My favorite quote from the entire conference came from Carlos Eire, author of WAITING FOR SNOW IN HAVANA. He was on a panel with another memoirist (who shall remain nameless because her comments were so bizarre that there's simply no nice way to write about it) who had just insinuated that no one but her--and perhaps Carlos, given that he'd won the National Book Award and all--should even attempt to write a memoir, because we're essentially just delusional hacks looking to pad our own egos.
I was mortified. I'd just met a bunch of new writing friends at the conference, and shared how excited/awed/amazed/grateful I was to have a memoir coming out in just a few days. Her comments made me want to crawl under my chair in shame. What if she's right? I thought, panic welling up inside me. Who am I to think that my story matters to anyone but me?
But then Carlos saved the day! "As a historian," he said, "I wish everyone would write a memoir. Imagine what a treasure that would leave for future generations?" He went on to suggest new legislation that would require everyone to have jotted down a few notes about their lives in order to receive social security, which I thought was both hysterical and brilliant.
Yay Carlos!
And I've heard from several (awesome, kind, wonderful) people that HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT is on bookstore shelves and landing on doorsteps from Amazon, eight days ahead of schedule. If you're one of the (awesome, kind, wonderful) folks who buys a copy, I hope you enjoy :)
14 comments:
I think Carlos' idea is brilliant. Really. We lose so much from one generation to the next. What a wonderful way to capture a living history of our country.
it's on my 'to buy' list...awaiting my paycheck on the 1st! :)
Carlos got it right, Trish. And your history is waiting, I begin its journey tonight!
Yay to your book hitting the stores!!!!
So exciting! Are you freaking out? I can't wait to read it!
(And yeah, Carlos is correct. Don't listen to the naysayers!)
I can't wait to read it!
I have my two copies and have already started!!!! I can't put it down, unless I HAVE to because my children have to eat, or need a taxi ride to an event...other than that...I'm absorbed!! I started this afternoon and am already into chapter 8. I'm looking forward to the next few moments I have to get back to reading!!
so proud of you!!!
Ok, let me tell you that I'm not even finished with your book and can already assure you that your story matters. I have no doubt that God will get it into the hands that need to hear it. Mine are two such hands. Your story is exactly what it looks like when you try to pick the perfect guy. But when you finally ask God to pick him for you, THEN it works out much better. I have already sent one copy from Amazon to a friend. I plan to buy multiple copies around here and hand them out to friends here. Because your story really REALLY matters.
Plus you're wikkid pissuh funny. That helps.
Smooches...
had i been there, i would have felt a need to do a ritual west texan hairpullin' on that panelist for you....just saying.
Clearly, I missed an intriguing panel...the nameless writer sounds slightly delusional. :) And I picked up your memoir at my local B&N...there were a couple other copies on the shelf as well. I love that I get the loose leaf AND the hard copy! Cheers my friend!
woo! i got my copy over the weekend (thank you by the way)! hopefully diving into reading it this weekend :)
What a silly woman. What a great response.
Yay for the book being out!
I am 30 pages in and loving it so far.
What a fabulous idea Carlos had, to all write a little about our lives! Also, I just bought your book from Amazon, I can't wait to read it!
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