Blind Christian Counselor Now Published Memoir Author
by Staff
July 7, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC, (christiansunite.com) -- Professional counselor Carmella Broome, blind since birth, recently celebrated the release of her first book. "Carmella's Quest: Taking on College Sight Unseen" chronicles the author's first year at North Greenville, a small Christian college in upstate SC. The book is published by Red Letter Press.In this straight-forward memoir, Carmella describes efforts to adjust to college life and academics, friendships and romantic relationships, and the challenges of being the only visually impaired student on campus.
Carmella, who works at a Christian counseling center in Lexington SC, says this book has been a work in progress since 1995. "I started it right after my freshman year at NGC," she says. "This book is a great example of the Biblical idea of seed, time, and harvest."
Carmella worked on her book while completing academic and professional goals, including earning a degree from Columbia Bible College and graduate school at the University of South Carolina. "I had to obtain initial counseling licensure and find my first job," she says. "Once my career was on solid footing, I was ready to get back to the book."
In 2007, Carmella heard about Red Letter press run by USC writing instructor and author Bob Lamb. "I contacted Bob and he liked the book," Carmella says. "We began working together, along with several talented design and editing people. 'Carmella's Quest' was finally released in February of this year."
Carmella stays busy introducing her new book to as many potential readers as possible. She is also working to make the book available in recorded formats for those unable to read print. "Carmella's Quest" is not just for those with vision problems, though, according to the author.
"There's something for everyone in this book," she says. "I talk about life's successes and disappointments, relationships, goals, emotions, and other universal themes. Everyone from teenage girls to senior citizens have read it and connected with my story. Its Christian but in no way preachy and is just an honest easy-to-read book."
Wherever she goes to promote "Carmella's Quest," her guide dog, a yellow Labrador named Maggie, will be by Carmella's side. "She's very cute," Carmella says, "I'm sure she'll convince at least a few people to buy a book."
"Carmella's Quest" is available on Amazon.com and from Red Letter Press. Carmella Broome can be contacted by visiting CarmellasQuest.LiveJournal.com.
