Thursday, August 24, 2006

The event and the author who most impacted my writing




My mom is a person and an event. She and events surrounding her have most impacted my writing. She died of ovarian cancer when she was 32. I was 15. She loved to read and write. She wrote in her journal a lot, but I never knew how much she wanted to write until I read her journal after her death.

One day, many years ago in high school (I'm a lot older than I look (G)), I checked out a book on writing craft. That was when you had to sign a card, and you could see everyone who signed the card who checked out the book before. My mom’s name was signed on that card. This was a high school library book she’d checked out! I kept that card. She wanted to write and publish a novel, but never got that chance. That is the one thing that still pushes me to this day. Lots of people don’t do the things they truly want to do and many never get the chance.

The author who most impacts me to this day is Sandra Brown. I love her books and have read every one of them. Own most of them. I love her stories, her characters, her voice. Then again, she’s been the biggest discourager, because when her new books come out, I don’t get anything done! I aspire to write at least half as well as her one day, but I also fear it’ll never happen. I have a lot of authors and books I read, but Sandra Brown, by far, is my favorite. My writing adage is "What would Sandra Brown do?"

13 comments:

Cara North said...

This is an AWESOME post. And wow, what an impactful way to start. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment.
Cara

Tempest Knight said...

You look a lot like your mom. It's good that you and your mom have something to share, even though she's no longer with you. It's a nice connection to keep alive. :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great post and connection between you and your mom!

Jennifer McKenzie said...

What a great story!!! I'm so glad you shared it. What an amazing journey for you from your Mom's dream to your own. I'm so glad I get to read your blog, Emma.
This has made my difficult day infinitely better.

Alyssa Goodnight said...

Great story! I'm glad you decided to keep that check-out card. What a special keepsake for you!

I have this weird feeling that I met you. Did you attend the Austin RWA Conference last October? And were you in Kit Frazier's workshop? If so, we met and spoke! How cool to find you again out here in the blogosphere!
If not, disregard all that ;).

Congrats on your book!

Bebe said...

Oh. Wow, Emma, your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Emma Sanders said...

Oh wow, Alyssa, that was me! I thought your name sounded familiar and now I remember talking to you. :)

Unknown said...

Emma, that post was very moving. I'm so glad you can connect with your mom in this way.

Anonymous said...

That's such an awesome inspriation--thanks for sharing it!

Rose said...

Thanks for sharing the story about your mom. You are fulfilling that dream that she had to write. I think that was wonderful to get your hands on that card. This is a very inspirational post.

Pamela Tyner said...

Very touching story!

Lora Darling said...

Emma: I lost my mother in law to ovarian cancer and although she never aspired to BE a writer, she was my biggest fan! She spent 33 yrs of her life dedicated to teaching elementary school and she had the kindest heart I'd ever encountered. I miss her daily and I'm sending you a cyber hug because I know that the passing years can't really erase the loss.

Luna Carrol said...

I was blown away by the fact that you both checked out the same book! What a wonderful bit of insight you have on her now. Moms are the best friends we often overlook. I wish all the luck in the world with your writing and I know your mom does too!