SOMETIMES THE NEWS is simply too stupid to be ignored. Don’t agree? Did you read what the writer V.S. Naipual said recently about women writers? No? You should. [click to continue…]
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YOUNG ADULT FICTION. When a much-revered artist friend of TSP revealed that as her publication goal for 2011, we cheered, especially since that artist is the incomparable Sloane Tanen (seen above), whose work we simply adore. With that unique wit of hers, this could only go well. And it has. [click to continue…]
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WHEN SISTERS HELP one another we all benefit. This was the feeling I had recently while cruising around, looking for some book promotion advice. I stumbled upon some, and came away with that unique and fabulous feeling I only get when I witness one woman helping out another, and have only to keep the good moving along to help some more. You know that feeling? I know you do. [click to continue…]
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A RECENT STUDENT said simply, “I write to understand myself.” And I loved that. The world would be a better place if we all understood ourselves just the eensiest bit more, don’t you agree? Does it mean that all the people who are writing about themselves should publish? Of course not. In fact, this particular student has no aspirations toward publishing. And good for him. His aspirations delight me, as does his increasing awareness of the life he leads. How about you? Have you got something you’d like to examine about yourself? I bet you do, and that all you need is a little inspiration. Here’s some. [click to continue…]
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I’M IN FOR some necessary change. And you know what? Good for me. I’ve been feeling a little stuffed up recently, and not just in my nose with the ongoing winter in the northeast, but in my life. And necessary change is just what is called for, or so says Sheilaa, our TSP astrologer, whose predictions are always spot on. Have you read what she has to say about you?
I’m an Aries. No surprise, with my red hair and fiery nature. Did you know I write about red hair here? And that fiery nature? Well, I’m a memoirist, and maybe this piece is the very best place to read up on just how hot it can get around here and whose job it is to cool me down.
Sheilaa tells me that my wildest dreams will come true, but only if I do the work. Such a great challenge. Speaking only of my professional life and my wildest dreams, as well as my efforts to achieve those dreams, all this will be given a real outing this year as my book on writing memoir comes out this June, published by Grand Central. And between now and then (and for a good long time after that) you can find me and that book on Twitter (mroachsmith@twitter.com), on Facebook (The Memoir Project), teaching at The Chautauqua Institute as well as at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, and launching a new how-to-write memoir website.
Follow along by watching this space, sisters.
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MY SISTER’S MEMOIR is not mine. My sister’s new drop-out memoir is her own version of a life I know a lot – as well as little – about. Maybe the Chinese have a word for the unique feeling it is to read one’s sister’s memoir. If anyone does, it would be the Chinese, who combined words in ways that allow for the exquisite to meld with the uncomfortable; the peeking that I felt I was doing, to alchemize into an unutterable joy and pride at the generosity of this book, the other version of a life I knew well, and yet not at all. I can say with all honesty that I’ve never felt anything like it. [click to continue…]
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ON THE ROAD. That’s where Margaret will be in the next few months, promoting her fabulous new book, and welcoming spring in her own inimitable way. And you, friends of TSP, are going to get lots of chances to hear her speak, and get some fabulous tips on gardening – and life – when you do. Her first speaking engagement of the season is coming up this weekend, at a fundraiser for the always-marvelous Berkshshire Botanical Garden. But there’s more. [click to continue…]
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WE’RE TALKING SHOPPING here at TSP. After all, it is the holidays. Not that many years ago, I melted down after one too many unforgivably unneeded purchases, and decided that since I am a writer, I should give books as gifts. Period. And now I do. So here is a list of those books I think will make great holiday gifts. [click to continue…]
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A LOADED GUN. It’s not necessarily a phrase you expect from Emily Dickinson. Or is it? Well, if you know about her sister, her sister-in-law, and the woman down the street, you might think differently, especially after reading the new book that aptly uses the firearms phrase in the title. Kaboom: What a family. Or didn’t you know? [click to continue…]
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SISTERS UNDER PRESSURE is always a good place from which to plot a story. After all, with all that history between any set of sisters (you didn’t really think you are the only one who has issues with your sister did you?), it’s a good bet that if you squeeze the pair a bit, some interesting things will happen. They do, in a new novel, and they do it quite well, indeed. [click to continue…]
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