Friday, March 23, 2007

My First . . .

I figure that in my first blog post I should introduce myself. And perhaps explain or justify why the world needs another blog.

Let me start with the introduction. I'm almost 47. I'm a mom/stepmom to five between the ages of 14 and 22. I taught high school English for 12 years. I'm a midwestern girl. Last summer, I became a published author when my novel ALL THE NUMBERS was released July 25. As my husband is fond of saying, he's getting to watch me live out the dream that began when I was nine--something few adults get to do (for instance, his dream at that age was to play first base for the Chicago Cubs). I'm now writing full-time which isn't exactly what it sounds like--I don't sit at a computer for eight hours composing and pulling my hair out. It's more likely that I'm sitting on the sofa (or, in nice weather, my front porch adirondack chair), getting sucked into whatever story Meredith Viera is telling, swilling coffee, trying to convince any of the five kids who live in this house that I'm working even though I'm still wearing my PJs, and trying to find the self-discipline to turn off the TV and the computer so I can write 15 pages. Oh, and for those of you still reading, I write my first draft in longhand, hence the necessity of turning off the computer (otherwise, I get sucked into checking my e-mail, amazon ranking and other's blogs!). Then, I have to fix my lunch. Whew.

Now, to try to justify this use of cyberspace--this is a work in progress. I hope to post two or three times a week. At this point, I'm planning to talk about what it's like to be a writer (fascinating, I'm sure), tips and suggestions for other writers, general musings about being a mom, chatter about books I love and writers I meet, and anything else I can think of. Suggestions are always welcome. Please, send me questions or comments (if nothing else, it will provide fodder for future posts!)

Next week, I'm headed to the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans (http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/), so I'll be sure to post about that--I'll be presenting a Master Class with my editor and agent. I'll also get to schmooze (if I'm lucky) with Richard Ford and Calvin Trillin. (And perhaps I'll have discovered how to link all these names within the text. But, don't hold your breath.)

24 comments:

Stacie Penney said...

Welcome aboard the blogging train! It's addictive, so don't be surprised when you start posting more than 2 or 3 times a week. :)

Thanks for the link too.

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

What a great blog; so glad you chose to do it! And if you want, you can tuck me in your suitcase and introduce me to Richard and Calvin. Take notes, we'll want all the details.

Amy

Larramie said...

Congratulations, Judy, and welcome to the blogging neighborhood! Your adirondack chair has now moved well beyond the front porch. ;o)

I so appreciate the link and would also appreciate a post from New Orleans next week. You'll be in great company so please share.

Tasha Alexander said...

Judy, YAY! I'm so glad you're blogging!!!! Welcome!

Katie said...

Hi Judy! Love the blog post and just wanted to say good luck in New Orleans. Don't get too caught up down on Bourbon Street...

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy,

Congrats on your new blog. Have a safe trip. Can't wait to hear all of the details!

Jen's Jewels

Therese said...

Looks like you're off to a good start, Judy!

The "F" word...fiction?

Therese said...

Oh, and thanks a bunch for linking me! I'll add you to my blog as well. :)

Anonymous said...

Welcome, Judy!!! Looking forward to your posts!

Have fun next week.

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Wow. 9 Comments. I'm amazed. Thanks to all of you! I feel like the lucky new kid in school who all the popular kids are talking to.

And thanks to Larramie, I've learned how to make links within the text. I'll try not to overdo it.

Larramie said...

Aw...Therese beat me to the punchline in naming your perfect "F" word as Fiction. Some things are just meant to be.

And, indeed, you are "Miss Popularity;" I've never received 10 comments for 1 post even after 6 months of daily blogging. ;o)

Deleted Blog said...

Wow Judy, how wonderful... I am GREEN with envy about the trip to N.O. and the Tennessee Williams literary festival.
I haven't the foggiest idea of how to link you to my blog... darn it. But I have been here for a little while.
How awesome to sit in PJ's and write write write... suggestion on getting ready for New Orleans...(I'm sure you've been there, but this is for fun) Brew a cup of coffee and add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk... oooo weeee... it is so fine. (I'm from Louisiana)
Congrats on your book.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your first post, Judy!

MargyWrites said...

Yay for Judy! I'm excited to read your blog(s) and pea-green about your upcoming trip...
Keep us "posted!"

Tasha Alexander said...

Oh, and Judy? I'm so jealous that you get to meet Calvin Trillin! I loved Tepper Isn't Going Out...

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the blog world. I'm 46, too (I guess it really is pushing 50 isn't it? Yikes). I look forward to reading about New Orleans and your writerly experiences.

Kristy Kiernan said...

Wahoo! Welcome to the fab world of bloggin, Judy! We linked up on The Ball and all the Debs look forward to your wit and wisdom enriching the Internet!

Patry Francis said...

You just told the story of my life, right down to the pjs, the first novel written in longhand, and the incredible and amazing dream that came true.

Welcome to the blogosphere! And now I must go buy your book immediately.

Anonymous said...

Here's another reason for writing blogs and reading them--all the new friends you meet! I came to you by way of the Writers' Group--four wonderfully talented and caring women--and three writing pals and I just started our own blog: Jungle Red. So do we have the same blog-birthday?
Come visit us soon--I can tell from your first blog we'll be coming often to your place as well.

Hank
jungleredwriters.com

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the world of blogging, Judy. What a wonderful introduction. I look forward to more!

Anonymous said...

Hi--
Thanks for coming to visit! And of course--we'd love to have you link us. We're very flattered. We'll link you right up to Jungle Red, too

www.jungleredwriters.com

...come join us for cyber-lattes (or whatever) and chat... And we'll see you back here soon.

xoxo Hank

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new blog, Judy. I can't wait to hear more about your life as a writer. I'm working hard to get there myself, and not just because I want to stay at home in my pajamas all day! :)

Travel safely!
Beth

wishy the writer said...

Great blog! I'll be checking in often!

bakersfieldmom said...

Thanks for the invite to your blog; I'm new to the blog scene, so this will be a great first! Good luck with your future novels.