Currently on year 3 of writing my first book, a memoir about my experiences in dating and faith, and wondering if I’ll ever cross that finish line. This line inspired me: “Memoir writing is hard work that takes an emotional toll on you. It’s important work that shouldn’t be published before it’s fully ready. Take your time to get it right, and to pace yourself, emotionally.” ❤️
ha, i had to do a double-take and then actually laughed out loud in delight when i realized you were answering your own questionnaire! good for you, and the bathroom selfie is most charming. (also i really enjoyed your book.)
Love that you’re the featured author. Thanks for the great advice and recommendations (via nods to other luminaries). And special thanks for emboldening us to write about our most challenging experiences, come what may.
This was so lovely to read, Sari. Thanking both interviewer and interviewee! And some great tips. I love the "gnarly vomit draft." I need this for my posts about local drinking water issues, as most of the key players on all sides are also subscribers!
I have been writing my vomit draft for about 20 years. I am chicken to get it published - not that it will hurt anyone, as most everyone involved is dead - on the contrary, I think it might help some women who experienced unknown infertility, whether it was them or their spouse. And since I'm having a hard time finishing it, I'm going to do what you did and just get it out of my body onto paper.
Great post- thank you. I’d be happy to take a new author portrait of you! No charge- no strings- just my way of being able to contribute to support the awesome work you do!
I‘m in Red Hook. I’m happy to travel to you or nearby location of your choice. I go “across the bridge” at least twice a week! We met at Rough Draft /Elissa A author talk. That’s actually a good location! I’m not a pro- photographer but I think I’m an admirable portrait photographer!
I work M-F, 9-5 so anytime after that or Saturdays mid-day. Email or call is best for me: jessicabard@gmail.com
Yes, I have been toying with the idea of a memoir in essays, perhaps punctuated by poems? Born in writing for, and reading on this platform. Thank you.
Thank you for this story in itself. And how many people find their “true selves” early in life? Is it even possible? Now that you’re here are you ready to sing? You can do it. Get out there and do it. 🤗IE
What's the point in launching a substack if you can't interview yourself? I hope that fictional painter wasn't mad at you.
One of the nice things about publishing with a tiny press is that I’m pretty sure the fictional painter doesn’t know about the book!
And even if the painter was pissed, their response would fictional, which is less stinging than if they ripped you a new one on Facebook.
Currently on year 3 of writing my first book, a memoir about my experiences in dating and faith, and wondering if I’ll ever cross that finish line. This line inspired me: “Memoir writing is hard work that takes an emotional toll on you. It’s important work that shouldn’t be published before it’s fully ready. Take your time to get it right, and to pace yourself, emotionally.” ❤️
Amen to that! I'm in my tenth year!
💕
Ahhh! Love reading your answers to these questions, Sari.
Glad you featured you!!
And may you find the time for more writing. So hard but so necessary. 💕
Thanks, Holly!
ha, i had to do a double-take and then actually laughed out loud in delight when i realized you were answering your own questionnaire! good for you, and the bathroom selfie is most charming. (also i really enjoyed your book.)
Thank you, Chin-Sun!! Means a lot to me. 💝
Love that you’re the featured author. Thanks for the great advice and recommendations (via nods to other luminaries). And special thanks for emboldening us to write about our most challenging experiences, come what may.
Thanks for these kind words, Michelle! <3
I’ve been writing personal essays but have been wondering if they are really memoir. Now I know it doesn’t matter.! Thank you
Happy to help!
Thank you for writing and sharing! I totally relate to the urge to publish but being chicken!
<3
Yay! An Oldster anthology!!!!!
This was so lovely to read, Sari. Thanking both interviewer and interviewee! And some great tips. I love the "gnarly vomit draft." I need this for my posts about local drinking water issues, as most of the key players on all sides are also subscribers!
Thanks, John!!
I have been writing my vomit draft for about 20 years. I am chicken to get it published - not that it will hurt anyone, as most everyone involved is dead - on the contrary, I think it might help some women who experienced unknown infertility, whether it was them or their spouse. And since I'm having a hard time finishing it, I'm going to do what you did and just get it out of my body onto paper.
Do it!!
I love the term “vomit draft” and the process it describes is super useful
Great post- thank you. I’d be happy to take a new author portrait of you! No charge- no strings- just my way of being able to contribute to support the awesome work you do!
I‘m in Red Hook. I’m happy to travel to you or nearby location of your choice. I go “across the bridge” at least twice a week! We met at Rough Draft /Elissa A author talk. That’s actually a good location! I’m not a pro- photographer but I think I’m an admirable portrait photographer!
I work M-F, 9-5 so anytime after that or Saturdays mid-day. Email or call is best for me: jessicabard@gmail.com
845-518-4288
IG: @jessicatylerbard
I’ll drop you a line! Thank you.
That’s such a kind offer, Jessica! Where are you based? Glad you enjoyed the post.
Thank you for the advice re the emotion in, and of, memoir writing — and the rest of it. 🙏
Glad if it was useful!!
Yes, I have been toying with the idea of a memoir in essays, perhaps punctuated by poems? Born in writing for, and reading on this platform. Thank you.
Happy 100th, Sari! I absolutely loved this!
Thank you, Iris!! <3
Thank you for this story in itself. And how many people find their “true selves” early in life? Is it even possible? Now that you’re here are you ready to sing? You can do it. Get out there and do it. 🤗IE
I think I’m gonna do it, Irwin! 🎤 Thank you.
Doan tinkaboudit. Do it. Go girl!🎤
Anthology!! I’m staying tuned!
<3