Being a mom to her children is one of Vesna’s greatest joys in life. When they were young she loved photographing them – her books, Notes To My Son, and Notes To My Daughter, contain a small number of her favorite photographs from those days. She says her children are her greatest inspiration for all things good!

Vesna feels forever grateful to find that people from all walks of life, young and old, are finding inspiration in her writing. In addition, she has been able to donate a portion of book sales to organizations dealing with world hunger and child trafficking. Her motto is, “It matters. You matter. Live a life that matters.”

Although Vesna never studied writing formally in post secondary school, in a certain sense she has always been a writer. Among her circle of friends she is best known for her propensity to write letters and long cards to mark the moments that matter in the lives of those close to her heart. Ironically, her first book, Notes To My Son, was initially meant to be just a letter to her son to be tucked into a card!

Vesna Bailey was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia and came to Canada as a child. She now lives in Leamington, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and their three children - when they are not away at school, or working summer jobs across the country! As a family they enjoy sailing and traveling, and spending time together doing anything. Vesna holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, and a M.A. degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. She had a private practice in Speech-Language Pathology for 22 years before embarking on a writing career.

Notes To My Son was published in 2007, and Vesna’s second book, Notes To My Daughter, was published in 2008. They have both won Bronze Medals in the Independent Publisher Book Award competition, and both books placed in "the Top Five" in the New Title Release Showcase at the 2008 London, England Book Expo. In addition, Notes To My Son won 1st Place in the 2008 Writer's Digest Self-Publishing Competition. Currently Vesna is working on her first novel as well as gathering Notes for two more books in the Gift Book series.

 

Author Interview

What inspired you to write Notes To My Son ?

About three or four weeks before my eldest child, Stephen, would be leaving home to go away to school, I got a piercing vivid image of the packed car and began realizing that in a sense he would be leaving home forever, and in a sense leaving his childhood behind. A new chapter of his life was dawning. Like a surging tide, a feeling came over me that was calling me to take one last opportunity to re-visit everything I had ever tried to teach him and instill in him ... things that really matter and count in life – things that would ensure a full and happy life. My intent was to validate and celebrate the person he had become, and to inspire in him a remarkable passion for life founded on solid values, choices, and attitudes.

What inspired you to write Notes To My Daughter?

Notes To My Daughter is dedicated to both of my daughters, Lauren and Karyn. Lauren was the first one of the two to leave home for university and that is when I wrote Notes To My Daughter. My motives for writing down my thoughts for my daughters were the same as for my son – to provide guidance and inspiration for choosing for themselves a life that proves to be joyful, meaningful, and purposeful – and as I say in the book, to chase an uncommon happiness.

How is Notes To My Daughter different from Notes To My Son?

Notes To My Daughter includes most of the general content of Notes To My Son, however, I added and expanded on content that I felt girls would connect to. My heart opened up in a language that a daughter would understand. The writing itself is perhaps somewhat more ‘poetic’ and whimsical at times – I have no problem with fairy tales and believing in happy endings!

What are some of the key concepts that weave throughout the books?

Every book has a message. If I had to put it into as few words as possible, it would be to live a happy and full life through being kind, generous, genuine, honest, passionate, optimistic, fair, aware, informed, participatory, productive, and creative; to believe in the goodness of life and to reflect in oneself the best of humanity, and to look for the best of humanity in the world around us. To believe in oneself and to live by our own convictions is I think imperative to achieving meaning, purpose, and fulfillment along the ever changing course of our individual journeys.

So many people cry when they read the books. Are the books sad?

Absolutely not. I think people get emotional over the thought of their children leaving home, or they miss their children and the content stirs tender memories tucked away deep within our hearts – this is such a universal reality for most of us and it is validating to see it reflected. In reality, the books are very uplifting and inspiring. They are a celebration of our children and their own journey ahead. Although the books inherently speak to the love we feel for our children, they do not dwell on their departure into adulthood with anything but an uplifting calmness, encouragement, and joy.

Where does the ‘wisdom’ in the books come from?

the message is so raw and heartfelt, timeless, and universal, and that is why it is so powerful in stirring the emotions that it does in almost everyone.

Did you write the books with the intent to publish them?

No. The first book, Notes To My Son, was written as a personal communication to my son. It was only after friends and family convinced me to share my message with the world at large that I decided to make it public. Their main ‘argument’ was that the heartfelt notes I wrote were things that all moms would say to their children, and the book would provide a voice, and an opportunity, for so many people to touch each other’s lives.

Naturally, I always knew I would be writing a book for my daughters as well, but I wasn’t sure if I would, or should publish it. The fact that people were expecting it, stores were even starting waiting lists for when the book comes out, concerned me. I wanted to ensure that my writing was coming from a genuine place in my heart and was not being forced in a sense. I was very conscious of making this distinction for myself and I made a decision to write only when I was inspired to write from a truly private and heartfelt perspective. That is why Notes To My Daughter took five months to write, as opposed to only three weeks for Notes To My Son!

Did you study writing in school?

No. I have no formal training in creative writing, but in a way I have been a secret keeper of the pen all my life. I have always enjoyed reading, and growing up, books were important in our home. Looking back, I always did well in writing in school – research papers, essays, some creative writing, etc. Perhaps the most telling thing would be that I have always been a prolific letter writer. I have a habit of writing long letters to my children and close friends whenever there is a milestone to be celebrated, etc.– in that way, the books are a natural extension of that.

How did your children react to the books?

They love them and they are very proud of them. The biggest compliment I got was when my daughter, Karyn, called home from school one day and explained how she was trying to think of a nice way to mount an excerpt from the book for display on her residence room wall. Lauren is proud to give the books to some of her friends as gifts. An incident with Stephen and a new friend he had made was amusing. Apparently, in time somehow his new friend and her mom made the connection that it was Stephen’s mom that wrote “that book”. Apparently the mom was astonished and said, “No way! I love that book - she’s my hero!” He appreciates the book for what it is, and he is very proud at moments like that.

What kind of a response are you getting to the books from readers?

I am humbled that people from all walks of life seem to be connecting to the message in the books. Store owners repeatedly report that the books fly off their shelves and they find their customers feel a strong emotional pull as soon as they start perusing through the pages. I believe the message is so raw and heartfelt, timeless, and universal, and that is why it is so powerful in stirring the emotions that it does in almost everyone.

Who is buying the books and why?

Although men and women of all ages buy the books, it is predominantly mothers that are buying the books. The age of their children does not seem to matter – the range is from mothers of toddlers to mothers of adult children.

The books are generally purchased as a gift item for a full range of gift giving occasions. We anticipated it would be gifted for occasions marking a departure from home and school Graduations, but people are also buying them for weddings, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, friendship, encouragement, Christmas, and Just Because. In addition, even people without children are relating to the inspiring and uplifting general message and buying it just for themselves.

Are you surprised that many people keep the book on their coffee tables?

Yes and no. I definitely didn’t anticipate that. In retrospect, it is very flattering but it doesn’t surprise me. The books have a very elegant and polished design and they are I think a wonderful marriage of beautiful, heart stirring black and white photography and lightly paced notes throughout the pages. They are books that you can open up to almost any page and find a moment of inspiration. The books are appealing, tender and uplifting, and that is a good thing to keep in sight in any home.

Where does the photography in the books come from?

About 20% of the photography is my own and the remainder is purchased professional photography. I loved photographing my children when they were young and it’s wonderful for me that I was able to use some of the photographs in such a special context. A few photographs were given to me by close friends as well, and I am grateful for their generosity.

Are you planning to write more books?

Store retailers tell me that readers are always asking if I will be writing any more books in the series, like Notes To My Granddaughter, Notes to My Mother, etc. Since the books have been published I have not had a lot of time to focus on new writing in the series, but recently I’ve become inspired to explore ways of gathering material for a book like Notes To My Granddaughter, Grandson, etc. Even though I don’t have grandchildren yet, I think it would be amazing to take the authentic sentiments and experiences of grandparents and translate them into a beautiful book.

I have also started doing research for a novel outline that I am absolutely excited about. That is a journey with many unknowns for me, but I always thought I would write a novel one day – Notes To My Son, and Notes To My Daughter came by first, as a wonderful ‘accident’!

Where can readers find your books?

They are available for purchase directly from my website. In addition they are available online from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters.Indigo and many other online book and gift stores in North America as well as Internationally. Many independently owned retail gift stores in North America also carry the books in their stores.

What is Project “Call Home”?

In 2008 I had donated a total of 350 copies of Notes To My Son (Notes To My Daughter was not published yet), to schools across Ontario, Canada. It was a pilot project to explore using the book in the 8th Grade classrooms as a forum for discussion as students prepare for their transition to High School. That is when they are reflecting on their past and making plans for their next future years.

What was the inspiration for Project “Call Home”?

As I reflected on the nature of the continuing feedback I was receiving about the book I began to realize how powerful the message in Notes To My Son is, and that it had the potential to make a positive, permanent impact on young lives on a huge scale – when a child feels self-empowered there is no limit to their ability to reach their potential. At its conception my intent was to target schools in socio-economic areas where a high number of children may not be receiving the guidance and support at ideal levels.

Why is the project called “Call Home”?

Those two words, Call home. are found on the last page of both books. Very early on, particularly at book signings, I noted that people felt an immediate connection to those two words – everyone smiles and comments on the inherent sentiment. It is a good concept: it is the last thing we tend to say when parting with our children; it encompasses a a feeling of security, safety, belonging, connection, and an invitation or yearning to return home. The words are mutually comforting and grounding for both children and parents. It seemed fitting to use that concept as a foundation for this particular initiative.

What kind of feedback did you receive from the teachers and students.

Many school teachers and principals e-mailed me to commend the project. Their comments included saying the project was fantastic, powerful, and very appropriate for their students, etc. Lynn Holland, an 8th Grade teacher said, “You definitely changed the lives of several students.” She also sent me excerpts of student journal entries which totally surpassed even my hopes and expectations. I was amazed to see how much the students were able to grasp from the Notes, and how motivated and inspired they were to make good choices for themselves.

What do you envision in the future for Project “Call Home”?

I am thoroughly convinced that teachers as a whole have an amazing window of opportunity to expose multifaceted tools for empowering young lives. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to dedicate enough time to this initiative over the last two years. When the books achieve a certain level of exposure nationally I hope to re-visit this initiative again. In the meantime, I know many of the original schools have continued to use the books as a self-empowering tool for their students, and I hope many more teachers will be inspired to use the book in their classrooms in this way as they learn of the books and Project “Call Home.”

Who is launching Call Home Day?

Our company, OMNI Publishing, publishers of the books, Notes To My Son Before Your Go and Notes to My Daughter Before You Go, is launching Call Home Day..

When is Call Home Day?

The first ever launch of Call Home Day was on March 3, 2010. In the future, we will be celebrating Call Home Day in the month of October, date to be announced. That is about a month after students have left home for College, and for those who are away from home for other reasons, it is about the time of year when everyone is settling into a new year following summer vacations, etc. – a good time to ground ourselves and touch base with those at home.

What inspired you to launch a Call Home Day?

Scientists and psychologists both agree that a sense of connectedness and having strong family ties is crucial to our sense of well being and happiness. We are living at a time when it is getting to be more and more challenging for families to stay connected due to a globalized economy, greater mobility, divorce, overworking, overscheduling, and deployment. The words “Call home” allude to caring, a sense of belonging and safety – highlighting a special day to celebrate something that speaks to such fundamental family values seems like a very worthwhile endeavor!

How do the books tie in with Call Home Day?

The last page on each of the books contains only two words, they read, “Call home”, and those words somehow became part of my signature at Book Signings. I noticed that readers have a remarkable and powerful reaction to these two words – they seem to grab everyone’s heart and summon emotions that speak to the most profound connections we feel in our lives - love for our family. Over time I became inspired to create an opportunity to celebrate something so wonderful on the world stage, and perhaps give people a nudge to take the time to connect with those we love.

In addition, a vision and a dream was borne. With making the books “the face of Call Home Day,” our goal is to use proceeds from book sales in connection with Call Home Day to support a needs based Education Fund. We are passionate about education, and about making a positive difference in the world!

What was the reaction to the first ever launch of Call Home Day?

For the first year we focused our energies at the local community level. The support was tremendous. The general public offered smiles and very positive comments. The city mayor was in full support and signed a proclamation without hesitation. Local business embraced the celebration through activities such as: putting out signage in front of their places of business – for example, a florist placed a sign reading, “Call home - Say It With Flowers!”; restaurants served Call Home Day coffees; Call Home Day drinks; the community centre invited Miss Leamington to co-host a book signing, etc.

Did OMNI Publishing do anything specific to celebrate the launch of the first ever Call Home Day?

OMNI Publishing chose to honor the Windsor Essex Big Brothers Big Sisters Association. Teen aged children associated with the program received an autographed gift copy of the books. This was an ideal situation as the teens were already paired with an adult who would be able to work through the book with them, and perhaps be instrumental in helping the children get the most from the inspiring message in the books. We felt it was an extraordinary opportunity for all things good.

What can ordinary people do to help promote Call Home Day?

Second, they can help us spread the word – tell at least one other friend, co-worker, or family member that October 3rd is Call Home Day!

They could purchase a copy of Notes To My Son Before You Go, or Notes To My Daughter Before You Go. OMNI Publishing donates a portion of the proceeds to organizations addressing world hunger and child trafficking. In time we envision instituting an Education Scholarship Fund specifically associated with Call Home Day.