Memoir Authors discussion

I’m taking this opportunity to do what authors like to do best- Kvel and Kvetch. Kvelling, a quintessential Yiddish word, conjures up images of beaming parents; proudly boasting about their offspring. While I do my fair share of maternal boasting, I’m kvelling about another sort of offspring- my book, a memoir with a twist. My story is a bit like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” meets “Father Knows Best” meets “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.” And for old movie buffs, this book is a nod to such classics, as “I Remember Mama.” The other “K” word, kvetching, is something with which any Indie author can relate: complaining. Simply put, I had NO IDEA how difficult it would be to publish, to promote, or to merely get people to “Like” my book’s page.

I always knew I had at least one good book in me. Being inspired by the old adage, “write what you know”, how could I not? My unique background has been the ideal conversation opener on numerous occasions, including many awkward, social affairs, yet I never could get pen to paper… until the advent of a job promotion. Being the “new kid on the block,” I was once again, prompted to explain where I was from…you see, it’s my name- Mirta; the great ice-breaker. The series of questions that inevitably followed led me to explain how a “white girl with blue eyes” speaks Spanish, has Russian grandparents, and is Jewish. In between trying to settle down in a new office and adjust to new responsibilities, my co-workers pursued their line of questioning...Jews in South America? How did that happen? When they learned that my husband was from Argentina as well, they were enchanted by our long distance romance. One question led to another until one woman exclaimed, “You should write a book!” When, a few days later, she insisted that I review an article about self-publishing, my creative juices began flowing.

I had the material- fifty years’ worth at least, but creative juices or not, I struggled. I struggled with first person vs. third person, real names or fictitious, copy right regulations and the oh-so-beloved Chicago Manual of Style. I struggled to appease family members who wanted to be removed from the story line and then, complained when they were not included- Oy vey! Dios mío! Oh my goodness! It took me about two years of work and yet; once I typed that final word, the real struggle began. I had no clue how to get the book published “the old-fashioned way.” Researching on the Internet, I learned about marketing proposals, submission requirements and inquiry letters; the entire undertaking felt like a full time job that required a university degree. Although I received several positive and encouraging emails in reply, no one wanted to pursue the project. It seemed an impossible task for this “newbie” memoir scribbler, so I began considering the self- publishing route with renewed enthusiasm.

Createspace seemed to be a good fit for my project. It afforded me the opportunity to publish easily and cost-effectively. The name recognition didn’t hurt either…Amazon, hello? Spending a good deal of my spare time marketing, I use the most simplest of means- Facebook, Goodreads and of course, countless emails and flyers to friends and family. I’ve participated in Giveaways with bloggers, donated books to local groups and had an article printed in the hometown newspaper. The amount of memoirs on the market is daunting; my wholesome story is competing with some pretty serious material in the same category, not to mention the coming-of-age vampires and charming sorcerers in other genres.

After all is said and done, when I look at the finished product, I still can’t believe it. This little Jewish, Russian, Argentine, American girl who was timid and self-conscious grew up and wrote her story to share with her friends and family and with complete strangers! And those strangers like it! Mazal Tov (congratulations) to me!

With Love, The Argentina Family: Memories of Tango and Kugel; Mate with Knishes

Mirta, I wish you the very best on your memoir. Love your wit!!! You have every right to kvel...congratulations on your accomplishment.

I do want to share that in my memoir, Jupiter Remembered, soon to be launched this spring, I have two chapters dedicated to the unique Diaspora experiences of my family from Russia and Egypt. So for us it was borsht and stuffed grape leaves. My website is: www.MyraWDarwish.com

My best to you, Myra

Myra wrote: "Mirta, I wish you the very best on your memoir. Love your wit!!! You have every right to kvel...congratulations on your accomplishment.

I do want to share that in my memoir, Jupiter Remembered, s..."

Hello Myra! Your book sounds wonderful! I will most certainly look it up! Best wishes in all your endevours.

Mirta, your book does sound like a terrific read. Like you, and in spite of the fact my book isn't going to be a traditional memoir, I worried a bit about how family might react. But we have to let those worries go and just write the story down.

Wayne wrote: "Mirta, your book does sound like a terrific read. Like you, and in spite of the fact my book isn't going to be a traditional memoir, I worried a bit about how family might react. But we have to l..."

Absolutely, if only for the self satisfaction :-)
Best wishes!