Doing the next right thing...
August 20, 2009 We’ve finished the query letter and now, while I finish the proposal, Dad will send out the query to the publishing houses that don’t require a proposal right off the bat and to the agents because all the rest of the publishers have this rule that they won’t even look at you unless you arrive through an agent. We have much to learn. And, so far, we’ve already been rejected twice! I, somehow, find this encouraging. No, really. I received a letter saying they didn’t have a place for our book right now but complimenting the whole idea, encouraging us to continue submitting. That’s not a flat out rejection, right?
I know the right people are out there just waiting for us to arrive. It has been such an interesting road to travel down. It’s like a path has been set with stepping stones far before we set our first foot down on it. And the stones are solidly placed so as not to trip us up. Even when I veered off for a while the side trails always led me back to the main path. I’d find myself throwing my arms up and cursing the thought of someone as insignificant as me having the inflated ego to think I could write a memoir and that anyone would be interested in reading it.
Back in the 1980’s I saw a woman named Pam Oslie. She is a clairvoyant that reads aura’s. She said to me, “You need to write a book. It’s very strong. It’s what you must do.” I shrugged and giggled nervously and asked, “About what?” She said she didn’t know but I would one day. I knew I loved to write but I didn’t have a clue how to begin a book.
Later in the eighties I had my chart done. The lady who read the horoscope said, “You’re going to write a book.” I sat up straight while the chills ran up and down my spine. “What kind of book?” I asked. She said, “I don’t know. It’s just what you’re supposed to do.” I was paying attention to these omens but really didn’t know what it was all about.
Then I met my father in 1995. We shared life stories and by the end of the first day with him I knew that the book had to be about our reunion. But I was still a little hesitant with inexperience and under confidence. I was roller-blading with my good friend, Jennifer, and we ran into a friend of hers not long after I met my father. Jennifer introduced me as her friend with this remarkable story of meeting my father after thirty three years of absence and this woman, a complete stranger to me, put her hands on my shoulders and looked purposefully into my eyes with all the seriousness of a prophet and said, “You have to hear this. You have got to write a book.” I’m not kidding you! Talk about messages and signs and gentle nudges from the universe.
This, on top of the first two experiences, added mortar to the next stepping stone. My father said he had a friend and mentor named Muriel James and she was putting on a very small weekend workshop on publishing; would I like to go? Within a month of meeting my father we traveled to Walnut Creek and shared our story with this group of writers that insisted that we had a journey to share with the world.
With all that said, we’ll keep sending the queries out to the agents and the publishers because that seems like the next right thing to do. We’ll keep talking it up because you never know if that person your talking to may be the next stepping stone on the path. I am so excited. I can barely wait to meet who ever it is.
Hoping and dreaming,
Kathy
Reader Comments (5)
Oh Kathy, this is wonderful! I will be reading!!
Kathy, you are such a great example of putting yourself in the NOT knowing space. "I don't know how it's all going to work out, but I'm just putting one foot in front of the other, and the next step will be revealed."
Ahh, the inside out process.
I am so very enthusiastic and impressed with everything you have done already!! I'm not sure what kind of direction this story takes, but perhaps there are also academic journals that might be interested in your tale . . . . I suppose we always comment from where we are (I feel cloaked in academia right now!). Anyway, keep me updated and keep reminding me about your blog . . .
much love and successes to you!! - cbee
You can do it, go the distance! Afterall, the difficult part is behind you.
You are doing what millions merely say they will do....WRITE A BOOK! I like what I've read so far.
Keeping the faith with you.
Hugs, Judy
Dear Kathy, It would have been nice if those people who said "You have to write a book," "You're going to write a book," etc. had said "You're going to write and publish a book" - maybe it would have felt even more powerful. Well, I believe you're going to publish your book - whatever it takes. All we have to do is see it published - and it is. Love, Joan