From blond to redhead, from drifting to anchored, from caterpillar to butterfly. Metamorphosis!
I’ve been writing this blog religiously since February, 2012, spilling my beans, airing laundry both dirty and clean, transparently sharing my life with anyone who cares to read. Is that the height of narcissism or the depth of depravity? Maybe both.
Simultaneously, I’ve written a book. Two actually. The first is 100% fiction, a psychological suspense novel entitled, A Subtle Revenge. It sits in manuscript form in a bottom drawer collecting gecko leavings and volcano dust.
The second is creative non-fiction, the real story of my life. Not that the blog isn’t real. It is. But Mating Season for Butterflies, the memoir, goes back to the beginning. It traces the troubled path through my mother’s illness when I was a child, five marriages and five divorces, a court case and the resulting prison sentence. It portrays a conflicted woman without a sense of self, who cycles through the same mistakes and never seems to learn from them. The picture it paints isn’t pretty because the choices I made often had disturbing consequences. But it resolves with an awakening to self-awareness and a second chance. Once I let go of who I thought I should be, and trusted the unfolding of who I was, opportunities appeared that catapulted me into a reality beyond anything I could have dreamed.
The story is finished. No, wait! The book is finished! The story is still very much being lived. But the time has come to search for an agent and a publisher. It’s who you know, the six degrees of separation connections that make the difference. So I’m asking those of you who have enjoyed reading my Writing for Self-Discovery posts over the past four years: Do you know a literary agent who would be willing to take a look at Mating Season for Butterflies? If you do, I’d love to be introduced. My market is women of all ages. The message is hope: It’s never too late to change the course of your life.
writing for self-discovery 
Mar 28, 2016 @ 19:39:32
Wonderful…it is done. I almost said complete but as you say, never complete. I so wish I had a contact for you. Should I get wind of someone, I will let you know. Keeping my ears open! Wishing you great good fortune. I LOVE THE TITLE!!! Never imagined butterflies mating…….still can’t but may have to google to see how it’s done😀.
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 19:45:43
I’m so glad to hear you say that you love the title! That opinion isn’t shared by everyone and I’ve tried about 183 other possibilities but I always come back to this one. The actually act of butterflies mating isn’t that spectacular, but the courtship is!
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 21:14:39
Congrats on producing 2 works, amongst all the other things you write about :-). I love the memoir title and can’t wait to read it in book form…..I can feel people lining up to tell you about their tip for agents/publishers, so perhaps it won’t be too long now! In the meantime, I’ll content myself with and look forward to your blogs, about life on the other side of the world, and the commonalities we share in our human experiences. Wishing you the best, dear friend!
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 21:31:46
There are lists of publishers available on the internet. Beware of vanity publishers of which there are some good and some bad ones about. I am going through the same process. I recently had my book of memoirs edited by a good English editor. he did not cost a fortune. ($ Aus 800,- for 70 000 words).
I have had a good response from a publisher who after I sent the first few chapters now would like to see the whole manuscript.
If all fails, I will go the self-publish route through Amazon and their Kindle and CreatSpace for ‘print on demand’.
I can give you the name and details of English editor if you should so wish.
As for agents. I don’t use one even though it is recommended.
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 21:55:37
Thanks for the information, Gerard. Yes, I’ve surfed the lists upon lists of publishers online. But one referral is worth an infinite number of cold calls so to speak! Good luck with yours!
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 22:04:17
Sorry I can’t help Sherry but so look forward to reading your book. I’m sure I’ll love every word. Xx
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Mar 28, 2016 @ 22:08:10
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 03:30:23
TWO books! Sherry, you are incredible, a veritable whirling dervish of a wordsmith!
Gerard ( whose details I sent you a while back) has also just written a memoir and you could ask him who he thinks you should try? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you getting in touch.
Fingers, toes and everything crossed for magnificent literary success. I’m excited for you! Xxx
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 03:33:27
I’ve never seen a plodding whirling dervish and that’s how I write…plotting and plodding along! If you mean Gerard Oosterman, he’s already given me great tips. Keep those body parts crossed!!!
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 03:35:05
Excellent!
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 11:27:52
I truly miss your blog when it is a long time between posts, so I know I will love your memoir when it is published. I don’t have any information on agents or publishers, but I wish you a speedy and successful journey in bringing your story out into the world.
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 19:38:30
It’s lovely of you to say you miss the blog when I’ve taken a siesta from posting. I appreciate knowing that you enjoy the stories. I’m told that blogs are now passe, that more interesting things, like podcasts and vlogs, are the latest hot news! I shudder to think of selfie videos, or my voice droning on. Writing is my craft. Outdated or not, I’ll stick to what I know. Thanks for your comment.
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 21:45:01
I so agree with sherry about blogs…..love the creativity of them and especially love the photos. It puts me there and doesn’t take forever to listen to someone drone on….generally making it up as they go. Keep them coming Sherry.
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 19:23:08
I always love your blogs and style of writing. I am sure your memoir will be a great success once published. Sometimes if you e-publish and it receives good reviews,, a publisher might contact you. I can’t wait to read it.
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 19:40:15
Whether someone refers an agent or not, I’m glad I posted. All the wonderful comments are very encouraging. Thank you for yours!
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 22:48:00
Rob thought it might be helpful to contact The Loft in Minneapolis. I know you are familiar with it. If you want phone number, address, etc., let me know and I will get them for you. Congratulations. A real accomplishment.
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Mar 29, 2016 @ 23:25:20
The Loft is fabulous. I took several classes there, the last one was called Working on Your Novel. It was taught by Mary Gardner, what a gem! She’s the reason I completed my first book. Thanks for mentioning it. I’ll take a look at the website and see if something resonates.
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May 23, 2016 @ 08:10:13
SOooooooo happy and excited for you! Xox
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May 24, 2016 @ 06:31:28
I’m happy and excited to have it to this point. Now the real work begins!
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Aug 09, 2018 @ 00:43:23
E-Publish/Kindle. You can do it all yourself now. I’m a little late but I hope you found a way to publish it as I would definitely purchase it.
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Aug 09, 2018 @ 15:02:27
Not yet…still re-writing…again!
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Aug 10, 2018 @ 00:06:43
Ok, I’ll wait LOL!
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Aug 10, 2018 @ 14:23:34
LOL again!
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