April 7, 2016 Hello ,
Confession.... March was too much for me.
With traveling, speaking, preparing for more traveling and speaking, running a prize giveaway, remodeling our bathroom, plus writing (which is supposed to be the main job around here) I am feeling fried.
Maybe it wouldn't have been too
much if I hadn't gotten that email from my editor. That email I'd been waiting for. The one that would say, "Gosh, Mary, you did a great job on that manuscript and we're sending it right over to copy-editing.
You may remember I'm working on a story about African American women serving in the
Women's Army Corps during WWII. I thought I had the story wrapped up.
But sometimes working alone on a topic for months, you lose your objectivity, which is one reason editors are so important. What the e-mail actually contained, was a suggestion from my editor that I double the word count, make this a more in-depth story for a bit older
audience.
It took me about a week to come around, to move from the idea that I was finished with the manuscript to the reality that I have a lot more work to do. That's really hard for us humans. We get an idea in our head that we think is right and it can be awfully painful to change it.
But I eventually I realized my editor is right, as he usually is. So, it's back to work. The book will be better for it. And once I got my mind to change direction, I became energized and excited about the project.
It's times like this
that a writer thinks about her readers. What will serve the reader? Sometimes you change the story to serve the readers. Sometimes you decide the story is better suited to a different reader. But it always comes back to the reader.
At the end of this difficult month, I'm extremely grateful to you, my readers. Your support means more than you know.
Huge thanks to all who
entered my Women's History Month Giveaway! Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word. The giveaway is over and the prizes are in the mail.
A warm welcome to new subscribers! And a reminder to everyone, you can always check the archive to see past stories you may have missed. It's accessible to subscribers here...archive.aweber.com/mcf-newsletter
And now some thoughts after last week's feature article:
One subscriber wrote: I have not yet found the courage to dissent
with my family. To which I say, sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. Any comment?
Karen wrote: Mary, thank you for this. I was feeling a little down this morning and after reading your interview and listening to Ruth argue before the supreme court in 1972 I was refreshed and hopeful again. I ordered 3 books, one for myself and another two
for friends. I also pre-ordered Chelsea Clinton’s book.
Thanks, Karen, for alerting me to the fact that on author Debbie Levy's website you can listen to Ruth Bader Ginsburg argue before the Supreme Court as a young law
professor in 1972. Here's the link to Frontiero v. Richardson, a case looking at sex discrimination in the U.S. Armed Forces’ methods of paying men and
women personnel. Professor Ginsbugh speaks at 00:17:25.
Anne writes: Yes, I struggle, especially since November, in dealing with people I disagree with. . . and I am aware how self-righteous I can sound. .
.
It is the [families I work with] that teach me to listen. The majority of them are very strong republicans and freely share their thoughts with me. It is a great venue to practice very intentional LISTENING.
Also helping me through the month, some fabulous authors who took time for interviews. If you missed those, check them
out Kate Moore and Deby Levy Next week look for Author Deborah Kops talking about her new biography and the courage of suffragist Alice Paul.
In addition to Hidden Figures, I read Rise of the Rocket Girls and The Glass Universe: How
the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars this winter.
Each of those also tells the unsung story of women working in the math and science fields, opening doors into these male dominated fields and making major contributions of which few of us have heard.
It's great to see
so many of these stories being adapted for young people. Young people (especially girls) need these examples that show gender and ethnicity need not limit what you want to achieve. Thanks LeeAnn! Subscriber Marguerite is one of those lovely people who is never too old for a good picture book. She wrote to recommend We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro Leagues by Kadir
Nelson.
It's one of those extraordinary picture books labeled "J" in the library that would be enjoyed by many adults. It's not just a history of the Negro Leagues, but a history of race relations in 20th century America, and a story of perseverance and courage in the face of prejudice and physical hardship.
Players were insulted, underpaid, and
refused entry into hotels and restaurants, yet they carried on, playing a game they loved. Somehow, they managed to keep their spirits alive as they traveled from town to town and game to game. Nelson's extraordinary oil painting illustrations almost put you in the grandstand, adding another dimension to the experience of reading this remarkable book. Thank you, Marguerite, I love this book to.
Until next week, Have you read a great book? Tell me about it. Have a burning question? Let me know. If you know someone who might enjoy my newsletter or books, please forward this
e-mail. I will never spam you or sell your email address, you can unsubscribe below anytime with a single mouse click. To find out more about my books, how I help students, teacher and librarians, visit my website at www.MaryCronkFarrell.com. My best, Mary
Questions? Comments? Contact me at MaryCronkFarrell@gmail.com. Click here to subscribe to this
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