Archive for the ‘First Time Writer Stuff’ Category
Going “outside my comfort zone”
One of my favorite book bloggers, George Murray at Bookninja, was recently on a local radio show, talking about phrases that drove him crazy. I didn’t phone in, but if I had, I would have mentioned “going outside your comfort zone.” I had someone say this to me recently, in relation to Lonely, as in, ‘Wow, publishing a book about loneliness–that’s really going outside your comfort zone, isn’t it?”
Now, for me, going outside my comfort zone involves wearing high heels, or having to host a dinner party for eight. Publishing a first-person account of a long-term, highly personal problem has nothing to do with my comfort zone. I’m so far “outside” of it, it might as well be on a different planet. It’s exceptionally strange to start seeing media about me, my life, and my family. I know that I invited a lot of this by writing the book, but it’s still discomfiting to see (and hear) strangers talking about me, and diagnosing me — telling me that I take things too seriously, or that everything is the result of divorce, or that I’m really just depressed.
Don’t get me wrong. I’d much rather have the media than not, but it’s not easy, and it’s not anything I’m used to. I can only hope it will get easier in time.
Nice review of Lonely from out east
A nice review of Lonely has been posted in the Telegraph Journal. I like it when a reporter or reviewer really seems to understand what motivated me. Am looking forward to seeing what other folks have to say about the book.
Best part of media tour was talking to other lonely people
Just back from a short media tour through Nova Scotia, and the absolute best part for me was a radio phone-in with other lonely people.
I’d told the host, when we were chatting before the show, that I wasn’t sure if anyone would phone in. “They’ll call,” he said calmly, and…he was right!
Several people called in to talk about their loneliness, and I found these calls greatly rewarding. It brought me back to the research days of writing LONELY, when I was often on the phone with lonely people, talking about the state. It felt really great to be doing this in a studio, knowing that discussion of loneliness was slowly making the transition from the private to the public realm.
So, if you phoned in to talk to me in Nova Scotia — thank you!
Pre-publication nerves
I really should be blogging about the study on loneliness and pets that was posted on the Psychology Today blog, but am distracted because book comes out in mere days. I’ve already had journalists calling to ask about my loneliness–the conversations are odd, I can tell you–and am soon off to Halifax to talk about the book more fully.
To deal with distraction, I am doing all sorts of things that I basically criticize in LONELY. I have just read–cover to cover–an entire issue of Star Magazine, and found myself absolutely fascinated with Susan Doyle’s love life. I’m also watching back-to-back episodes of Glee, and quietly singing along to the soft rock tunes.
I’d love to say that I’m meditating, or thinking deeply about past successes and setbacks, but really I’m preoccupied with minor issues, such as whether all my clothes will fit in my carry-on.
Will write more about talking about loneliness soon. I think it’s the oddity of the experience that’s driving me to distraction. It’s strange to have people asking about a subject that’s so rarely named! (And don’t write to tell me how season one of Glee turns out…I’m waiting for the DVD).
Lonely selected for Discover Great New Writers Program
I’m delighted to announce that LONELY has been selected for Barnes & Noble’s Discover Great New Writers Program. The Program selects what it sees as the strongest debuts of the season, and selections are based on literary merit alone. LONELY will be featured in the program from April to August, 2010. Many thanks to the fine folks at Barnes & Noble for helping to draw attention to loneliness.
It’s happened…I’m Twittering
I suppose I couldn’t put off the 21st century for very much longer. If you’re on Twitter, connect with me at lonelythebook. After writing a long book, I’m finding these 140 word posts very curious. That being said, Twitter lets me follow some of my favourite organizations, like the Dian Fossey Foundation, and get hourly info on mountain gorillas — and this is a good thing.
My first interview!
Just had my first interview — with Macleans magazine. Problem: cat was pacing back and forth across my desk throughout most important part of the call, and I couldn’t get her out of the way! (Keep this in mind when thinking about getting a pet to end your loneliness!) The interviewer was great, and friendly, and enthusiastic about LONELY, but it was very difficult and strange to be talking about the book as…well, as something that’s out there in the world. This must be what it feels like to send a child off to college!