As I was working on the manuscript at my writing table in the Tea Lounge of Four Seasons Doha recently, I ran into Andy Smart with Bloomsbury Publisher from London. He came by and asked if I was maintaining the word count of no more than 60,000. I have been editing like crazy since it was 67,000 at one time. It is about 52,000 now, and I am working on my last chapter.
Several years ago, I watched Something Got to Give, a wonderful movie played by Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. One scene that stuck in my head was the joy and satisfaction which was expressed by the character Nina, a writer (played by Diane Keaton). When she finished her play script, she screamed! My own deadline is Feb. 3, prior to departing for the U.S. for meetings on Feb. 4. Writing a memoir has been so different than working on my normal academic papers and accreditation reports at work. It is just a few days away, and I can’t wait to type the last word on my laptop and scream like Nina did! Please give me your word of encouragement in the comment section or write what you are currently trying to finish. I hope we can all complete our projects! Mickie
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Blog Archive
!6gnTi_SAPE_!
9 comments:
How interesting that I too recalled that same scene in Something Has Got to Give. I wish I could be in Doha to see you "let out that scream" when you write those last words. I look forward to reading your memoir. Linda
Go Mickie GO!! You can do it and then you can shout out and we can do a happy joyful dance! What a beautiful wonderful accomplishment! Knowing you, you will be onto another project and adventure quickly after.
GOOO MICKIE!
Much love,
Jen
It was a privilege to have the chance to review an early version of your manuscript (what timing that I am finally getting around to writing this on the day you have set for your editing deadline!). Your life story is an inspiration to us all that there is so much to be gotten from each day no matter how unexpected the circumstances turn out to be. PS--I am going to check out that lovely strawberry cake when in Marietta this summer (assuming Gabriel's is the right bakery)!
Guess you've left Doha by now...hope you got to scream!
Yahoo!!! It's finished!
A belated scream for you! Congrats! Hope to see you soon!!
I , too, was privileged to read an early draft of Mickie’s manuscript, and once I began, I couldn't put it down. I know that writing a book is a long process and it can be isolating. For me, my first reaction wasn’t like Diane Keaton’s character -finishing mine was like emerging from a foxhole! Next, I felt a little apprehensive about what people's reactions would be to what I revealed about myself and my life. So I wanted to write some of my thoughts and reactions to Mickie’s story.
First of all, Mickie’s story is a true inspiration. It was for me, and I know it will be for everyone who reads it. So many things about Mickie inspire me.
What stands out above all is her joie de vivre - I don't know anyone who loves life more than Mickie does! Now I can see that from the youngest age she’s
had that exuberance - it must be in her DNA! And she squeezes all the juice she can out of life and, even when life hands her lemons, she squeezes lemonade out of that.
Of course, that goes hand in hand with her profound feelings of gratitude, which she never fails to express. I hope I will one day have woven gratitude into my very fiber as a person, as Mickie has.
And I love all the ways that Mickie has shared her gifts, talents, and experiences with people all over the world. She’s used the graciousness she learned, to be gracious to all she meets. With just her harp playing alone she has made such an impact on so many people!
It's no wonder Mickie pursued the Fulbright opportunity. She has always had a true love of people, especially those who may not "fit in" by society's standards. How she has woven her appreciation of all cultures, cuisines, traditions, music, and art into how she’s spent her time and uses her energies, shows Mickie was born a citizen of the world. Of course she would then be the top pick for a program to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and
other countries! No one could do that - and be that - better than Mickie!
I love how Mickie loves and has helped the world's children. I have googled The Children's Prayer she included in her book, to re-read and think about those children "whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser." It would be great to have Mickie’s dream come true as far as a film that would culturally link children. Maybe all of Mickie’s followers can be brainstorming that.
If Mickie could be cloned - if what she has done with her life could be repeated by others with the privileges that we have, we would narrow the divides among people.
There’s so much to learn about life in Mickie’s book - adapting to wherever you are with relish! And getting the most out of travel -there's a real difference between experiencing travel with some of your senses and experiencing being in new places with ALL of your senses, as Mickie does. Her book inspired me to drink it, taste it, smell it, hear it, feel it, see it, and connect it all much better from now on!
Mickie Mathes the friend, teacher, super woman, princess, warrior, artist, lover of all things beautiful, woman of faith, etc., etc., all come through in this book. I marvel at her confidence, determination, discipline,courage, forgiveness, and equanimity.
Most of all I love Mickie’s philosophy - that everything works out for the best.
When her book is available, I will buy lots of copies to give to friends and family for inspiration. Good luck, Mickie. You have a terrific life story to tell! Angie Allen Atlanta, Georgia
I sympathize with the task of paring down and shortening the narrative, and I hope you did meet your deadline. After reading your blogs as you began to experience the life and culture of Doha, I can't wait to read the full memoire! Bon voyage and bonne chance! Beth
Mickie, It has been such a joy to share this week with you. I loved being with our friends as you read snippets of your wonderful book. It was so much fun to see how they wanted to hear more and could not wait until the book is published. Our little get-togethers stimulated everyones curiosity about this wonderful life you have led and continue to lead. I must say I am pretty excited myself, because I see a real value to this book. The book will inspire all of us to a better understanding of different cultures, inspire us to be better citizens of this world,and to use our time wisely and enjoy each day. I want to share this book with everyone. This includes grown children, grandchildren, friends,and acquaintances.
Congratulations,
Sherry
Post a Comment