25 Comments
User's avatar
Vincent O'Keefe's avatar

Paused and re-read her lines that "acclaim and rejection are illusions. There is no best. There is only preference." Great advice to help writers persevere through all those inevitable rejections among the achievements. Either way, just keep writing and good things tend to happen, eventually.

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

100%

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

Happy writing, Vincent!

Expand full comment
Francesca's avatar

this interview / questionnaire has hit me strongly on so many levels. Thank you, Christine. And thank you, Sari.

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

<3

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

Thank YOU, Francesca!

Expand full comment
Peter Moore's avatar

Among all of the other triumphs here, Christine hit the jackpot with the cover-art and design for her book. Images and words belong together!

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

Yes. (Except it’s Christine! My error. Which I’ve fixed on the online version.)

Expand full comment
Peter Moore's avatar

Spotted that and made the correction. Ooops! Only give other writers credit for my stuff when I send in a bad one, OK?

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

😂

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

Sometimes, we get lucky :)

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

😂

Expand full comment
Sandra Austin Mello's avatar

I’m in awe of Kalafus’ energy! She’s a wave I want to surf! Ordering Flood now. Thanks, Sari!

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

Wow! Thank you, Sandra :)

Expand full comment
Simone Senisin's avatar

Thank you, l thoroughly enjoyed reading about this writing journey 🙏

Expand full comment
Reem Faruqi's avatar

Love this interview and can't wait to read her book. Your interviews are my favorites!

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Irwin Epstein's avatar

Christine— it is not magic or illusion. It is intentional. You are intentional. An artist who sews strong stories and makes her own life. Own it. Nothing else will do.

Expand full comment
Irwin Epstein's avatar

Thank you Christine, but I was a terrible failure at publicizing my memoir, “Men as Friends”.

“Check it out. It’s meant for men but women like it too!”

That’s my elevator pitch. Pretty pathetic. And I didn’t want to do self-promotional interviews—my wife was dying when it came out. I’m glad I wrote it though. It kept me focused early mornings while she slept. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

I'm hiring you as my publicist, Irwin. :)

Expand full comment
Hannah Sward's avatar

Love the Memoir Land questionaire. Every interview i read so valuable.

“Acclaim & rejection are illusions”

Expand full comment
Sari Botton's avatar

Aww, thank you. <3

Expand full comment
Susan Marcus's avatar

Thank you, Christine, for being so vulnerable and honest. You're a wonderful role model for women, parents and writers. Thank you, Sari, for sharing Christine's courageous story with us.

Expand full comment
Christine Kalafus's avatar

I am seriously touched. Blushing, actually. XO

Expand full comment
Jay's avatar

For a bad first draft writer what about a friend -editor ? Rather than letting it lie for three days ?

Expand full comment