I’ve had several people comment to me, both on and off the blog, about the emerging series of Southern Gothic memories/vignettes.
Most wonder why I’m doing it. Some are a little horrified I’m doing it. Most seem to enjoy them and understand our macabre Southern way of constantly stirring up the past and pulling scabs off old wounds.
For me, it’s simple. I’m trying to see if I can write and if I may have a book in me. I’ve always been told “write about what you know.” This is the only place I know to start. This format also seems to work for me where no other format has.
When I started this blog, I said I was a frustrated writer. Not anymore. This has really knocked down some creative walls and barriers that have blocked me in the past. I now write, either on this blog or off it, almost every day. I even travel with a little netbook, in addition to my work laptop, so I always have my separate personal access to the web and this blog.
You know I’m serious if I’m schlepping around two laptops on planes every time I travel.
I also had to wait until my Mother was too gaga to use the internet or be aware of these or to be hurt by these memories and my take on them. It’s part of my Gentleman’s Code.
If these stories work on the blog and I can continue to come up with them, then I’ll figure out my next steps. This is my way of exploring the format and trying to find my literary voice.
Sorry to mix it in with all the videos and left-wing political articles I post.
This blog is eclectic, like my mind and everything else in my life.
I’ve had a couple of folks as me if these stories are true. All I can say is they are as true as I can make them. They are how I saw and remember things. I don’t promise all my facts are correct. A lot of these stories are based on old family stories and my old memories. Neither are dependable sources. Everyone has their own way of remembering things based on how they saw it at the time. However, my guess is that they are at lest 90% true. Their hearts and souls are 100% true.
So thank you for bearing with me on this journey as I try to discover what I want to be when I grow up.
Your thoughts and comments are always welcome…
Lost in the 21st Century 
You really bit into a madelaine ,didn’t you?
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A couple of thoughts come to mind here:
1. My own children’s memories of their childhood do not correlate with reality at all times. They remember ALL of the bad things and almost ZILCH of the good, unless the good happens to correlate with MY bad memories. Of course, that is a discussion for my blog.
2. My memories of my childhood, adolescence, etc. as well as the progression of age of my friends becomes more real as I get older. I understand my own mother more now that I am older and have been through my own personal traumatic situations.
3. I am still amused that we all called our parents by their first name, even to the point of making fun of them. And it wasn’t just OUR parents, we made fun of everyone’s parents and made fun of them, too. Maybe THAT was how we kept our sanity and survived our dysfunctional world. My children go through phases of calling me Gail and Mom and they have made fun of me for years, but always to my face. (Yet another discussion for another place).
As always, I enjoy reading what you write, even if I don’t always tell you. And I am proud to call you my friend.
Gail
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I would buy your book in a snap. And I only found you today. (Y)
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Thank you! I’m working on it and have had a couple of publishers express interest. Thanks for the encouragement!
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