‘Always a writer,’ Weems gets published with ‘Safe Haven: Where Hope Lives’
“I’m a writer (now), not a teacher,” Weems said. “I decided to branch out. I’ve always been a writer, but I never thought I would get published.”
Before moving to the Village two years ago, she was a third-grade teacher for 25 years until she retired in June 2023.
“We were looking for a place to retire,” where there was sunshine and opportunities to stay involved, Weems said.
While in Michigan, however, she also volunteered at a farm animal sanctuary, which cared for animals that were abused, neglected and abandoned.
“I would take care of the animals between making sure they had food and water and cleaning after them, but mostly bonding with them, so just spending time with them,” Weems said, noting some of the animals had come from bad situations “so they didn’t trust humans; but the more time you spend with them, they more they warm up to you.
“It helped restore my faith in humanity,” she added about her work at the sanctuary. “To me, it’s a place of healing. It’s not only a place for animals to heal but also for humans to heal.”
So, when she moved to Tellico Village, she sought out similar animal sanctuaries in Tennessee.
That volunteer service also served as an inspiration for her book.
“It’s about faith,” she said, noting it is not necessarily the faith that is religious but “faith in yourself.”
And, “it’s about hope, especially for farm animals,” she added.
The book relates the story of a little girl, Bri (short for Gabriella), who was born prematurely and had a special gift in which she can bond with animals. Weems wrote the story as narrated by the child’s father.
Written under her pen name, Elizabeth Stiles, Weems’ middle and maiden name, Weems said the book depicts how animals have emotions, like humans, and she wanted people to realize that.
“People don’t realize (animals have those same emotions as humans),” she added.
Weems started the book 12 years ago, and while it had not taken long to get an ending to the book, she realized it was not done.
“I had the idea, but I didn’t have the craft,” she said.
She took classes for two years and worked with a mentor.
“It was 10 years before I would publish it in January 2025,” Weems said. “I felt like it was time.
“I’m very passionate and excited about getting (the message of her book) out for people to read it,” she added.
Weems also has had support from family, friends, fellow teachers and parents of the students she taught.
After some research and learning she would lose some editorial control of the book with traditional publishing companies, she decided to self-publish it — and she could get out the book in a shorter time.
“I’m working on a sequel now,” Weems said.
“Safe Haven” is available on Amazon for $15 and on e-book for $4.99. It also is available at fairs and festivals.
