Insecure Writers Want to Know
The rush of the holiday season cuts into my writing time for sure. I can’t even find the time to accomplish all the holiday activities sometimes. And I never could keep up with social media. I am certainly going to look for any tips on how you keep up, faithful IWSG writers, as I read your responses to this month’s question.
So, I’ve finished the last revision of my college memoir. The memoir is about 54,900 words including long chapter titles. The title is – Determination: Mother of Five Conquers College.
I’m going to include a short preface. Something like:
This is my story, my improbable journey through college at age 40. My journey began when someone tried to take the same college dream from my daughter, using the same logic. You’re not smart enough. But dreams are meant to be gone after, regardless of how much work is involved.
My logline: A South Jersey mom of five gives her special needs daughter the opportunity of college by swallowing her own fear of failure and beginning college first.
I feel I should self-publish this memoir to get it out into the world. I want to show parents and adults that it is never too late to attend college. I want to show those who might have struggled in school that they can still attend college and be successful. I want to show those who have dreams that dreams can come true if only one is determined enough to see it through. Hard work can make things happen. We shouldn’t be afraid of inferiority or opportunity.
Does anyone know what “marketing copy for the back of the book” is? Is that MY contact info or is it quotes from advanced readers about my memoir?
Marketing. [Something I’m afraid of.]
I need to write about the themes in my memoir for a magazine or website that caters to education or motherhood, a parent advocating for her child, or ADHD or junior colleges or older students in school. Each essay needs a sharp point and a place on a social media site to get noticed.
The memoir holds themes. Most are not heavy:
Labels placed on students [not smart enough]
Parenting – difference between Vic’s parenting and her parents’ parenting
Power of family – parents first teachers of children/advocates
Power of education
Not being afraid of opportunity
Power of believing in self – determination can get you through
Forgiveness [Vic forgives father for stifling her ability to believe in herself, her ability to succeed.]
Please feel free to offer any comment on my intentions with my college memoir. They would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Now I’m off to see how you’ve tackled this month’s question. I am extremely thankful for all of you for being my sounding board and advisors on this scary writing and publishing journey.
Thanks for stopping by my little spot on the web. Please come again! Have a beautiful holiday season.
This post was written for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I’d like to thank our co-hosts for December: Joylene Nowell Butler, Chemist Ken, Natalie Aguirre, Nancy Gideon, and Cathrina Constantine. Please visit them if you can.
Our group posts on the first Wednesday of every month. To join us, or learn more about the group, click HERE.
I think it is reviews and blurbs from early readers and reviewer.
I like your logline!
Thank you so much, Alex, for your input on what marketing copy is for the back of the book. I truly appreciate it. Thanks for all you do to assist your fellow writers. All best to you, sir!
Congrats on finishing your memoir. I love your logline. I agree with Alex’s marketing ideas.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Natalie. And thanks for offering your thoughts about my college memoir. I truly appreciate it. It’s always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your holiday!
Yes, the back can be full of what your readers thought of your book. Your Christmas sounds very busy, Victoria. I read your post and couldn’t help thinking, I could not do that. But then I remember when all my sons were at home and I did write and do Christmas. But that was 35 years ago. I’m cheering for you, Victoria, and I know you’ll succeed. Going back to school is so admirable. Thanks for co-hosting.
Oops. haha, you didn’t co-host because you have ENOUGH to do. Ignore that part.
Thank you so much for your insight as to what marketing copy is for the back of the book. I truly need this. And thanks for your kind words. I need those too, Joylene.
Thanks for co-hosting this month’s IWSG question. Have a beautiful Christmas!
Congrats on your memoir. I’m sure it will be hugely inspirational for anyone trying anything later in life, not just college.
Thank you, Nick. I needed to hear that. Always appreciate your comments here at Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful holiday, sir!
A bug congratulations on finishing the last revision on your college memoir. That is huge. I am so happy for you. <3
No, not bug…big. BIG congratulations! LOL
Thank you so much, Chrys! I truly appreciate your kind words. Have a beautiful holiday season.
Congrats on finishing your revisions, and also on following your dreams. I think you’ve got a catchy logline there!
Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Rosie! I’m so glad you stopped by. Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly need to hear them. Have a beautiful holiday season!
I love your logline!
I really applaud you for taking the plunge with your memoir. It sounds inspiring and will benefit many readers of different ages, who have put their studies on hold, for various reasons…
It’s never too late to attend college – 100%!! I always tell my high school students that I’m a life-long learner. You can imagine their confusion. LOL
Then I explain to them that learning is not only a formal activity that occurs within a classroom setting. More confusion. (As you know, many of them can’t wait to get out of school)
The thing is, we never stop learning. Every day, I learn something new.
Happy holidays!
And I learn something new every day, too, Michelle! We never stop learning. This is a good thing. You are correct. We learn many places, not just in the classroom.
I so enjoyed reading your comment. Thank you so much for visiting Adventures in Writing. Have a beautiful Christmas!
I love a good inspirational story. Dreams shouldn’t have a use-by date.
Dreams should absolutely not have a “use-by date,” Elizabeth. I’m hoping many people love a good inspirational story. Have a beautiful holiday season!
very admirable! my mom actually attended college the same time I did. it was strangely comforting to pass her on campus. it showed me I could do anything at any age.
Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Steph! I’m so glad you stopped by.
Yes, we can do many things at any age. Life doesn’t stop, and we never stop learning. Have a beautiful holiday!
Alex is right, it’s the reviews.. Flip over the back of any book – most have the blurb/synopsis, reviews, and author bio. (Also bar code and price.) You’ll want to send out review copies 3-6 months ahead of release to get those review blurbs.
Thank you so much for this treasure, Diane! I’ll make note of it for sure. Have a beautiful holiday season!