Books Are Better Shared

I felt absolutely spoiled attending a Books Are Better Shared event this past weekend. Not only did I glean from renowned authors, I also met a kindred spirit at the book event.

During his opening speech, James Mustich, author of 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die, shared that “a good book is the opposite of a selfie” in that books help us to better understand the world around us.

Casey Gerald and Lisa Brennan-Jobs discussed memoir writing on a morning “personal perspective” panel. Gerald explained his approach while detailing his friend’s story in his book. He felt it was imperative to consider capturing his story as a sacred text, to “use a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.” Brennan-Jobs said that she “needed fixed bones to hang her lyricism on.” It was thrilling to hear other authors explain why they do what they do. And how they go about it. I chatted with Brennan-Jobs at lunch about the complexity of writing memoir, in which she revealed how she didn’t really want to write a memoir, she was doing everything to avoid it.

The afternoon “social perspective” panel featured more acclaimed authors. Stephen Markley said that while writing his novel, Ohio, from four unique perspectives, he “wanted to imbue into each character all the humanity people give to you.” James Frey, author of A Million Little Pieces, and his latest, Katerina, stated that he wanted to write a book people could lose themselves in. I could relate one hundred percent when he told the audience he aimed to write books he wished other people would write, books that make him feel. Shobha Rao, author of Girls Burn Brighter, touched upon something that also resonated with me. She said, “As I’m writing, the only responsibility I feel is to myself. Once the book is public, Rao explained how there’s a shift and at that point the book now enters a public conversation.

I told a woman I saw in the hall (it was the restroom, actually) that my brain felt happy.

I go at this writing thing for hours every day. It’s a solitary task. To be around such esteemed and well-spoken authors who are also committed to going hard at the craft was a thrill to say the least. The combination of smartly prepared panel discussions, potential for author interactions, the appreciation and celebration of book clubs and book club reads, and finally meeting a new book friend made this event a complete win.

I’m going again next year and I even signed up to volunteer. Because talking books and being around people who enjoy discussing books has a way of invigorating me like little else can.

*Be back Oct. 29th

Story Ideas & the Toy Vending Machine

You know when you wrap up at the dentist and the hygienist offers you a shot at the itty bitty vending-type machine, and you get a little excited wondering what you’ll get? This process similar to what it’s like coming up with story ideas for me.

Ideas bombard me at any given moment. I keep a notebook by my bed, in my car, and on various counters of my house. Because they sneak attack—ideas do. And every time I weigh the validity of a story idea it feels like selecting something out of a toy vending machine. I’ve gotten better at figuring out which are the best toys to get.

Some days I end up with . . .

A bouncy ball

You think this is a good one at first. Mildly entertaining. Fun to zing up to the ceiling. It responds to your exertion. All good, right? But there comes a day when the bouncy ball is quarantined under a sofa and gets coated with so much dust it’s difficult to see what it ever was in the first place.

Silly string

Yay. It’s fun. It’s entertaining. For about two seconds, then it’s a mess.

A stuffed animal

This one is tricky because it likes to fool you. Look at me, I’m so cute. You can cuddle me and love me. Until I end up in the back of your closet because my weird eyebrows and overly stuffed stomach freak you out at night. Stuffed animals seems like such an ideal grab at first, but they’re quickly neglected. Especially the vending machine variety because they’re made cheap, prone to ripping easily and destined to bore.

A plastic slinky

Another initial cheer when an idea like this strikes. I take notes. I think I’ve got a good thing going, but have you ever tried a plastic slinky? They have the power of Eeyore before a nap. And they readily twist up. Not writer’s gold, the plastic slinky. Better to slink it back.

Fake teeth

I have a thing against chewed gum. And fake teeth. And anything that has the potential to collect saliva. Fake teeth also seem intriguing at first. Try ’em on. Have a laugh with them. Then what? They sit in some drawer gathering germs, forgotten.

It’s not until Silly Putty falls into my hands that I know I’ve got a real thing going.

Silly Putty

More like writer idea gold. When a concept like this sparks, I trust it’s transferred from something that’s left a great impression on me, such a lasting impression it leaves a stamp on me. (Think Silly Putty and a newspaper.) Then, and here’s the coolest thing, with an idea like this, I know I’m able to smash it up, bend it, and contort it into an entirely different shape—that impression. And if you’re like my kids were when they were little, you smack Silly Putty and leave it smashed onto your forehead for as long as humanly possible. And I don’t think I know a writer alive who doesn’t want people to have their stories smashed on their foreheads. Silly Putty is the holy grail of toy vending machine grabs. It’s the idea maker and giver all in one.

Authors, always root for the Silly Putty to fall into your hands.

*Blogging break. Be back on April 9^th.

Cheers to Invaluable Author Friends

The publishing industry is madness. The highs and lows. Struggles with self-doubt. Elation after completing a project or receiving an offer. Talk about a wild world. Embarking upon a writing career means you’re bound to encounter sky high victories and Grand Canyon moments of discouragement. The publishing industry is madness, but it’s a madness I fully embrace.

This said, there are few things that I’ve found to be as motivating and bolstering as my author friends. They get the journey. I’ve been blessed with some of the most genuine, thoughtful, and encouraging author friends out there.

This post is for you—a thank you. Because I don’t forget. You’ve left a lasting impression on me. You’ve helped me to stay the course.

Cheers to you!

Now, back to my WIP.

I Want You to Meet Amy Matayo

Know what I enjoy? Connecting with other authors online & finding ways to promote them. Today I’m

introducing someone I want you to know more about.

Amy Matayo

Doesn’t she have an infectious smile? Her book, TheWedding Game released recently, so check it out. (Excellent reviews!)

Asking Amy a few questions:

Wendy:  What has surprised you most since you’ve released your book?

Amy:  The support and encouragement I've received from so many people. I don't know why--I guess I just thought I would release a book into the world and then just kinda sit here and hope someone would notice it. But so many people have gone above and beyond to make the book visible--readers, bloggers, reviewers. It's been humbling and fun.

Wendy:   What is your all-time favorite book & why?

Amy:  Two books, actually, and they're extremely different. First, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. The story is beautiful--a vivid description of what it really means to selflessly love another person. Second, The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. The story is sweet and true to life, but the writing is phenomenal. The strong writing gets me every time I read it. 

Wendy:   If you could have lived during any other time period then now, what era would you choose? Why?

Amy:  The twenties. I think I would have enjoyed being a flapper. Any earlier and I would've been forced to ride on a horse/buggy. I would NOT have enjoyed that. 

Wendy:   Give us a house tour. What are your decorating tastes? What do your kitchen counters look like? Coffee table or no coffee table?

Amy:  Decorating tastes are random--a little bit of everything. I do seem to like the colors brown, red, and green. Those colors are everywhere, and entirely mostly on accident. Kitchen counters--almost always clean. I can't function with a dirty kitchen. I can, however, seem to function when every other room is dirty. For some reason that doesn't bother me. Yes, a coffee table. Without one, I would know where to put my feet.

Wendy:   What is one of the most encouraging things you could hear right now?

Amy:  Above all, for someone to say I made a difference in their lives. A distant second, that someone liked my book.

Thanks Amy! I wish you great success with your writing career & I love that we’ve connected online! To read Amy’s interview with me click here.

More about Amy

Amy Matayo has a degree in Journalism from John Brown University. She worked for seven years as Senior Writer and Editor at DaySpring Cards until the birth of her first child. Amy was a freelance writer for David C. Cook before pursuing novel writing full-time—focusing on edgy, humorous books for women of all ages. She lives with her husband and four children in Arkansas. Please visit her online at www.amymatayo.com