Let’s Celebrate: Norma Beasley

Norma Beasley wrote to us a few weeks ago and shared about her recent memoir success. She also told us how her writing experiences began and evolved. Here is her inspiring story:

My writing journey began in high school when I won a gold Bulova watch for an essay on why I wanted to go to college. It continued as I enrolled in journalism classes and contributed to the Morgantown High School yearbook, Mohigan, and The Monticola, yearbook at West Virginia University, my alma mater.

 

Patricia’s workshops and nine-week writing classes were a godsend. In fact, it was something I hungered for. I thrived in the writing environment.

 

Who knew my journey would take me to a 2019 semi-finalist recognition by Florida Writer’s Association for my memoir, Living Inside Out. Then, in June 2020, Florida Authors and Publishers Association awarded the cover of Living Inside Out a gold medal, which acknowledges design, content, and production excellence.

 

Art and design have been my passion since elementary school when I won a safety poster contest. My poster was entitled “Arms In.” Many years later, I received an MFA degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine such acclaim. It took commitment, perseverance, and work, work, work. Then too, I collaborated with the best in the business. My memoir has filled my dreams and aspirations.

We are so proud of you, Norma! You are an inspiration to us all.