Introduce Yourself : Late start, early enthusiasm. by Karlyle Tomms

I published my first novel at he ripe old age of 59 after over 35 years in the mental health, and additions treatment fields. I had previously written a blog style monthly feature article for "Recovery Times" magazine from 1994-1997, and had several articles, over the years, in various newspapers and other professional papers. As well, I have been a selected speaker for multiple professional and community events over the years.

My first novel, started in 2006, had actually been intended as a joke, and was initially written just for fun, except the protagonist kept insisting on telling her story. "Confessions from the Pumpkin Patch", once finished, was endorsed by several literature and film professionals including Marideth Sisco who worked with the Oscar nominated film, "Winter's Bone" starring Jennifer Lawrence. It also won the 2016 New Apple Awards medal for general fiction.

I have just finished my second novel, "The Calling", in what is now the "Soul Encounters" series, and we are waiting for the sign off on the final edit before publishing. In addition to my novel series, I have multiple ideas for films and television series, and I hope to find producers who are ready to hear my pitch.

While I am waiting for a chance to pitch more ideas, I am in process of educating myself about the film industry, and about screenwriting. It is my hope that writing will be my retirement career. I have now devoted 40+ years as a treatment professional to helping those with addictions and mental illness in the process of recovery. When I retire in a few short years, I hope to be able to take my passion as a creative, and turn that into an exciting second career. Since I will already be retired from my first career, any money that I might make as a creative will simply be icing on the cake. However, since I love to write and create, and I have always been full of ideas, everything will be icing. I have never been able to not create, and ideas have always pestered me. So, I am looking forward to having a lot more time to devote to my creativity.

I look forward to making friends and connections in the film industry, and, who knows, I might even what to piddle with voice overs or acting if I get the chance. Move over Jessica Tandy, this old fart is looking to bloom late!

Whoever responds to this, good to meet you, and BLESSINGS!

Karlyle Tomms

www.karlyletomms.com