When a Story Chooses You
By Jessica Franzini
My path to becoming a writer might be considered an unusual one. I was born and raised in New York and spent my youth as a competitive junior tennis player. I earned a full scholarship to San Diego State University and assumed that I would turn pro after four years of competing on our Division I tennis team. Even though I competed in professional tournaments during my breaks, when it came time to decide which direction to go, I chose to step away from the sport and pursue a Master’s degree in Communications.
My early professional life started in the field of public relations in Los Angeles, then San Diego, and ultimately, all the way to Singapore. There, I worked my way up the ladder of the international human resource consultancy, The Hay Group. Before returning to the states, I was proud to be the Director of Public Relations for Hay’s Southeast Asia Division. Upon my return to San Diego, I accepted the position of Head Writer for a national property development firm. Wanting to start a family and take control of my time, I opened the door to my own writing company, Professional Communications.
For the last decade, my work has focused largely on the publishing world. I guide clients through proposals, queries, and manuscript development, helping them navigate a process that can feel overwhelming. Over the years, I have collaborated with many clients whom I admire and respect. But nothing prepared me for the professional experience I would have with Tim Malone and the writing of Behind the Veil: One Man’s Journey from Opioid Addiction to Spirituality and Beyond.
A Missed Meeting
My first interaction with Tim did not go as planned. He reached out to me about writing his book, and so I scheduled an introductory Zoom meeting as I do with all potential clients. When the time came, however, he didn’t show. I have long believed that if I don’t respect my time, no one else will, so I have a firm rule that I do not reschedule with prospective clients who miss their first meeting. I should say that I had that rule… before Tim.
When Tim followed up with me, he was sincere, very apologetic, and offered a reasonable explanation. Something told me to make an exception. I agreed to a second meeting, not knowing that decision would lead to the most rewarding collaboration of my career.
“Do You Think I’m Crazy?”
During our rescheduled call, Tim told me his story with candor and heart. I listened carefully, remaining quiet. When he finished, he asked, “Do you think I’m crazy?” It wasn’t a rhetorical question; he genuinely wanted to know what I thought of the experiences he had shared.
I told him the truth: not only did I not think he was crazy, but I had spent the previous few years studying the practice of manifestation, and there was a part of me that believed I had manifested him. That wasn’t something I ever said to new clients, but it felt real. And for reasons neither of us fully understood at the time, it was exactly the right thing to say.
That conversation established both openness and trust, the two traits that would define our work together.
Three Days in Louisville
Shortly after that call, Tim flew me to where he lived in Louisville so we could really get to know each other. The visit was essential to understanding his story, and more importantly, his voice. I spent three days with him, listening to the stories behind his experiences and absorbing the context necessary to tell them well. I also had the opportunity to spend time with his wife, Denise, and meet his daughters. Those conversations helped fill in the emotional foundation of the book.
One of the most meaningful parts of my visit was discussing Boo Boo, the dog who had passed away but whose presence remained deeply embedded in Tim’s life. Boo Boo changed the trajectory of his personal path and put him on a spiritual journey. Understanding Boo Boo and the role she played in Tim’s life was vital to understanding him. I recorded all of our conversations and I listened to them often to insure that my writing was a true reflection of Tim’s experience.
The Writing Process: Structure, Interviews, and Accuracy
When I returned home, I spent considerable time analyzing how the book should be structured—how to divide the chapters, the order in which events should appear, and the most effective title. I believe structure is as important as voice; without it, even the strongest story loses clarity.
From there, Tim and I established a consistent routine. We conducted weekly Zoom meetings, during which I interviewed him at length. I recorded and transcribed every conversation. Once I had the transcripts, I organized the information by theme and mapped each section to the appropriate chapter.
I also gave Tim weekly homework in which I asked him to clarify details and answer follow-up questions to our conversations. Despite his busy schedule, he always responded in a timely manner, which made for a really smooth working relationship.
When I gathered enough material for an identified chapter, I drafted it, then revised it multiple times. I edit extensively. Once I was satisfied with a chapter, I sent it to Tim for review to insure accuracy and that I was truly capturing his voice and teachings.
Throughout the process, I read books he recommended and supplemental material I found on my own. Those readings helped me contextualize his experiences more fully and strengthened the intellectual foundation of the manuscript.
Images, Quotes, and Final Assembly
After my writing was complete, we turned our attention to the photographs Tim had captured. His photos became an integral part of the book’s character. Together, we selected images that complemented each chapter’s themes.
I also curated quotes to begin each chapter, quotes that reinforced the message, tone, or insight that followed. These selections were intentional; their purpose was to prepare the reader for the ideas the chapter would explore.
A Collaboration That Redefined My Work
I’ve had many meaningful client relationships, but my collaboration with Tim stands apart. It brought together every skillset I’ve developed—interviewing, structuring, writing, conceptualizing, editing.
What began with a missed meeting became the most gratifying professional experience of my career. I will always be grateful that I made that exception with Tim and took that second call.
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Jessica Franzini has run her writing company for 25 years. For the last decade she has specialized in helping authors pitch their manuscripts to publishing houses and literary agents with her “Query to Contract” package of services. She guarantees her clients the best possible chance in securing a publishing contract. For more information, you can reach Jessica through her website: jessicafranzini.com
There is more to the universe than you know. I have seen it. I have experienced it.
Behind the Veil takes the reader on a journey of life choices; some good, some bad, but all of which lead to enlightenment. It is a spell-binding book that will captivate any reader, no matter what stage of their own personal journey they are at. Plus, there are so many tips, suggestions and advice that we can all benefit from.’ Kathy Crosswell, bestselling co-author of Enlightenment Through Orbs
Successful businessman Tim Malone found himself spiraling into the depths of an opioid addiction that lasted seven years. He had built a staffing empire valued at over $400 million, yet behind this facade of success, Tim’s personal life was unraveling. Entwined in a failing marriage and burdened by the pressure of maintaining his business, Tim turned to opioids to numb his pain. His descent into addiction led to an unexpected romance with Denise, a relationship that ultimately provided him with a second chance at love and happiness. However, it was the unforeseen arrival of Boo Boo, a dog Tim never knew he wanted, that catalyzed his journey to redemption.
Boo Boo’s unconditional love helped Tim confront his demons and rebuild his life. The story reaches a poignant turning point with Boo Boo’s death, an event that not only plunged Tim into profound grief but also opened doors to a new spiritual dimension. Through his experiences with orbs, spirit guides, angels, and so many other mystical entities, Tim found a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the universe, and to Boo Boo.
Behind the Veil is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. It offers both hope and encouragement to those struggling with addiction, and Tim’s story is a beacon of light for anyone who has faced rock bottom. This book also provides an inspirational and sweeping foundation of knowledge for those seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm.
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