Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Pezzimenti.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is rather a long one, as I’ve accumulated nearly seven decades! I grew up in Jacksonville & graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School. After marriage, my husband and I traveled the world with the US Army and reared eight children. Most of that time, we were a homeschool family. I love children! In addition, I’m passionate about illustration and writing. “Mr. MacBoggle’s Little Bird” finally allowed me to combine my interests.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It would be challenging to have always traveled a smooth path at my age. But with the support of my family and my God, there is always strength and assurance to weather any storm. Medical issues have been problematic over the years. I’m a cancer survivor with an emphasis on survivorship!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been an avid reader and admirer of classic illustration since childhood. I have a BFA and minored in English literature. Raising our large family (and there is a twenty-year age difference between my oldest child and the youngest) kept me busy for quite some time. But as all of my children have flown the proverbial nest, I’ve found the time to dedicate my efforts to promoting an entertaining and inspirational children’s chapter book. “Mr. MacBoggle’s Little Bird” has been a long time in the making, but I’ve found a great publishing team at Off Beat Reads to get my work up and running. I’ve also had the pleasure of illustrating another work concerning autism awareness entitled “My Brother, Lucas” by Naomi Moeller. I won’t speak to anything that “sets me apart” from others. I consider myself fairly ordinary. I ardently desire to see this world’s children thrive and face their futures with clarity and confidence. My book will contribute, at least in part, to fulfilling that desire.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking is essential to personal growth. Taking center stage is challenging, but that’s part and parcel of the publishing side of writing and illustrating. I’m somewhat introverted, like most authors. I believe in what I’m doing. That’s the bottom line. I understand from experience that unexpected outcomes are painful, but they’re never the end of the story.
Contact Info:
- Website: rmpezzimenti.com
- Instagram: r.m.pezzimenti
- Facebook: R. M. Pezzimenti
- Youtube: R. M. Pezzimenti
Image Credits
Jordan Pezzimenti-Waltmann
