and was an advocate for conservation, game and wildlife. He became dean of the legislature. However, he was an average Joe. When the legislature did not meet from January through April or May, he was a machinist at the Union Pacific Railroad.
(3)I inherited my father's love of politics and am a political junky. I take a break from it on weekends but return to reading and listening to the news during my daily writing activity.

4.What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I finished my first novel, Sustaining Love: A Time Remembered, and this early-twentieth romance is scheduled for release the winter of 2012. The novel, in its early form, won honorable mention in the 2008 Writers Dream Contest. Now, I am writing an e-book, a prelude to Sustaining Love.

5) Parting comments?
Do not stop persevering toward your goals, find a critique group and take their advice.

6. Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.janetsyasnitsick.com/, JanNitsick on Twitter, Janet Nitsick on Facebook, Smashwords or visit my monthly blog: http://janetsinnerramblings.blogspot.com/2011/05/networking-scams.html