Perfect. I love the bee story. There is a grain of insight or humor in everything.
I love that you made your piece about Cindy, too. I think it's lovely that you both use the word "lovely." My heart always skips a beat when Cindy uses that word to describe a line or passage in a draft. And thanks for including her piece from Split Lip. So like her not to share it. I could read her writing all day, especially now that I know her voice. There is always so much in it.
My wife and I went to one of David's shows here in NYC, and he was so gracious about customizing every signature. I appreciate his writing, but I was there to meet Cindy in person. She came from around the signing table to shake my hand.
I have a "gracious celebrity" story from my recent travels, which is why I'm only reading last Friday's piece this morning, Debbie. But it's too long to share here. I'll share it next time we talk.
Thanks for the, er, lovely comment, Jeff. I'm eager to hear your "gracious celebrity" story when you're ready. Are you back from your odyssey? I look forward to hearing/reading about it.
Love this! I hope it's not obnoxious to share a funny story. I went to see David Sedaris in New Haven a couple of years ago with my daughter. She was a huge fan. At the beginning of the show, I think he mentioned something about discovering new writers, local writers...something like that. I nudge my daughter and say, "he's probably talking about me." Then he says, "let me introduce Cindy . . . (my jaw drops) House!" For one split delusional second I thought David Sedaris was introducing me! The show was great...I loved Cindy's pieces and of course David Sedaris was as good as gold as ever. And now I get to read your work, too! :)
Thanks, Lisa. I know! As I say in the Mortified podcast, this was long before the days of Open Circle and Peace Tables in the classroom. This was suburbia, too. Where were the adults? Crazy!
Debbie - I loved your post - I have been in love with David Sedaris for decades - and would have died to sit at a table far far away with binoculars, spying of course. I love your writing, your wit, and am very happy for you as to revel in each publishing victory.
I would sit next to you also with binoculars. I gave David a ring I was wearing and proclaimed we were engaged as I walked away. Despite my apparent husband and of course his partner Hugh. Guess we’re all in love?
I understand - I live in a writerly land where certains days are crisp as lightening and others are a murky grey, and add to this the fact that my photos on my phone are a jumbled mess (8 grand-children can do this to you) - and I don't understand how to listen to music anymore. Miss you - would love to see you.
Eight?! Wow. How wonderful. I just got your announcement about your book. GREAT title and, I know, the culmination of so much work and effort. Huge congratulations and can't wait to see it!
Excellent title and a great piece - so inspiring! Quite amazing that something like this could happen. Love David Sedaris, one of the few writers who consistently makes me laugh out loud.
Thanks for sharing. (Your diary entries are also hilarious).
I also have several of David Sedaris' books, starting from way back with Barrel Fever. But it's been a while since I have read him so I may revisit. Thanks again!
What a cool story - or, rather, stories! There is so much here. Thank you. As my book is a collection of writing from my journal about my time with my mother toward the end of her life, this resonates with me in so many ways. It also brings to mind Margaret Sartor's Miss American Pie, a collection from the journal she kept growing up in the 70s. I really enjoyed and recommend it.
I loved Margaret Sartor's book! I used it as a comp when I was trying to get my teen diary excerpts published as a set. Long story. I look forward to reading your work. Thanks for commenting!
Perfect. I love the bee story. There is a grain of insight or humor in everything.
I love that you made your piece about Cindy, too. I think it's lovely that you both use the word "lovely." My heart always skips a beat when Cindy uses that word to describe a line or passage in a draft. And thanks for including her piece from Split Lip. So like her not to share it. I could read her writing all day, especially now that I know her voice. There is always so much in it.
My wife and I went to one of David's shows here in NYC, and he was so gracious about customizing every signature. I appreciate his writing, but I was there to meet Cindy in person. She came from around the signing table to shake my hand.
I have a "gracious celebrity" story from my recent travels, which is why I'm only reading last Friday's piece this morning, Debbie. But it's too long to share here. I'll share it next time we talk.
Well done, here, as always.
Thanks for the, er, lovely comment, Jeff. I'm eager to hear your "gracious celebrity" story when you're ready. Are you back from your odyssey? I look forward to hearing/reading about it.
Yes, back as of yesterday afternoon. I have to think about how I write / tell the story without naming her or giving her identity away.
Thanks for this story, Deborah! I love David Sedaris's stories and his sense of humor. I'm glad to know he was so gracious when you met him.
Thanks for reading! He is incredibly gracious, yes.
Love this! I hope it's not obnoxious to share a funny story. I went to see David Sedaris in New Haven a couple of years ago with my daughter. She was a huge fan. At the beginning of the show, I think he mentioned something about discovering new writers, local writers...something like that. I nudge my daughter and say, "he's probably talking about me." Then he says, "let me introduce Cindy . . . (my jaw drops) House!" For one split delusional second I thought David Sedaris was introducing me! The show was great...I loved Cindy's pieces and of course David Sedaris was as good as gold as ever. And now I get to read your work, too! :)
Oh, I love this story! Thanks for sharing and I get it. Maybe someday? I'll let the other writer Cindy know (though she will likely see this)!
I hoped you'd appreciate it. Thank you!
Love the bee story and was startled by the aggressive nature of your school days. I don’t recall anything like that from mine!
Thanks, Lisa. I know! As I say in the Mortified podcast, this was long before the days of Open Circle and Peace Tables in the classroom. This was suburbia, too. Where were the adults? Crazy!
Loved this Deb, or maybe I will say Deborah this Friday afternoon…fan girl here reading about favorite people. How delicious
Thanks!! You can call me any of those names. Just don't spell it "Debby." I'm an "i-e" Debbie. :)
I corrected a woman- my name is Ginny. Not Jenny. She said Ginny Jeanie Judy. They’re all cheerleader names!
Debbie - I loved your post - I have been in love with David Sedaris for decades - and would have died to sit at a table far far away with binoculars, spying of course. I love your writing, your wit, and am very happy for you as to revel in each publishing victory.
I would sit next to you also with binoculars. I gave David a ring I was wearing and proclaimed we were engaged as I walked away. Despite my apparent husband and of course his partner Hugh. Guess we’re all in love?
OMG, that's wild, Ginny! What did he say?
He laughed. And when I saw Cindy and David a few weeks ago. And arrived three hours early to be first in line… Cindy said to David as I walked up
Here’s your fiancé. Needless to say he hasnt asked to move forward with wedding plans?!? And so
It goes. I can settle
W my three postcards and signed books. And he ate one of the gingersnaps I brought for him. That can last a good long while in my little world!
So great! He's such a sweetheart. I'm sure he appreciated it so much.
Thanks so much, Maida! That means a lot. I am behind on all my reading of others' Substacks but I hope to catch up soon!
I understand - I live in a writerly land where certains days are crisp as lightening and others are a murky grey, and add to this the fact that my photos on my phone are a jumbled mess (8 grand-children can do this to you) - and I don't understand how to listen to music anymore. Miss you - would love to see you.
Eight?! Wow. How wonderful. I just got your announcement about your book. GREAT title and, I know, the culmination of so much work and effort. Huge congratulations and can't wait to see it!
Thank you Debbie - I am drooling over you meeting DS -
A drool-worthy experience for sure. So lucky!
Excellent title and a great piece - so inspiring! Quite amazing that something like this could happen. Love David Sedaris, one of the few writers who consistently makes me laugh out loud.
Thanks for sharing. (Your diary entries are also hilarious).
Thanks so much! David's work is a sure bet for laughing out loud. Glad you liked the diary entries. Honestly, they crack me up, too!
Wonderful. And thank you for alerting me to Unbuttoned. Oof.
Thanks so much! YES, it's an OOF essay if there ever was one.
I also have several of David Sedaris' books, starting from way back with Barrel Fever. But it's been a while since I have read him so I may revisit. Thanks again!
Yes! So much good stuff. Hard to know where to start, really. Go for it.
What a cool story - or, rather, stories! There is so much here. Thank you. As my book is a collection of writing from my journal about my time with my mother toward the end of her life, this resonates with me in so many ways. It also brings to mind Margaret Sartor's Miss American Pie, a collection from the journal she kept growing up in the 70s. I really enjoyed and recommend it.
I loved Margaret Sartor's book! I used it as a comp when I was trying to get my teen diary excerpts published as a set. Long story. I look forward to reading your work. Thanks for commenting!
There is also Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions, her account of the first year of her son's life.
Yes!