Saturday, May 22, 2010

Random

I've mentioned, I think, that I sometimes work onsite writing copy about "consumer goods." One of the benefits other than the money, of course, is that there is a certain social aspect of being on site; not that it's a cocktail party, but...one talks, you know?

Another benefit is that the company provides lunch; most of the time we go to the cafeteria, get our food and bring it back to eat at our desks. For a change of pace, a group of us decided to sit together instead. At one point in the conversation, one of my co-workers asked if I'd read Isabel Allende's memoir. I have; in fact, I've read both "Paula" and "The Sum of Our Days," both lovely pieces of work. And how nice, I thought, to talk about books.

Except.

"Now, I understand why Isabel Allende would write a memoir that everyone would read," the coworker said. "But why would someone want to read your memoir?"

I ask myself the same thing every day. In part I'm asking in hopes that the answer will be a clear, "There is no reason, so you don't have to write it. Go do something else, for pity's sake."

As a result, I didn't take offense (and I believe none was intended—it's an honest question, after all). Instead I muttered some catch phrase that I've been practicing in preparation for developing my "elevator pitch."

"Mostly, though, I guess that will be the test of how well I've written it. People will only care if the writing moves them in some way."

Which is the truest thing I had said all day.

5 comments:

jacqueline carlsen said...

I, for one, can't wait to read your memoir!

Miguel Frasconi said...

I'm enjoying reading your weblog, Liz. Keep it up!

EditorCarol said...

I've already got it on my Amazon Wish List.

Elizabeth Hilts said...

Thanks, all!

Unknown said...

When Mary Karr wrote The Liar's Club she was more or less unknown (though she was a damn fine poet long before that). If I recall correctly at least a few people read her memoir. And the next one. And the next. Keep writing.