Feature article for the Spring edition of Jo Lee Magazine about 'Vessie Flamingo Outshining the Moon' and its author, Jerelyn Craden. Thought-provoking articles by prominent columnists and feature writers from major cities around the world, JO LEE is a compelling platform embracing the 19 to 90+ good, global mind.

JERELYN CRADEN, ACTRA award-winning television writer, actress, singer and author of the new hit novel, ‘Vessie Flamingo Outshining the Moon,’ is alive and well and living in Toronto. Her book’s timely story about self-mastery, love, sibling rivalry, intimate relationships, the Toxic Boss from Hell, and finding the courage to say ‘no’ to what you don’t want in your life, ‘yes’ to what you do, and then creating it, has struck a chord with readers from Thailand to Toronto, Maui to Chicago. Walking the talk of her novel’s heroine, Vessie, Jerelyn talks to us about living authentically and creating the life you love._____________________VESSIE FLAMINGO’S OTHER HALF I will never forget Mrs. Robinson, a rather non-descript fifty-something-year-old psychic, who told me I would be a famous novelist one day. A famous novelist? I was twenty-six years old, a single mother earning my living as an actress/singer in radio and television. Writing novels wasn’t even on my radar screen. When?” I asked. “Later,” she said. “When, later?” “Later, later.”And so it went. I wouldn’t have given it much thought except everything else she told me HAPPENED!“You will dance more than you’ve ever danced before.” Dance? I was a singer! Shazam. Two years later, I was painfully muscle-bound jumping around on the stage of my self-penned musical, “Clowns.” Mrs. Robinson’s words resounded in my head: “A famous novelist …later, later.”Flash forward twenty-five years. I’m living in Los Angeles after a stint as staff Creative Director-Writer at a major global event marketing agency in Dallas, Texas, and realize: I don’t want to do this anymore.What I haven’t told you is that my graced life as a busy voice-over performer and writer of television sitcoms and family adventure series was interrupted by two devastating recessions, the first, in 1983. My income was cut in half. I was sole provider for my son. What was a single mom to do? Enter—the corporate world.Before I knew it, my life was no longer my own. I was working 24/7, creating and writing videos, speeches, trade shows and major events for Blue Chip companies in Canada and the United States. Clients were stressed, colleagues were stressed, my muse threatened to go on strike. I was physically exhausted and prayed for more hair because I was now pulling mine out. Years passed. My son was grown and living on his own. I was still writing for corporations, but wanted desperately to get back to writing a novel I had started about an over-worked jingle writer named, Vessie, who sets out to change her life and live authentically. I knew that in order for this to happen, I would have to change my life. But, now? when I should be safe-guarding my savings? Too late. I had crossed the line. My Inner Child was screaming: Stop doing what you’re doing and write what’s in your heart! I moved back to Toronto, traded my corporate hat for a pair of jeans, and lived like a student, stretching my savings to write the book. Now, I’d like to pose a question. How many of us wait for a dramatic situation to wake us up? To finally pay attention to our inner voice that knows what we truly want and need? What will it take for us to change our lives and live authentically? To take the leap and create a life we want to wake up to every morning, rather than lament: Is that all there is? Three years later, my novel was complete. It was time to make it available to the public the fastest way possible. I decided to self-publish. Four months later, Vessie Flamingo was listed #1 in Metro news’ Top Four Book Picks, and reader response at: www.vessieflamingo.com continues to be incredible. My Inner Child proved to be my best friend and guide. As for Mrs. Robinson’s prophecy, the jury’s still out on the ‘famous’ part; but, this much I know for sure—my Inner Child doesn’t scream at me anymore. In fact, she tells me I’m cool. How about your inner child?Embrace the part of you that longs to shine. Then, watch the magic as you take the leap and learn that you can fly!