This manuscript
will become an actual book launched into the world.
It’s been a journey all right. When I started this blog, almost 13 years ago, I sensed that I was headed in this direction — kept a big blue three-ring binder which I called my “clergy wife journal,” tried to capture particular moments that felt at once ordinary and also spectacular, began to write essays that got published in the local newspaper. Eventually, I started drafting a couple of whole chapters — more like bunches of pages on certain topics — without knowing what the larger structure would be. Then, in 2017, I brought this material to the Memoir Incubator program at Grub Street in Boston and kept going, for a year, expanding what I had and trying to find the shape of it all, helped immeasurably by the feedback of others (“ho hum” or “now that’s what we want more of” etc.)
Back home at the end of that year, I kept at it, mostly at this desk, surrounded by reminders of past years, jobs, events for which I needed to be identified, creatures. I sat on a stool made from a black walnut tree that used to stand near my grandparents’ home. In the photo of her, my mother looks hopefully up. A wonderful NH friend made the card of Rocky, from a photo towards the end of his life.
Amidst equal parts determination and self-doubt about the whole project, through many stages of “what do I try next?” I now have an acceptance from a publisher that, I believe, will serve me well through the last leg of this journey.
You can check them out more thoroughly here: https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/
They’re located in Montpelier, VT — the same place where we celebrated the life of my beloved brother, Sandy, exactly one year ago, and where his wife, Amy, still lives. “Rootstock” means the underground part of a plant, from which new growth can emerge: I’ll go for that.
Now, I need to try to bring this story forth, with help. Give it my best shot.
My friend Gina Barreca, very experienced in the world of getting books out, congratulated me the other day by saying that I’ve now landed the plane, and the rest is all runway.
Me, landing a plane? Not in a million years. But I appreciate the metaphor, very much.
And I’m so grateful for this guy, my husband. Through all the similarities as well as the differences we’ve got going on here, the active seeking of mutual understanding as well as the knowing when to be still, it’s our love for one another that has been the true engine whirring, whirring away all the while.
There are plenty of other examples of getting to a place you’ve long been aiming for, after a time of struggle and frustration. How did it feel when you arrived?
Jane Britain
Congratulations, that is such good news. So many have been cheering you on for all these years. Your dedication is impressive.
I’m thinking of the pure joy you felt when you heard the fantastic news.
Keep up the good work.
Hugs,
Jane
Pastorswife
Thanks, Jane. I appreciate your steady support, very much! Needed to sit awhile with this decision, but yes, some pure joy once I made it. Also plenty of apprehension about what’s in store!
Josette Hochman
CONGRATULATIONS! Polly, I was delighted to read this wonderful news. You have worked so very hard! Much love, Josette
Pastorswife
So glad to hear from you, all the way from the Midwest, Josette! Yes, I have worked hard and will need to stay the course in the coming months. Looking forward to more communication with you soon.
Jane Pemberton
Congratulations, Polly! It has been quite a journey, but I look forward with great pleasure to your forthcoming book.
Warmly, Jane
Pastorswife
Thank you, Jane. I hope it will be a worthy read, and your encouragement means a lot to me. Sending best wishes to you, always.
Susan Abdow
Dear Polly,
What a journey! I’m so happy to hear your news. Your persistence has paid off. Just incredible.Let’s chat soon!
Pastorswife
Thanks, Sue…Have to bring this boat into port somehow (stretching it with that metaphor as I know so little about the nautical life). Appreciate your sticking with me, very much!
scottie faerber
Wonderful news, Polly, re: the publication of your blog which I’ve so enjoyed.SO HAPPY for you, and
you have been a true example of persistence!!! Have a wonderful summer too!! Love, Scottie
Pastorswife
Persistent Polly, that’s me, Scottie! Thanks so much for your steady loyalty all through this journey: it has made a big difference.
Samantha Potter
Congratulations dear dear Polly! I see so much serendipity in this story. I look forward to reading your beautiful book next summer! Cheers! Samantha
Pastorswife
Thanks, Samantha. “Serendipity” — a wonderful word. Here’s hoping you will find some beauty in the completed volume.
Tennis is included, and here’s hoping for plenty of it in real life over the next year, too.
Barbara ONeil
Deep exhale, Polly! You have reached a turning point.
Now for the inhale to go forward and do final edits, etc,
Congratulations!
Pastorswife
Yes, Barbara: a turning point indeed, and final edits too. Will try to quell anxieties about getting it all just right and do, as my mother would have said, the best I can.
Jay Norden
Can’t wait to turn the pages!
Pastorswife
Thanks, Jay! You’ll be glad to know there’s hockey in it. Oh, those good ol’ days of early rink times, often on Sundays.