Five weeks ago, I celebrated the “birth day” of my first grandchild (Maggie), born to my son and daughter-in-law in Chicago. That’s where I’m writing from now, as I spend this month learning to be a grandmother.
There’s a part of me that also wants to be in Seattle tonight to celebrate another “birth day” – the launch of the memoir, Guts, by Janet Buttenwieser. For the past seven years or so, Janet and I have written together, critiqued each other’s work, and boosted each other’s spirits while seeking publishers. She helped me discern that the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA program would be a good fit for me, and more than once she’s bolstered me when doubts about my writing overcome me. And through the years, we’ve also become friends. Seeing her story in print is a great joy.
Guts is a memoir about family, friendship, illness, loss, and hope. Janet was working on it when author Brian Doyle came to teach in our writing program. Here’s what he thought of it: “Can you read a book about pain while grinning and trying not to cry and not being able to think of a single book that’s anything like it? Yup. This one. Guts.”
If you can’t make it to the release party tonight, check Janet’s website for future events. I know I’ll be getting to at least one of them. In the meantime, Maggie and I will be cheering her on.
It’s finally here: the publication day for GUTS!! I’m over the moon that this long-awaited day has finally arrived. Tonight is the first of many celebrations and events: a launch party hosted by the wonderful Hugo House. For the past few weeks, as people have received and read advance copies of GUTS, I’ve been sent […]
Iris Graville - Author 
Hi , Iris I really enjoy your writing. Thanks for including me! Family visiting in July. May spend an overnight on Lopez. Can you recommend lodging , dining options? Is Lopez crowded in July??
Thanks to you, I’m submitting a piece to Shark Reef. Love reading it always , and I can’t get any rejections to paper my wall with if I don’t submit, right??
Carol Owens -3430
Nice to hear from you, Carol; thanks for reading. And good for you for submitting your work to SHARK REEF! Would be lovely to have you visit Lopez, and yes, July (especially around the 4th) is one of the busiest months. I’ll email you lodging and dining info. Hope to see you at the Orcas Island Lit Fest in April.