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They Did It! You Can Too!
By Denis Ledoux
Writing a memoir is such a long-term project. I'm aware that many of you reading this feel your writing project is endless. And yet, believe me! there will come a time when the project will actually be done and your memoir is ready for its public.
Over the years, I've worked with many people at various stages of their writing. After our work together is completed, it is always such a pleasure to receive their news and to learn that the manuscript they worked on with me has gone out successfully into the world to bring pleasure and connection to its authors.
The following are three reports from past clients whose memoirs are resolutely making their way in the world. I offer these stories to you to encourage you in your writing.
1. When Peg Kennedy of San Ramon, California, was notified that her manuscript Approaching Neverland, a gripping story of the coming of age of an optimist saddled with a dysfunctional family, was selected as an award finalist at the San Francisco Writers Conference, she was understandably elated. She figured the finalist designation would help her to place her book with a publisher. Imagine her joy when the following week she learned she had won first place in the non-fiction category!
The day after the winners were announced, she reports having spoken with ten agents in what was called "Speed Dating with Agents." She had three minutes with 10 different hard-nosed professionals to pitch her book. She was persuasive enough to convince several of them to ask to see the manuscript.
We wish Peg Kennedy the best as she continues to place her book in the world.
2. A few months after Mary Ellen Elwell of Solomons, Maryland, signed up for the Advanced Turning Memories Into Memoirs® workshop in May of 2004, she learned that the program had not garnered a sufficient enrollment and had to be canceled. Not to be deterred in getting help for her writing, she rolled her tuition over to coaching. In the next three years, she wrote and rewrote With No Extraordinary Power, the story of her life first as a clinical social worker and then as a Ph. D., academic who played a significant role nationally in credentializing BA social work programs in the US.
Mary Ellen's story is that of a woman who combined it all--home, family, career. She was a pioneer in many ways, doing it all not in the 90s but in the 50s!
In the fall of 2007, the book was independently published.
She recently learned that the second chapter of her memoir had been chosen to inclusion in an anthology of writing from women to be published by a local college. She will read from it in the spring at an evening presentation of the selections.
She writes, "Just want you to know that whenever people say good things about my book, I send a little message of thanks to you in my heart. I never could have grown to be the writer I became without your help.'"
3. On December 3, the West Virginia State Library Commissioner approved Sylvester Myers' memoir, From Coal Fields to Oil Fields and Beyond, for distribution to every public library in the State of West Virginia. Sy, who is from Freeman, West Virginia, accepted an invitation from the Commissioner to visit public libraries in 10 cities throughout the state for speaking engagements and book-signings.
But the good news doesn't end there. A documentary film about Sy's life achievements is being produced by Southwest Virginia Community College. Sy and his wife Janice are working to include the eventual documentary for distribution not only in West Virginia but in other states as well.
"We anticipate a very busy 2008," writes Janice Myers, "and will keep you informed."
Let the successful completion of these three projects be a stimulus for you to persevere.
copyright 2008 © Soleil Lifestory Network
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