July 2024
Have you ever felt the tug of an untold story, whispering for years in the back of your mind? Last year, I left my 30-year corporate career (including 8 years of full time travel!) to answer that call, plunging into a new life of storytelling. This article chronicles my journey from a burnt-out professional to an impassioned author, bringing to life the harrowing adventures of my grandfather, Bruno, who survived a Siberian work camp during World War II. As I navigated this transformation, my husband and I faced significant challenges and learned to embrace vulnerability and seek support. This isn't just about my journey—it's about the power of family stories, the support of community, and the exhilarating freedom of new beginnings. Join me in exploring how historical lessons can illuminate our present and help us craft better futures. Dive into my world of storytelling and perhaps find the inspiration to embark on your own new chapter.
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Have any readers recently gone through a career change? I’d love to hear about your success and how you overcame any obstacles.
Do you have family with stories to tell? Check out my Writing Service. The Writing Service began out of requests for me to write family stories whether they are published for the public or not.
Last updated 6 months ago
Embracing a New Chapter: From Corporate Life to Storytelling
By Monica Granlove
Last year, I made a life-changing decision to leave my 30-year corporate career. Burnt out and seeking change, my husband and I embarked on a transformative journey. We faced significant decisions regarding health insurance, living expenses, and finding new purpose. A story had been brewing in my mind for years—the true story of my grandparents—so I began writing, uncertain of where it would lead.
My grandfather, Bruno, was captured by the Russians during World War II and sent to a work camp in Siberia. After the war, he embarked on a two-year journey home. I chronicled much of his trek through the Ural Mountains during a week in the North Carolina mountains. My husband, our dog Abby, and I spent hours hiking, and I would write the details of the scenes on my phone as we drove back to the campground. There were many late nights spent bringing to life the harrowing experiences Bruno endured.
It was during this trip that I realized my calling. From then on, I was hooked. When asked about my profession, I proudly responded, “author.” My husband, supportive as ever, researched editors, and together we pondered: Was my writing good enough? Will people be interested in the story?
Working with my editor, I learned to mold the story into a compelling novel. I learned the phases of publishing—developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and designing. It was a lot to absorb, but I was committed to offering my readers something engaging and entertaining.
Today, I remain dedicated, with four novels in various stages of development:
- The Electrician and The Seamstress is set for release on October, 2024.
- The Spy and The Homemaker (based on my husband’s grandparents) is ready for the editor and slated for Spring 2025.
- The Surgeon and the Soldier is also ready for the editor.
- My fourth novel is still a work in progress and unnamed.
Transitioning from a healthcare IT professional to an author of historical fiction was a significant shift. Despite having a Marketing degree, I had not used the knowledge in 30 years. I had to learn about social media, running ads, and gaining followers. I don’t take my readers or followers for granted; they are the lifeblood of my success and I appreciate every one of you and the time you take to read what I wrote. I’ve learned to be upfront about asking for help and to be publicly vulnerable, neither of which come easily to me.
The journey as an author of my own family history has been broadening as other people have come to me to write their family history. I have had the privilege of interviewing so many people willing to share their stories or their family stories. I had no idea that my new career would expand in this way, but I love it! I realize these families have put their trust in me, especially when aspects of their stories are emotional. It is these times that I remember how important my job is to get their story told for future generations.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with family and friends.
- My husband, Axel, created my website and social media platforms, and consulted on The Electrician and The Seamstress. He researched his family history for The Spy and The Homemaker.
- My daughter, Lydia, a graduate of the prestigious North Carolina State University School of Design, helped design the cover for The Electrician and The Seamstress in partnership with Girl Friday Productions. Lydia also created the logo, social media templates, and marketing videos.
- My cousin, Birgitte, contributed as a consultant and designer.
- My mother and aunt provided background information about their parents. Cousins and friends reviewed the novel before its final print.
I am humbled to be surrounded by this supportive community.
This journey has only just begun. It’s about more than writing a novel; it’s about joining existing communities and building new ones. It’s about applying historical lessons to contemporary issues to help us make better choices. Please join me on this journey by following me on social media and registering on my website, MonicaGranlove.com, where you’ll find more articles, recipes, and behind-the-scenes insights.
