Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
He had the feeling Celine would be extremely impressed with Azelie’s talent. He felt Zelie needed to hear others she respected praise her work. Azelie had grown up without compliments. No one told her she was doing a good job. No one gave her gifts or experiences. She fought hard for everything she had. She needed to know how others saw her. He wanted that for her. He loved her shyness, but he wanted her to have self-esteem, to see herself the way others around her saw her.
“You have another session with this author, and I think it’s important. I have every intention of spending the night with you, Zelie. We’ll have plenty of time for you to show your appreciation.” He kissed the tip of her nose, giving her a reassuring grin when her expression told him part of her felt rejected. He had to remind himself she was as new to a relationship as he was, and she expected rejection just as he always expected betrayal. “I’m looking forward to it, Solnyshkuh. I want you to have every moment possible with Celine and get whatever it is you think is pertinent for your work.”
Azelie nodded and reluctantly unwrapped herself from him. He was just as reluctant to let her go, his hands sliding over her as she stepped back. He held out his hand, and when she took it, he led her back to their table, where her pack and tablet were. Others were already moving to their places and pulling out their work in anticipation of the next hour and a half with the legendary author.
When they’d first arrived, Azelie was required to choose three pages of her work to send to Celine James to read. The other aspiring writers had already done so, and Celine had read their work and come prepared with her critiques.
The master class had been closed until Maestro offered enough money and used his voice shamelessly when pleading his case. Fortunately, the woman in charge was a romantic. She was also very susceptible to his voice. The money helped as well. When Celine was contacted, she agreed to allow one more writer into the class and said she could read Azelie’s three pages on her break.
Each person received feedback on their story. Maestro found the entire process interesting. The various writers worked in different genres, and yet the feedback Celine gave each was encouraging and seemed to him to be spot-on. She took her time going over each writer’s entry, talking to them, appearing to be interested and focused and genuinely giving them tips and helpful guidance.
Maestro found himself respecting the woman. She had knowledge of her craft and shared it willingly. She was careful to be encouraging. He was good at body language and the least nuance of a voice. He could tell when Celine didn’t feel a particular writer was very good. She gave them the same attention as the ones she was excited about. He admired her for her ability to find positive things to say while giving them helpful tips to improve their skills.
He was holding his breath when Celine focused her attention on Azelie. After each writer had been critiqued, they gathered their belongings and exited the building so the event planners could begin to break everything down to prepare for the following day’s business. That meant that since Azelie was the last to be critiqued, she had the author to herself.
Azelie admitted to Celine she had previously had three books published and a contract for a fourth. The books were still selling well, and her sales had increased, but not significantly. She hadn’t really done much social media or marketing on her own. The publishing house hadn’t done much marketing on her behalf either.
Maestro found it interesting that most of Celine James’ conversation with Azelie centered around marketing and the publishing business rather than writing technique. She praised Azelie’s work and seemed quite taken with her. Azelie was animated, laughing and at times very engrossed in the things Celine told her.
It was clear to Maestro that her writing was extremely important to her. She might be getting a degree in accounting, but the creative writing classes she was taking were where her passion truly lay.
She was excited and happy, but the moment they got in the car and were headed back to her apartment, she went quiet on him.
“Babe, tell me what’s going on in your head.”
Her gaze touched his and slid away. “It’s just that you’re so amazing, Andrii. I don’t know what I have to give you in return for everything you always seem to be doing for me. I don’t want a one-sided relationship. I’m bringing a man like my boss into your life. You need to worry about him finding out about us before I can safely get away from him. That puts your life in danger.”