Cathy Marie Buchanan marks anniversary

Cathy Marie Buchanan’s Facebook post this week celebrating the thirteenth anniversary of becoming a published author brought back warm memories for me.

It was during her book signing tour for The Day the Falls Stood Still when she popped into a small local library on an escorted trek around the city. During the author’s impromptu visit, the librarian mentioned my manuscript!

I was at the stage of giving up. Discouraged by query rejections, I was ready to burn the manuscript, convinced I’d never find an agent or publisher. This librarian, who had generously agreed to read my manuscript, felt moved by my novel and must have still been under its spell. Whatever she told the New York Best Selling Author prompted Cathy Buchanan to hand over her phone number with instructions for me to call her. Can you believe it??

Of course I phoned, but not before rushing out to purchase her book. I read it thoroughly and appreciatively, gulped, and dialled her number. During our thirty minute conversation, she offered

Prepping for Eden Mills Writers' Festival

Three years ago I gave as much thought to being a Fringe reader at the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival as I did to having a granddaughter named Sadie Muffin. Sure that’s her name. Just ask her. But I’m thrilled with both roles. The idea of participating in the festival makes me as happy as seeing Sadie’s infectious smile every Nana day.

At first, I panicked about the actual reading. But as I said to my daughter-in-law, it’s only seven minutes. She then pointed out that when I’m standing in front of an audience seven minutes could seem like a long time. Thanks Monika. That aside, I edited my humorous submission to fit the allotted time and my panic about reading is all but gone.

 

I’m more excited and nervous about the chance of meeting some of my fave authors. I’ve been a fan of Cathy Marie Buchanan since her first book, The Day The Falls Stood Still and I wrote a review of The Painted Girls for Quick Brown Fox. Read it here

Also, though I’ve yet to read Ania Szado’s latest Studio Saint-Ex, I have her first novel Beginning of Was. No doubt, I’ll pick up Studio Saint-Ex with the hope of Ania personalizing it.

Then there’s Linwood Barclay. OMG. Thrillers are where it’s at and Barclay is good. I’m a Lee Child/Michael Connolly/Stephen is King type reader and I’ve added Linwood Barclay to the list of read ’em alls.

Actually, right now I’m engrossed in Barclay’s latest, A Tap on the Window. This morning I was reading it. The vacuum hose lay tangled at my feet. Funny how that happened. I’d left the book in plain view right next to my knitting. One glance in that direction and it looked as if the bookmark was inching towards me. Finally, I dropped the beater bar, scrunched my wool and needles aside, and plopped into my chair. The dishwasher was full, the washing machine had a load ready for the dryer, and there I was lost in a good book. What else is new.

So, there’s no time for me to be nervous about my reading. Right now, my focus is on getting some books signed during my two-day dream weekend and saying hello to my favourite authors.

The Write Connection

Peggy, the local librarian phoned me at home.  No, I didn’t have overdue books.  She had something exciting to tell me.  Unbelievably, Cathy Marie Buchanan had dropped into the Bright’s Grove library.  She was at The Book Keeper in Sarnia for a two-day book signing for her successful first novel, The Day The Falls Stood Still, and was touring the area. 

Peggy had just finished reading my manuscript and mentioned me to the Toronto author.  I can’t imagine what possessed her to do that.  When she told me that the writer left her phone number for me to call her, I was flabbergasted. 

Mildly hyperventilating, I dialled the number hoping I would not be tongue-tied when she answered.  I need not have worried.  In no time, we were chatting without reservation.  Cathy understood the frustration of marketing a novel.

Heeding her advice, I made enquiries to libraries and bookstores in search of a writing group.  The person who took my call at The Book Keeper provided me with the phone number of a local prolific writer.  Peggy Fletcher was a name I recognized.  

During our phone conversation, she introduced the group WIT (Writers in Transition).  She asked if I knew Bob McCarthy, a local historian, who had authored several books.  She included published authors Norma West Linder and Hope Morritt as regular members and my throat began to close up.  Although eager, I was nervous at the thought of joining this talented troupe.

Peggy explained the mandate of the group, stressing that it was a casual gathering of writers, and described the regular members as ranging in age from the very young to the very youthful elderly.  Songwriters, poets, and novelists.  She encouraged me to attend. 

At my first weekly WIT meeting in February 2010, the group’s sincere welcome convinced me that I was moving in the right direction.  I had found a passionate community of writers offering support, advice, and camaraderie.  They understood my enthusiasm for all things unreal. 

Bridling my nervousness, I read the opening chapter of my novel.  I could have wept with gratitude.  Finally, I had someone to talk to about my writing.  I looked from one person to the other around the table as they gave their opinion on my work. 

The discussion was lively as they acknowledged my strengths and sensitively called attention to weak areas.  Dialogue! you need more dialogue, they all agreed.  Constructive criticism and genuine interest in my story gave me hope.  I knew from that moment that I would attend every meeting.

When the Eden Mills Writer’s Festival invited one of our members, Debbie Okun Hill, to read her poetry at their event in September, she encouraged me to join her.  Browsing the book tables, mingling with other writers, and listening to their spirited readings was an exhilarating experience.  I admire all writers who have persevered to see their work in print.   

Knowing that my goal is to find a publisher for my novel, my WIT colleagues suggested I introduce short stories to the market as a means of getting recognition.  No, I don’t write short stories, I told them.  My stories span generations.  How could I do that in two or three thousand words?  Short stories, they insisted−you must.  And, so I did. 

I love writing.  Marketing the stories is a challenge.  It takes me longer to market a story than to write one.  I could build an entire village and give birth to twenty-five babies, open an orphanage, and three new churches, in the time it takes me to market one short story. 

Peggy Fletcher noted that no one other than writers care about any of these tribulations, nor do they enjoy listening to ideas for new story lines or plots.  She’s right.  Cathy Marie Buchanan knew the importance of a writer’s group.  She knew I would need their support and encouragement, not to mention their writing expertise, to further my quest.    

Following my pursuit involved stepping outside my comfort zone−this blog being an example.  However, I plan on enjoying this site and I am hoping you will as well.  Watch for a new blog each Monday.

I’d love to hear from you.  If you are unable to post a comment choosing name/Url from comment profile please forward your comments to my email address listed under comments on the right side of this site.  

If you need a laugh, join me next week as I mull over an appropriate way to celebrate a milestone birthday ...The Write Celebration.