Sunday, February 8, 2009

Continuing

I am continuing to make the model of Elation. I am also sending out my Marceau memoir to publish and I'm working on extending it into a book, possibly titled "The Education of a Mime".

The New Yorker was interested in my memoir piece which I sent them online. They actually read it and responded, and adjusted their policy, telling me by email that it was rare for them to accept an unsolicited manuscript, but if I felt the larger piece was strong that they would read it and comment. So, I sent it and held my breath.

They responded by telling me my manuscript had "evident merit" and was "extremely well-observed". However, it was not right for what they were looking for--humourous fiction and also not a first-person piece. I am encouraged by their feedback and also the response from writer friends whose opinion I value greatly.

Waiting to hear back from two major literary magazines. I am also looking for an agent.

So, now it is definitely a balancing act of writing the rest of the book, preparing the proposal for Elation and teaching. I am probably the happiest I've been in a long time.

I am also losing weight. I lost 5.8 lbs this week. The more I do the things I love, the less I use food to comfort me. I listened to 93.9 recently and heard a new song by Antony and the Johnsons, "Another World" and so I am posting it. His voice is otherworldly and fills my heart and soul. Listen to the joy that comes out of pain! That is beauty.

1 comment:

Wanderer said...

Nancy,

I am so glad that you are so happy and congratulations on sending your memoir piece to the New Yorker. Doing that in itself is an act of self worth, self love and courage. I really think you should extend the piece into a book. And Elation is looking good. And losing 5.8 pound in one week! Wow. Way to go!

Kate : )