A while ago, I received an exciting package, a box full of paperbacks— early copies of my new release Other Than. I was and I still am thrilled. The cover is to die for and inside that gorgeous cover there is the tangible proof that my hours of putting words on paper has yielded something real, something worthwhile and something that can be shared.

For years, a college friend, who is a high school librarian has used me as her example. I’m her modern day Emily Dickenson, a woman who writes passionately and presumably well, then squirrels away her finished works.

This technique worked for Emily if we’re to believe her poem.

I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise –you know!

How dreary—to be—Somebody!
How public—like a Frog—
To tell one’s name—the livelong June—
To an admiring Bog!

But it doesn’t work for me.
Although it’s true that I have journals and stories that may never see the light of day, it’s always been my hope to be able to share my stuff with others. I feel like Navin R. Johnson, the main character in The Jerk when he finds his name in the phone book.

I am somebody! In fact, I’m about to become a published author.

These early copies are a small start. Still, I’m ridiculously excited. How about you? Do you have a beginning in 2017 that has revved you up? A diet? An experience plan? A new pet or even an upcoming release of your own? Please share.

Sources
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/im-nobody-who-are-you-260