Greensboro writer debuts her new book

By: Terry Rader

Lucy Wellmaker’s first book, “Inspired by the Wow Moments of Life” debuted last month with inspirational quotes from her 13-year-old blog, “My Weekly Wow.” You may be familiar with Wellmaker’s column in the Triad Careers section of the Greensboro News & Record, now running three and a half years long. She has spent most of her career helping people develop both personally and professionally in one way or another.

Wellmaker compared her upcoming book signing to her wedding day; She thinks of it as a time in her life when people of all chapters of her life come together and celebrate her new beginning.

“I actually completed the book in the first year of becoming an empty nester,” she said. “The book had always been there. I had other priorities and responsibilities. I just needed the time to be creative and allow it the space to be born.”

Wellmaker is a Rochester, New York, native and certified life coach of 14 years who received her master’s in counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Wellmaker was named the employee of the month for June as human resource manager at Machine Specialties, Inc., just after her first year of employment, and before that, she served as program director for the Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro for over six years. She was also named “Teacher of the Year” in Guilford County Schools where she spent seven years as a school counselor.

Lucy Wellmaker
Photo by Deirdre McArthur

In the early years of “Weekly Wow Moments,” Wellmaker said she used to think her blog was primarily for women. Now she is learning that others are incorporating her writings into their lives.

“Specifically, I just learned of two gentlemen I work with, including our CFO who is reading my book and taking time to ponder the questions,” she said. “Another coworker used my book in a leadership meeting to talk about mindset I am in a situation that is conducive to broadening my audience. It is helping me to think bigger. I would like to see my book being used in book clubs, coffee shop talks and various group discussions. The entries are short and allow more time for connecting deeper with yourself and others.”

Although changing jobs wasn’t something that Wellmaker had planned for a year ago, someone recognized her talents in a different way. Wellmaker was approached and made an offer to work with a wider range of people of all ages with even more diverse needs.

“At first, I saw myself as more of an educator, counselor and coach,” she said. “Then, I realized that was what human resources was all about and I recognized the opportunity as being right for me.”

Wellmaker said now she feels that she has come full circle in helping others.

“People stop by my office and I share quick snip-its of ways to see things in a different light or I offer some encouragement,” she said. “I refer to it as ‘Laser Life Coaching.'”

Personally, I have known Wellmaker to have a true gift of intuitive insight. She has helped me see new ways to repurpose my talents. It’s refreshing to find a colleague who incorporates heart with the head. Any time you can find someone to shine a little light on your life, accept it and the wellbeing that comes with it. Wellmaker does just that.

Wellmaker said there are not any plans for a second book on the horizon. For now, she will enjoy celebrating her first book.

Lucy Wellmaker’s book cover
Photo by Dawn Mitchell

“It may be bold of me to say, but I believe this has the potential to be like the popular ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series. I have been told I have a gift with words in putting a positive spin on things and I enjoy uplifting others. If someone were to come to me and offer a platform for this possibility, I would be happy to talk with them.”

To purchase Wellmaker’s book, subscribe to her blog at www.lucywellmaker.com.

Wanna go?
On June 28 from 7- 8 p.m., Lucy Wellmaker will be signing copies of her new book at Barnes & Noble (3102 Northline Ave.) at Friendly Shopping Center in Greensboro.