deb, that piece for Seal was tremendous. I was going to send you comments by email, but I have none beyond it was tremendous.

It nudged my thinking also, about some stuff in my own past, so thank you.

It nudged my thinking also, about some stuff in my own past, so thank you.

I think that means it's doing its job. I never used to be able to do this sort of non-fiction, because it cost me too much emotional blood. Fiction, even when I was hitting stuff that pinged me hard, was a lot easier. But with the Kinkaids, that all went south. I'm starting to wonder whether I've opened enough of an interior source to where I can do this sort of non-fiction writing, and have it be effective.

BTW, thanks to everyone who read the other essay (the quickie I begged help for yesterday). I think it's a nice little read, nothing special, mostly because the word limit was so damned tight (1500 words! Not one word more!); I could probably have tweaked it so that I liked it even better.

But Rochelle (the editor who wanted it) says "it's the essay of my dreams." So it's off my plate, she's got it and loves it, and that one's off my plate. It sure isn't the essay of my dreams, but if it makes her happy, no worries.

edit: also, vibes around 2 pm my time would be welcomed with open arms. It's the conference call with Daymond and his manager, Bernie Yuman.

What's the topic, Aims? Is input needed, or are you zooming along?

My topic is "Teaching Birth Control in Public Schools". I zoomed along through my points about how abstinence is BAD, got to 969 words and then died. I haven't been able to find any documentation to back me up, and I SAY SO isn't gonna cut it.

I also discovered that part of the problem was that Joe was feeding me the Nighttime TheraFlu, and I ws crashing hard. I'm working a bit now to see if I can get it closer to the 1400. I sent it in anyway, and will send more before I get on the plane tonight.

Oh dear. I'm supposed to write a description of my book. I don't know how.

Allyson, what's the end target? Cover blurb, pitch, what?

A blurb or a fuller description? If the latter how many words?

t Xpost

Author Questionnaire. PITA.

My favorite question is "Why is this book important?"

Kill me. Please.

Allyson I've had to deal with tons of pita stuff because I read every freaking reference book they put out on this stuff amd did every pita thing they said to do. Doesn't mean I'll do it right, but it means I'm past being annoyed by it. I have your on-line site for an outline. Shoot it my way. I'll fill it out of you. Then you can look it over, and growl "look what that asshole is is putting in those blanks" and do it your way. But maybe having a first draft someone else has done to tear apart will make your life easier.

My favorite question is "Why is this book important?"

Oh GODS, those horrible things. They're insane.

That particular question, though? Try something like this:

"WTVPPLL's importance lies in the unique multi-faceted look at how new communities, and a new definition of family, have emerged from cyberspace and become realspace phenomena."

Something like that.

Allyson, your book explains to my parents how I can go on vacation to a remote (to me) island on a major normally kin holiday when I've never met half the people (I outed myself to my brother, given I'm going to be in print, if even only passingly!)

Why is it important? It portrays a slice of chosen family, derived from a largely laughed at and derided medium, the internet. It shows the deceits and delights and draws us to what really matters: human relationships. It shows how we carve out, in the midst of crazy masses and fractious communities borne of like interests in something as ephemeral as tv, clusters of people who we ultimately call home.

It's about people. And if you aren't fascinated by people, well... I can't help you.