My own (gathering dust) memoir manuscript is akin to yours, exploring how to navigate a reality in which I’m surrounded by people with severe mental illness, including my repeatedly suicidal toxic mother and (not-toxic) brother. I keep trying to think of ways to revise it so it’s “less depressing” and therefore maybe more appealing. I also keep searching for what can make it more of a “hybrid” story.
Congrats on getting the book published - because it’s such a hard topic to “sell,” which is even more reason to celebrate its existence in the world, even if underwhelming.
Just here letting you know that it is very refreshing to hear someone speak honestly about the brutality of publishing! The humiliation of hope! The shame of wanting something and not getting it!!!! It's all so galling!!!!! I'm grateful to you, for writing, for being open. For keeping on!
I'm so glad to see you back on Substack. I'm a lapsed 'stacker myself, and am comforted knowing its there when I need it. And so are my readers. And so are yours.
I say this as someone who didn't buy/preorder your book as my current budget is shall we say, stretched, but did look for it as a library book and was disappointed not to find it. I don't share that to add to your pain and frustration, but to assure you there are more potential readers out there.
I want to read it.
As a publishing professional, I know it's also small comfort to know that so, so, SO many other authors, most authors, are in your boat. It's very, very, VERY hard for books to break out. It happens so rarely.
I wish you continued peace and comfort, and the deep knowledge and knowing that your work, vulnerability and talent matter very much.
It makes me angry to hear that your memoir isn't getting the recognition it deserves. I can't help but think it must be because people just don't know about it.
And of course you're depressed. That fucking sucks. I don't think anyone, especially those reading your book, would expect you to be happy for publicity's sake.
Consider this a vote for more essays about whatever you want to write about. Here for it.
I just checked your book out from our library :-)
My own (gathering dust) memoir manuscript is akin to yours, exploring how to navigate a reality in which I’m surrounded by people with severe mental illness, including my repeatedly suicidal toxic mother and (not-toxic) brother. I keep trying to think of ways to revise it so it’s “less depressing” and therefore maybe more appealing. I also keep searching for what can make it more of a “hybrid” story.
Congrats on getting the book published - because it’s such a hard topic to “sell,” which is even more reason to celebrate its existence in the world, even if underwhelming.
I asked the Chapel Hill Public Library to stock your book and just heard back from them that they did.
Just here letting you know that it is very refreshing to hear someone speak honestly about the brutality of publishing! The humiliation of hope! The shame of wanting something and not getting it!!!! It's all so galling!!!!! I'm grateful to you, for writing, for being open. For keeping on!
I'm so glad to see you back on Substack. I'm a lapsed 'stacker myself, and am comforted knowing its there when I need it. And so are my readers. And so are yours.
I say this as someone who didn't buy/preorder your book as my current budget is shall we say, stretched, but did look for it as a library book and was disappointed not to find it. I don't share that to add to your pain and frustration, but to assure you there are more potential readers out there.
I want to read it.
As a publishing professional, I know it's also small comfort to know that so, so, SO many other authors, most authors, are in your boat. It's very, very, VERY hard for books to break out. It happens so rarely.
I wish you continued peace and comfort, and the deep knowledge and knowing that your work, vulnerability and talent matter very much.
It makes me angry to hear that your memoir isn't getting the recognition it deserves. I can't help but think it must be because people just don't know about it.
And of course you're depressed. That fucking sucks. I don't think anyone, especially those reading your book, would expect you to be happy for publicity's sake.
Ooooh, an excuse to come out to Ridgewood! Calendar marked; will do my best to be there.
Looking forward to reading your book!