I felt awkward about the subterfuge and reminded Bob that I was a proofreader, not a writer.

Arlene Mandell lives in Linville, NC, and is a longstanding artist at the Carlton Gallery in Banner Elk, NC. Abandoning big-city roots to relocate high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains with Captain Dan, triggered a compelling desire to write. Her memoirs are published in Gateways Creative Arts Journal; County Lines Literary Journal; and Personal Story Publishing Project anthologies. Her podcasted memoirs can be heard at randelljones.com/6minutestories. Arlene thanks writing friends Diana, Karen, Cindy, and Carol for unwavering support—and special friend, nonagenarian Emily Rosen for her eye-opening perspective on life!

Arlene Mandell

Despite long, grueling hours when “in production,” and the relentless pressure of deadlines, I relished my proofreading job on a travel magazine in Miami. A highlight for me was listening to the colorful tales of island life our writer brought back to the office.

One morning, on short notice, I was commandeered to pinch-hit for our writer, who was scheduled to depart on a time-sensitive island assignment. I agreed to go out of fear of losing the job, which I could not afford to do. However, I went with mixed feelings: apprehension, knowing that I’d be well outside of my comfort zone; but also curiosity, as it might be an instrument of opportunity.

It all began in Bonaire.
 —Arlene Mandell