When I tell people I wrote a book, Alive and Fixable, they look at me funny like I don’t speak English and they have no idea what I’m talking about. “Ah, ok, cool.” And then they look away and bring up the weather or vacation plans. I can understand not knowing what to do with a statement like that since only 1% of all the people who say they want to write a book actually do it. It’s not like we have much practice in responding to a new author like we might meeting a newly minted marathoner or stage singer, something more plausible or relatable.
If I add, “I’m on Amazon,” suddenly the statement, “I wrote a book,” becomes more credible. “Ooooooh!…Hey, how’d ya do that?”
Then there was the opposite crowd, the people who weren’t thinking about Amazon, but believed in me before the book was even finished. They were more anxious for the writer to wrap up the writing than the writer herself. I was super motivated by the encouragement and kept thinking about how to tell a compelling story while pedaling my spin bike or swimming laps.
Now that the book is out, other friends are sending the nicest texts or email messages about how darn proud they are of me for writing a book, sometimes twice! ”Miss Author!” And one response that makes me laugh every time and I don’t have a solid answer, “Who’s going to play you in the movie?”
My excited writer friends can barely stand still next to me because it’s the dream we’ve been chasing, writing class after writing class. It’s as though they want to pinch themselves to believe somebody broke out of the solitary confinement of writing. The virtual hugs and high-fives on facebook pack a loving punch. We know the long and arduous journey it takes to write an essay let alone pages and pages of words that we hope are near perfect and worthy of a book cover.
I got a really big surprise from my neighbor from my teenage years who suddenly showed up on my comment feed for my blog. I used to babysit her kids at 6 AM so she could golf while it was cool in the summer. I recognized her name immediately and got all tingly with her words of how much I remind her of my parents, my witty mom especially, and how proud my parents would be of me too.
My last surviving uncle wrote back to me after I announced I had a book in the annual holiday letter. He’s 97 or 98, we’re not sure. In his best, shaky handwriting, memories of crashing his bike into a skinny tree came flooding back. In just a few words, he wrote about learning to ride and pedaling for ten miles for a hamburger, just above the Nativity scene in his Christmas card, the kind a good Catholic would send. I’m holding on to that card. Even Hubby was deeply touched. POW.
I know I am only getting started, but I can’t help but feel POWerful with pats on the back for just getting the book written.
My next hope, the words inside the book make a more dazzling impact than making it on to Amazon.
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Treasure indeed from Uncle John !
So inspired and motivated by you! And still loving this book…can’t wait for a post-read coffee to bookend our pre-read coffee! Enjoy the ride (pun intended)!
You’er the best Leslie! I would love to do a post-read coffee, clever lady.;-) Let me know when you finish and I’ll pick you upj.
I can’t wait to read it, Francie!
Awww. Thanks Alison! I keep saying this, but the smallest high-five or hey! means a lot. XO
Always love everything you write Francie – your writing is amazing even to a non-native English speaker:)Can’t wait for your book signing party at Papillon (Brenda told me)
I love Brenda! Thanks for your enthusiasm. I’m thrilled I can break through the ESL, 😉
Way to go Francie😘, I need to get my copy so I can start reading.
Your so Lucky to have Uncle John in your life.
Jeanne! Thank you! I really was taken by his lovely story and could imagine how long it took for him to write just a few sentences. I do feel lucky.
I’m reading it now!!!! I had no idea u all went thru that and its an incredible
accomlplishment on so
many fronts! Keep up
the writing Francie u are talented!!!
WOW! Thanks Pam! Your feedback means OODLES!!! That’s exactly the stuff that keeps a writer motivated. XO
So proud of you, Francie! You are definitely in the right 1%! Keep the humorous posts coming!
Thanks Teresa! You are going to be that 1 % club very soon.
So very sweet of him to share his riding story with his author niece; love it!! You are an inspiration, Francie, to your uncle and to all of us. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks Elena. It sure helps to have encouraging words from my followers; means a lot, like my Uncle John’s words.XOXO