I started a note to you and it flew into cyberspace. Whether you got it or not I have no idea. My name is Serita Winthrop and I wish you'd come to OBLONG to do a reading and book signing. I want to meet you in person after enjoying your memoir so much. What I was telling you is that my older brother, John Winthrop, is married to Elizabeth Winthrop, and she is one of my closest friends. More when we meet in person, because I bet we will. I live in Rhinebeck NY (646-431-3388) and am so happy you wrote your memoir. I published one under a pseudonym of Alexandra Cabot. Sending my very best to you, and sincerely hoping we meet in person. With a grateful hug, Serita
Serita, thanks so much for taking the time to write (twice!) I know how frustrating it can be when our thoughts are sucked away into the ether. I'd love to speak at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck but the reality is now that bookstores are wary of author presentations when the author can't command a large local audience. I'd be delighted to have you approach them about Daughter of Spies as we live not far from Rhinebeck in the summer. If they're interested, I will pursue it. My best to you too, Elizabeth
You've done a great job with getting out there are promoting your work - something that publishing houses used to do. In the 1970's I worked on a book called The Business of Art and the Artist for the NEA. Many artists simply gave up when it came to business and the promotion of their work. You have an ease with people, which makes all your efforts seem easy, but I know full well it is NOT always easy to reach out and be your extroverted self.
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Elsie. It is absolutely true that creative people need to engage in the business and promotion of their work. These days, as Courtney Maum said in her Substack newsletter, Before and After the Book Deal, "Publishers print books. Authors publish them." Bingo.
Clearly you had fun-- and what a deep satisfaction to look out to a sea of strangers,all there for YOUR book. I also imagine the main themes -- growing up when & where you did--dealing with dementia and a difficult mother-- infiltrating the world of adults with your brothers/- that must particularly resonate with our peers. You deftly sketch a world long gone-- when we were all so proud to be AMERICAN-- straddling the century, absolutely victorious, taking our privilege absolutely for granted. We’re now grappling with the inevitable fallout ....
As you know, I really did have fun. And I'm lucky because when I'm telling a story, I forget the audience and become immersed in the moment I'm describing which lessens any performance anxiety. And yes, you put this so well: .
..when we were all so proud to be AMERICAN-- straddling the century, absolutely victorious, taking our privilege absolutely for granted. We’re now grappling with the inevitable fallout ....
Thanks, Ramona. I really did have fun on this tour. Not always the case especially when the audience is too small in too large a room. I'm sure you can relate.
You exit is a tough sabbatical from your introverted side. You have disciplined your characters to wait until your return, or have you. Perhaps it’s your characters which are the extroverts. Desperate to escape their confinement but not knowing an existence without you, they persist taking you along. Maybe you are still the introvert Elizabeth. :)
I started a note to you and it flew into cyberspace. Whether you got it or not I have no idea. My name is Serita Winthrop and I wish you'd come to OBLONG to do a reading and book signing. I want to meet you in person after enjoying your memoir so much. What I was telling you is that my older brother, John Winthrop, is married to Elizabeth Winthrop, and she is one of my closest friends. More when we meet in person, because I bet we will. I live in Rhinebeck NY (646-431-3388) and am so happy you wrote your memoir. I published one under a pseudonym of Alexandra Cabot. Sending my very best to you, and sincerely hoping we meet in person. With a grateful hug, Serita
Serita, thanks so much for taking the time to write (twice!) I know how frustrating it can be when our thoughts are sucked away into the ether. I'd love to speak at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck but the reality is now that bookstores are wary of author presentations when the author can't command a large local audience. I'd be delighted to have you approach them about Daughter of Spies as we live not far from Rhinebeck in the summer. If they're interested, I will pursue it. My best to you too, Elizabeth
You've done a great job with getting out there are promoting your work - something that publishing houses used to do. In the 1970's I worked on a book called The Business of Art and the Artist for the NEA. Many artists simply gave up when it came to business and the promotion of their work. You have an ease with people, which makes all your efforts seem easy, but I know full well it is NOT always easy to reach out and be your extroverted self.
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Elsie. It is absolutely true that creative people need to engage in the business and promotion of their work. These days, as Courtney Maum said in her Substack newsletter, Before and After the Book Deal, "Publishers print books. Authors publish them." Bingo.
Clearly you had fun-- and what a deep satisfaction to look out to a sea of strangers,all there for YOUR book. I also imagine the main themes -- growing up when & where you did--dealing with dementia and a difficult mother-- infiltrating the world of adults with your brothers/- that must particularly resonate with our peers. You deftly sketch a world long gone-- when we were all so proud to be AMERICAN-- straddling the century, absolutely victorious, taking our privilege absolutely for granted. We’re now grappling with the inevitable fallout ....
Interesting thought.
As you know, I really did have fun. And I'm lucky because when I'm telling a story, I forget the audience and become immersed in the moment I'm describing which lessens any performance anxiety. And yes, you put this so well: .
..when we were all so proud to be AMERICAN-- straddling the century, absolutely victorious, taking our privilege absolutely for granted. We’re now grappling with the inevitable fallout ....
Thanks, Ramona. I really did have fun on this tour. Not always the case especially when the audience is too small in too large a room. I'm sure you can relate.
You exit is a tough sabbatical from your introverted side. You have disciplined your characters to wait until your return, or have you. Perhaps it’s your characters which are the extroverts. Desperate to escape their confinement but not knowing an existence without you, they persist taking you along. Maybe you are still the introvert Elizabeth. :)
Great people, great surroundings, just great! Congratulations!