Beyond Words picked up my essay, Shimmer for their March 2026, literary magazine. I am gaining traction just when I needed it. I have been struggling with the rewrites to the memoir.
Lately, I’ve been deep in the weeds with rewrites on the memoir, trying to apply all the feedback I’ve received. Every note has been positive, which makes it both better and harder. It’s not about whether I can write — it’s about shaping the story in the best way.
My friend Ariel, the wife of a coworker and a fellow memoirist, has been a big help. Still, I’m wrestling with the same questions every writer faces: What stays? What goes? What’s missing? And where does it all belong?
Gia seems to have left Detroit. She hasn’t shown up anywhere lately. My guess? She went back to Rhode Island to see her family before heading down to Tampa for the winter.
A couple of weeks ago, Max asked me to help him change his oil. Said his car was blowing a cloud of white smoke every time he started it. I told him an oil change wasn’t going to fix that. White smoke means a head gasket problem. He decided to trade it in for a new Ford Maverick instead.k.
Max's mom helped him get the new truck. Honestly, I would not have. It is not teaching him any responsibility; it probably strapped him with a five or six-year car payment.
For those wondering, I will be making an appearance as Willy Wonka for Tinkerbell's Halloween display. My custom is a cross between Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp.
Congrats on the sale. Good luck with the memoir. Yeah, finding good beta readers who can give you decent feedback that is actionable is key. It doesn't work when they don't tell you what you can fix.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a sale. They don't pay, but it does give my work greater exposure.
DeleteCongrats on the magazine! It definitely sounds like you’re on the right track. I’ll be interested to read your memoir once it’s published. I’m slowly working on a project that is part memoir, part essay-style pieces. Though I have no definitive goal at this point, so I only write when I feel it bursting out of me, as opposed to sitting down to work on it consistently.
ReplyDeleteLove the costume!
xx
Keep writing. You have a some good life experiences to draw from.
DeleteGood luck with the rewrites. I like the costume.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I am making process.
DeleteI like the Wonka Costume, glad you'll be doing it on Halloween. Sounds like things are going well with the Writing too.
ReplyDeleteIt should be fun.
DeleteCongratulations on your essay being picked up by Beyond Words—what a well-deserved boost! Wishing you clarity with every rewrite, and I hope the Willy Wonka costume brings a little extra magic to your season!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think it will.
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