A book is not a light undertaking. My first, Silent Sorority, took nearly five years to come together.
Silent Sorority will mark its 10-year anniversary in a few short weeks. It became available April 18, 2009. In honor of that milestone, I’ll post some of the heart-felt responses I’ve received from readers around the world the past decade. Look for those posted here on this blog next month.
Book Musings
Meanwhile, I have been in fits and starts with a new narrative non-fiction book. I’m fine-tuning the book proposal. Each time I’ve left it alone for any extended period of time, it’s called me back to the keyboard.
Inspiration for the book evolved from my extensive reporting and research for a magazine assignment. While some of my writing went into the final package of stories, a large percentage of my work did not when the story focus shifted. A consolation prize? I was among the reporters and editors who earned a magazine award nomination for public service.
Complementary Ideas
From that magazine reporting collaboration I connected with fellow writer, Natalie Lampert. She has covered reproductive medicine for several years and is working on her own book due out next spring. Two decades my junior Natalie brings a fresh sense of urgency to the topic. We had a two-hour conversation last week on a range of issues. We agreed to keep talking as there’s more need than ever for grounded reproductive medicine perspective and in-depth reporting. Toward the end of our discussion I mentioned my book idea. Happily, she enthusiastically encouraged me to pursue it.
I will share more about the book focus when it is further along.
Community Updates: Gateway Women & Fertility Fest
Book research and writing, needless to say, will consume a vast amount of my time. Accordingly, I won’t have as much time to blog hop and visit with you. But, you can find me here and on Twitter. Looking for other women to connect with? I encourage you to get acquainted with Jody Day’s newly relocated Gateway Women. Take a look at Berenice’s review and learn why this may be a community you’d like to join.
You can find Jody, Berenice and others at the upcoming Fertility Fest in London organized by Jessica Hepburn. A special highlight is the adaptation of Julia Leigh’s Avalanche to the stage starring Maxine Peake. To learn more about Julia’s book and its themes, check out my interview with Julia.
Skin Is Your Largest Organ
Lastly, on the broader topic of health, if you haven’t scheduled your skin screening exam don’t put it off any longer. I went in 10 days ago for my annual check. There I learned a long-standing brown spot had progressed to melanoma in situ. I now await health insurance authorization before I can schedule a procedure to excise it. Learn more about how melanomas can develop here.
Pamela, I’m really sorry you’ve had this diagnosis, but very thankful for you adding the reminder to get an annual skincheck. I usually schedule one at the end of each summer, and need to do that again soon. It’s especially important after your news and Klara’s. It’s something we’re very aware of here in NZ, as for so many years we’ve had a hole in the protective ozone layers. I was horrified to see my Californian nieces so tanned and so blase about the sun when they were here. Wishing you the very best.
There are so many interesting things happening around the world in our No Kidding sphere. I look forward to hearing about your next projects, when you’re ready to spill the beans. There’s always exciting stuff coming out of your computer!
Thanks, Mali! Will be sure to keep you posted…