Comments on: Memoir Guest Blog and Writing Prompt: Judy Mandel Discusses the Challenges When the Story Is Not Forthcoming

By: David S

David S — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:59:05 +0000

Hi Judy- It appears as if you felt you were living two lives: yours and another. What was especially difficult or significant as you tried to separate them and learn to understand who you were, and why you feel the ways you do?
What insights did this give you? (I have the book, but I am interested your take.)
DS

By: Samantha C.

Samantha C. — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:48:13 +0000

Hi Judy, Reading your post as well as Judith’s Comment leads me to a question. Actually, it’s a question that ultimately may impact my memoir (the one I’m still writing) in that I deal with an issue that’s bigger than just me or my story. So my question is this: Do you see your book as an advocate for replacement children? And I know you’ve mentioned them on your blog, do you also view your blog as an extension of your advocacy (I know I’m assuming that there is some of that in your work). Thanks in advance. I look forward to listening in. S

By: Matty

Matty — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:33:53 +0000

I’m starting to think about publishers and was told that I should explore the smaller, independent publishers. But I’m also hearing that self-publishing isn’t the kiss of death it used to be. I checked your publisher (since I was told that I should look for publishers with a track record for putting out books that I like) and only see your book. Is Schlesinger Books your own publishing company? Thanks, Matty

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:52:47 +0000

I just finished the first draft of my memoir. I still need to do editing, etc. But I am already starting the think about the marketing phase ahead of me. Would you share your thoughts and insights about marketing a memoir? I went to your website and see that your excerpt is quite brief. Is this the way to go? Everything you can tell me will be fantastic as I know absolutely nothing about marketing a book.
Robin

By: Hillary

Hillary — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:28:26 +0000

Hi Judy,
Kendra raved over your story structure, and I have to agree. I’ve read your book, and the way you wove the story of plane crash into your story of self-discovery was powerful. I’m curious how you came to such an unusual structure. That subplot builds almost like a movie; it’s that powerful and dramatic. However, I sense an almost fictionalized true story in that you describe Donna’s situation and what what going through her head (when no one was actually with her in those last fateful moments). How do you reconcile that within the memoir genre? I’m not criticizing or challenging you; I just want to know more about how you decided to handle that event. Thanks. Can’t wait to hear your answer.

By: Betty Ann J.

Betty Ann J. — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:57:40 +0000

Hi Judy. Thanks so much for your blog. You have given me an entirely new perspective on the concept of replacement children. It seems to me that it can even be extended beyond the narrow sense — parents who don’t fulfill their personal dreams and use their children as a way to have those goals fulfilled.

Well, my question is about telling a difficult story without the support of my parents or siblings. You had the encouragement of your parents while mine want me to remain silent. What kind of a process should I use to decide between writing now or waiting until my parents are no longer alive to object.

I realize you can’t tell me what to do, but your thoughts on the process involved in this decisions would help me.

Betty Ann J.

By: Judy Mandel

Judy Mandel — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:37:53 +0000

Judith,
Thank you so much for writing and sharing your reaction to my post. If my book touches people and brings new understanding–that’s all I can ask!
Good luck with your writing!
Best,
Judy