So, for the last seven months I’ve been writing a book. A memoir. One day back in the fall, for no good reason I can recall, I was struck with the idea that there was a book in me. A really good book that would make readers laugh and cry and — yes — maybe wince here and there. And since time’s a-wastin’ when you’re 64, I got started that afternoon.
I’ve been a freelancer (on and off) since the early 80s, but I’ve never done anything this serious or extensive … or potentially heartbreaking. Sometimes I read through parts of my manuscript and think “What drivel,” while other times I think it’s got legs. Only time and literary agents who might not “get me” will tell.
Only three friends know about “the book thing” because I have been known to abandon projects with alarming regularity, and I didn’t want to meet an acquaintance in the grocery store sometime in the future, who — just trying to be pleasant — would ask, “So how is your book coming?” and then have to lie or pretend I didn’t hear the question.
So I’m going public. My plan is to post pieces of the memoir (as yet untitled) here, as well as some of my recently published essays that I especially like, and see if I’m hitting any high notes. In the publishing world, this is called creating a platform, a phrase that makes me want to gag, to be honest. Writers are notoriously bad pragmatists. But I’m trying. And Baby Boomers are notoriously bad at putting the microphone down at weddings and karaoke. But I’ve gotten better at that, too. Bear with me.
Kudos to you! I look forward to reading a “piece” at a time! Onward and upward!
LikeLike
An avid reader I love shorts as well
Any chance you woul put all you have ever written in one volume it could be a summer classic
I love the brightness , humor and observation of the pieces I already read
Is they a way to access your archives
George Carley
Class of 70
Former tobay lifeguard
Member of life in the 60’s In Massapequa and loong islnd
Those were the days my friend
Thanks
George
LikeLike
Hi Linda,
I like your blog! I was on Facebook just now and a friend posted one of your pieces about living in Massapequa so it caught my eye. Three things: 1. I love Massapequa, too. My family and I have a store there– Organic Corner. Do you know it? 2. I also knew I had a book in me– a memoir– and seven years later it’s being published. And, I’m having a reading at Organic Corner in May… which leads me to 3. You should come and we should connect! There are no real writing groups on Long Island to speak of and, as you know, while writing is a solitary act, it’s also a sharing act, and it’s nice to have writers to share with. I enjoyed your posts– breezy, humorous, intelligent, my kind of genre. You will get that book out, for sure. Come down and say hello if you can. Here’s the info: http://www.heathersiegel.net Just click under “events.”
Warmly,
Heather
LikeLike