Ask the Author: Gretchen Grossman
Answered Questions (6)
Gretchen Grossman
I can't relate to writer's block. It's my own story, so there's no limit to the amount of material I can access. I just have to be careful what I share.
Gretchen Grossman
The best thing about being a writer is having readers tell you how much they loved your book. There's no other feeling like it. It's definitely in a category all its own. I never knew that until it began happening. I imagine it's similar to the applause one gets in theater performance. Very nice.
Gretchen Grossman
You must have the passion and be selfishly motivated. If you don't and if you're not, the hard work is not worth the effort. Expect loss of friendships. Expect much alone time. Expect to spend money on services like editing. Expect multiple disappointments. If none of that discourages you, go for it. Start writing.
Gretchen Grossman
I do have another manuscript waiting, but I want to get my memoir more fully launched before I get back to work on writing. What that means is, that I'm trying to catch the attention of Barnes & Noble (they're interested), and a traditional publisher. It's lonely for an indie writer out here all alone, learning the ropes, connecting connecting connecting. People are loving my work and I in turn, get highly motivated from their encouraging feedback.
Gretchen Grossman
A man named Ahmed, who I met on Chicago's Michigan Avenue in the Caffe' BACI, said, "Madam, you have the next best seller!" when I related bits and pieces of my life to him. Our meeting still feels very serendipitous since minutes before he asked to join me at my table, we never knew each one another. I was hungry and needed coffee badly, he had stepped in front of me in the food line, I drew his attention to that fact and told him where the line BEGAN, he apologized profusely, presenting a much calmer attitude than mine, and nicer. I ended up secretly paying for his breakfast so as not to feel the sting of my own rudeness for the rest of the day. To my surprise, he asked if he could join me and he thanked me for buying his scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee. There's more to that story, but I suspect you might be tired of reading.
Gretchen Grossman
My book is a memoir, so naturally the content comes from the accumulation of my life experiences. Even though I have many wonderful family, friends, and acquaintances, no one had ever heard my story. All have been stunned after reading. I knew several years ago, that if I didn't write everything down, I was destined to carry around that story all by myself forever. That was too lonely a condition for me. I took a risk and published my book.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more