Perhaps the only more idiotic and foolhardy thing than your perfect description about choosing to write a book, going ahead and doing it, somehow getting it published, getting it into the hands of people who might actually read it, etc. is writing that book at age 72, as a previously unpublished author. My friends say "Oh, good for you" when I mention it. I say "It's not exactly good for me, but it's what I'm doing now. " Congratulations on your big day, Robyn! 👏📘
Thanks so much, Karen, and kudos to you at tackling all of it at 72. I will say, I’m glad this is happening for me at 51 instead of, say, 24, when I think I would have been quite thoroughly losing my mind. Here’s to the over 50 crowd!
I love that line, “It’s not exactly good for me, but it’s what I’m doing now.” Exactly.
Robyn, As always, your stack is fun and always brings a smile to my face. Just wanted to let you know I have pre ordered you latest book and look forward to reading it. Are you going to be doing a book signing down in Louisville? I would love to get my copy signed.
I need to get back to practicing my water color skills ( or lack thereof), although I have been working on some photogravure intaglio prints....and might sign up for the drawing course at Preston. Wishing the best for the success of your book!
Thanks so much, David! I don't have any Louisville events scheduled yet. I reached out to Carmichaels but they were booked out for the rest of the year, so still looking for a spot.
I'm signed up for a drawing class here in Madison. Very excited about it. Good luck with the class at Preston. I believe the drawing classes are taught by Jeremy Miller, who is a Madisonian! Small world!
Sappy and true is my jam! Thanks for being you! I loved reading about your journey with writing/publishing and it makes me want to read your book all the more. Just need to burn through some library books first....
I remember the first review of my first book and it was by someone I didn't know! Then the first email from a stranger who was now a fan thanking me! for writing the book. Then the first mystery convention that I attended where someone came up to me and said how excited she was to meet her favorite author!!! So here's to lots of Aunt Angies in your future, because they really do make it all worth while!
This is as good a description of the sensation that comes with publishing as I've come across. Here's to barrels, bottles, and to your fabulous new book. Congratulations, Robyn!
I just heard your interview on Weekend Edition. I am one those people who writes fan mail to interesting people and tells them what they believe is a relatable story. There are many like me. You are about to be inundated with far more stories more than you would wish about sex lives. I will spare you mine. Instead, this is about Carolina, daughter of immigrants and my eldest daughter’s best friend. She grew up in scientific environment with a scientific father. Her mother said of her, “Carolina is always up in her room, thinking in her head.” She went off to college to study pre-med. It didn’t work. She did a reset and changed to English which led to a PhD (a different kind of doctor), a tenured professorship, and then a wonderful book of poetry. Thinking too much must be an occupational hazard of writers. I ordered your book.
Thanks so much, Thomas! What a great story. Yes, I think writers might do a bit too much thinking, but if it all works out on the page, I guess it's worth it. Hope you enjoy SEX OF THE MIDWEST!
Great post:-)
Thanks, Barb!
Perhaps the only more idiotic and foolhardy thing than your perfect description about choosing to write a book, going ahead and doing it, somehow getting it published, getting it into the hands of people who might actually read it, etc. is writing that book at age 72, as a previously unpublished author. My friends say "Oh, good for you" when I mention it. I say "It's not exactly good for me, but it's what I'm doing now. " Congratulations on your big day, Robyn! 👏📘
Thanks so much, Karen, and kudos to you at tackling all of it at 72. I will say, I’m glad this is happening for me at 51 instead of, say, 24, when I think I would have been quite thoroughly losing my mind. Here’s to the over 50 crowd!
I love that line, “It’s not exactly good for me, but it’s what I’m doing now.” Exactly.
Robyn, As always, your stack is fun and always brings a smile to my face. Just wanted to let you know I have pre ordered you latest book and look forward to reading it. Are you going to be doing a book signing down in Louisville? I would love to get my copy signed.
I need to get back to practicing my water color skills ( or lack thereof), although I have been working on some photogravure intaglio prints....and might sign up for the drawing course at Preston. Wishing the best for the success of your book!
Thanks so much, David! I don't have any Louisville events scheduled yet. I reached out to Carmichaels but they were booked out for the rest of the year, so still looking for a spot.
I'm signed up for a drawing class here in Madison. Very excited about it. Good luck with the class at Preston. I believe the drawing classes are taught by Jeremy Miller, who is a Madisonian! Small world!
Sappy and true is my jam! Thanks for being you! I loved reading about your journey with writing/publishing and it makes me want to read your book all the more. Just need to burn through some library books first....
Yes, the demands of the to-read pile are real.
Also I love the name of your Substack. I am of the same breed. This infernal brain that won't quit.
Yes, sometimes I wish there was a little door I could open in my head in order to remove my brain and just give me some rest from all the thoughts.
I remember the first review of my first book and it was by someone I didn't know! Then the first email from a stranger who was now a fan thanking me! for writing the book. Then the first mystery convention that I attended where someone came up to me and said how excited she was to meet her favorite author!!! So here's to lots of Aunt Angies in your future, because they really do make it all worth while!
Thanks, Louisa! Those are awesome experiences.
This is as good a description of the sensation that comes with publishing as I've come across. Here's to barrels, bottles, and to your fabulous new book. Congratulations, Robyn!
Thanks, Betsy! Realized there are a lot of metaphors there, but it takes a lot of metaphors to describe the sensation, doesn’t it?
Congratulations on PUB DAY!!
Thanks, Henriette! So exciting! Wish you and Anjali could be here for the big party tonight. I’ll take lots of pics!
I just heard your interview on Weekend Edition. I am one those people who writes fan mail to interesting people and tells them what they believe is a relatable story. There are many like me. You are about to be inundated with far more stories more than you would wish about sex lives. I will spare you mine. Instead, this is about Carolina, daughter of immigrants and my eldest daughter’s best friend. She grew up in scientific environment with a scientific father. Her mother said of her, “Carolina is always up in her room, thinking in her head.” She went off to college to study pre-med. It didn’t work. She did a reset and changed to English which led to a PhD (a different kind of doctor), a tenured professorship, and then a wonderful book of poetry. Thinking too much must be an occupational hazard of writers. I ordered your book.
Thanks so much, Thomas! What a great story. Yes, I think writers might do a bit too much thinking, but if it all works out on the page, I guess it's worth it. Hope you enjoy SEX OF THE MIDWEST!
The book arrived today. Have you been approached about a screen play deal? It would work nicely. (Sorry, I’m not offering. Just hoping someone does.)
Lol, Thomas. I wish you were offering. No, no screen play deals yet. Fingers crossed!
Late to comment on this, but I am so glad *I* made the (shorter) drive to Loudmouth to meet you IRL. What a gift to be a part of this book's launch <3