When I last wrote, I was wallowing in a pit of despair. I’m happy to report that my proverbial glass is now at least 1/4 full, and I no longer anticipate locusts falling from the sky any minute. Thank you, Dr. K, for that little tweak. And big fat kudos to me, for refocusing my energy on clean eating, reading great books, and getting the kids back to school with pencils.
But I must thank you, dear generous readers, for the outpouring of love and support I received. My battle with chronic depression is
real, and though most of the time I’m winning, every once in a while it knocks me in the head, like a little enemy soldier shouting, “Yo. I can still hurt you, bitch.” You know what I mean. Some people have STDs like that. And having you people worrying about me and sending me your light and love was really wonderful.
Now that I’m back to being my old adorable curmudgeonly self, I thought I’d update you on my book. Did you remember that I wrote a book? I did! It’s called The Place of Peace and Crickets: How adoption, heartache, and love built a family. I love the title so much.
The book is going to be released in early March, which is only six tiny months away. Right now it’s in the final stages of editing, and soon will be organized into book format. Can you even imagine me getting a box of my own books in the mail? The last box of books I received was a Christmas present from my father when I was 12 years old, and it was the entire Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. Best gift ever. When I get a box of my own books, I will immediately put it high where Yobe the rescue dog won’t eat them and the Tyrant won’t use it to dispose of a melting popsicle, and then I will play the song Cake by the Ocean really loud and dance like no one’s watching.
In the meantime, however, I’m very, very, busy, what with the children soiling clothes daily again and me obsessively watching Morning Joe see if Donald Trump has defected to Russia yet. Nothing so far. Oh! And I’m also planning a book tour! Here’s where I can use your help. Would you like me to come read in your community? Can you gather some people together? Do you know your local independent bookseller? Hit me up! I can’t make promises, because the airlines won’t fly me anywhere for free, but I will do my best.
I’m also very busy chillaxin’, because I’m more convinced than ever that using every spare minute to get our chins over some invisible accomplishment bar is going to keep us perpetually miserable and eventually kill us. I’m behind on laundry, the breakfast dishes aren’t yet done, and it’s possible I haven’t totally unpacked from last month’s vacation….but as soon as I perfect these words I’m going to read the last chapter of Truth & Beauty, Ann Patchett’s astounding memoir about her friendship with the writer Lucy Grealy. The book has been on my shelf for years – but the gods of fate must have intervened to keep me from reading it until now. “I was starting to wonder if I was ready to be a writer, not someone who won prizes, got published and was given the time and space to work, but someone who wrote as a course of life,” writes Patchett. “Maybe writing wouldn’t have any rewards. Maybe the salvation I would gain through work would only be emotional and intellectual. Wouldn’t that be enough, to be a waitress who found an hour or two hidden in every day to write?”
That’s exactly me! This book won’t make me rich. But it’s a piece of my heart, and I’m so happy I get to share it with you.
Love you, Tricia. Will speak to our wonderful independent book store owner at Grass Roots Bookstore (Jack Wolcott, owner since the ’70s), in Corvallis, OR. about your book. Wouldn’t it be great to have you do a reading there next spring? AND stay with us! Hug you!
Sending love from North Florida…great to hear about your book.
That’s amazing Trish. IM so proud of you!!!!!!
I loved The Black Stallion books as well & was glad whenever I could get one from the library.! Congrats on your upcoming book! Great title– I’ll watch for it when it comes out!
I will pass this post on to my friend I. Gainesville, a great friend to an independent bookstore. Congrats on the book–I’m beyond happy for you!
If you want to come to Michigan, I can connect you with our local bookshop in Ann Arbor. I don’t recommend coming before April ’cause, you know, Michigan winters are brutal…ha, ha!
We would love to host a book reception for you at Pace Paradise! May we get on your calendar? I’m already designing the invite list in my head. Maybe kid friendly with a Pace-sponsored bouncy house?
I’m looking forward to being with you in Savannah at the SIBA Conference and Book Fair. You’ll meet bookstore owners, managers, and tons of readers. Have an opportunity to tell them about you amazing book and convince them that a reading event with you is exactly what they need. We might even throw back a few—you know catch and release.
I can’t believe you haven’t read Truth and Beauty! Have you read Lucy’s book?
If you can come north I will talk to a couple of local bookstores (i don’t have particular connections there, but am happy to give it a shot)…
Do you want two readings here? Patchett and my home?