Synchronicity

Last year I decided that in my free time I'd try to pitch Motherhood Uncensored as a book. I wrote a few chapters, asked a few wonderful colleagues to check it out, and I sent it off to Seal Press with high hopes.

But alas, it was refused. Same story, different title. "Career mom with surprise pregnancy gets overwhelmed."

Bla bla. I got it.

It turns out that around the same time they had just signed Rebecca Woolf to write Rockabye: From Wild to Child.

I got that too.

It would be wrong to say that I didn't have a speck of envy about it. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure why. I suppose it's a writer's dream to publish a book. Most days I don't really consider my self "A WRITER." But we all see some legitimacy in books -- a soft or hard cover bound bunch of pages that you can hold and wave and accidentally drop in the bathtub.

You know, what you can't do with blogs.

But most of me was extremely excited for Rebecca. There's no doubt in anyone's mind, at least anyone who reads her blog, that she's got chops. Amazing writing chops. But what many people might not have put together is that our stories are very similar.

She definitely beats me in the tattoo department (I have four). And I have more kids than her. And she has bangs and lives in LA and.... okay, so maybe it's not that obvious.

But we both had surprise pregnancies, we both got married before our first kids arrived -- shotgun style --, and we both struggled with what it meant to be "a mother."

And now we're due with our current pregnancies within a week of each other.

So, it was with much anticipation that I waited to get her book in her hands.

If you look at the cover you might get the impression that it's one in the sea of soooo last year "bad drunk party girl now mommy like oh-my-gawd how did I get into this mess" type books.

But it's not.

In fact, after reading the first few chapters I was completely struck by the book's simplicity. You don't get this long twisted story of Rebecca's sordid past. It's not about dredging up all the crazy shit she did as a kid so that when she becomes a mom you're like "OH HERE WE GO AGAIN!"

You hide in the bathroom with her. You take a shit ton more tests like she did. Even if you were dying to get pregnant and only needed one test to convince yourself.

It's relatable, on many levels, because of the messages that are sent to the reader. Through sweet stories, touching moments, and honesty. A beautiful honesty that transcends everyone's diverse experience as a mother.

So, to say I've been touched by this book is an understatement. The truth is if my story never gets put into print, I feel that in some ways, Rebecca has done it for me.

And for that I am eternally grateful.

*****

Because I have a ridiculous amount of interesting links that I want to tell you all about, I've decided to put them in my side bar. I'll update them on a regular basis -- regular being as often as I can remember to do so.

Comments

[Christina]

I love her book, but I also think you could still have your own book. You have similarities, but you also have your own unique story to tell.

Keep trying.

[A Jill of All Trades]

What's her blog link?

I'd read your book, fo sho!!

:)

[Fairly Odd Mother]

I agree with Mom 101. Don't give up. I'd read your book, especially if you included some 'never before told' stories on your inlaws. ..

[Mom101]

I love that book.

I would love your book too.

Other publishers in the sea.

[ArtGirl]

I'd buy the book!
By the way, Patrick Dempsey is on Letterman tonight! New material for the Monday fantasy.

[Chag]

There is no doubt in my mind we'll see Motherhood Uncensored: The Book one day. Followed by Motherhood Uncensored: The Movie. So who gets to play you?

[GIRLS GONE CHILD]

You can still publish that book, Kristen. I'm 279878% sure of that. Love you, mama.

[Miguelina]

You're a class act, lady.

[BOSSY]

Bossy is grateful for both you AND Rebecca.

[Asha {Parent Hacks}]

You are lovely and gracious and as talented a writer as ever.

[LiteralDan]

Good for her, and good for you feeling the way you do about it. I hope you get to tell your story in print some day, if that helps :-)

[Wifey's House]

Nice review. And, um, I can so see you with your own book...

[feener]

i might just suggest this for our next book club !

[gewinnspiel auto]

I think Rebecca is good friend of you. I was hurted when you told 1st time that your were unable to print your book. Yes, printed copy has a different value but if you post your book at online then you will get more people at online. Also, I will suggest you that do not stopped writing. If there any problem with printing then write it or post at online then you will get more reader.

Thanks for your posting.

[SciFi Dad]

You know, with all these reviews I'm reading about her book, I'm feeling pretty damn stupid for not reading GGC sooner.

I think I'm going to have to grab this book, even if it's supposed to speak to mothers.