“She learned a thing or two about herself in that building,” said Urania.
“Like her place in the pecking order of neighborhood friends?” asked Calliope. “Bottom…,”
“And that she was not a natural with a bowling ball?” asked Thalia.
“And that even if your mom dies, you still get on the bus that takes you to day camp?” asked Calliope.
“And that if you show up, do your job, stay quiet, and don’t make a ruckus…you’ll be the first kid ever to earn the “Best Female Camper” two years in a row?” asked Thalia. “Was that a pity win? Dad felt so proud.”
“As we’ve taught her…everything can be this, everything can be that. She also learned the value of personal responsibility and independence in that building,” said Urania.
“Remember when we read ‘rejection is a myth’ in Keith Harrell’s book? If you ask for something and the answer is ‘no’…you’ve lost nothing. You are in the exact same place you were before the ask,” said Thalia.
“Well…your ego might feel a little bruised…and that’s another thing we’re teaching her…we are not fixed in any way. Living like a flowing river — changing from moment to moment to suit condition — you don’t get bruised,” added Calliope.
“Wish we would have learned THAT in the Community House!” said Urania.
I read a blog the other day about a guy who targeted five big name authors to write blurbs for his book. All five agreed. The blogger was gracious in his asks and generous in sharing his process with other authors.
I’m not really interested in big names.
I am interested in you!
I’ve compiled 26 essays and written an intro to self publish my first book.
If you are interested in reading the manuscript, offering suggestions, and writing a blub…I am grateful.
If not…I’ve lost nothing. :)
Thinking positive…I am setting a limit of first five.
Simply reply with ‘Yes!’ to this email and I’ll send along the document.
Ha-ha-ha! I must have had something important to say. After pecking away at four or five lines, I got my laptop to perform its old disappearing act! Well, not the laptop, but the lines I had just written. Perhaps I hit "Post" inadvertently...
Nonetheless, wearing my reader/proofer/blubber hat (see above) for your manuscript would be an honor. Not so long ago NYT ran an article containing reviews by 25 well-known authors of other writers' works. Brutal is the word I'd use to describe the majority of the reviews. I don't know if those reviewers were encouraged to be so harsh, but I suspect some bruising may have occurred.
Can't wait. No bruising intended.
Yes!