Ever since I went to the memoir conference in October, Frankie/Francine, my mom, has been asking me on a regular basis “How’s the book coming along?” This is usually followed up by a quiet but firm “It won’t write itself, you know.”
Then after my last post here on Just TypiKel, she came straight out and said that she wanted to read some of it to get an idea of “what you’re saying about me.”
I’ve been reluctant to show her mainly because I wanted the chapters to be polished to the point of being shiny. But honestly, I can only polish so much. It was time. So, I put on my big girl pants last Wednesday and printed off the first six chapters of the book and then popped over to her apartment …
It Won’t Write Itself
I should explain that Mom’s been under the weather lately with a nasty cold that required rest and antibiotics. I thought she’d put the papers to one side with a promise to read them later and we’d sit and chat. Nope. She clutched them eagerly and grabbed a pen. What was the pen for? To edit of course. Her mind is admirably sharp still when it comes to editing.
With my heart pounding in anticipation (would she like it? Would she hate it? Would she tell me the truth?) I sat on the couch opposite and played with my phone. She read. I looked at Instagram (you can find me at kellylmckenzie ) and was just about to head over to Twitter when she started in. Most of her initial suggestions were changes to the dialogue. “I wouldn’t say it that way. Drop the word ‘exactly’ and take out ‘huge.’ She also picked up on wee technicalities. “Your father moonlighted for me on the weekends only.”
I’d forgotten how quickly she reads. I never did get to Twitter. She put down the papers and smiled. A kind of odd smile. As if she was debating whether or not to tell me the truth. Then softly and gently she began.
“It’s funny and light but it’s not going to be read by a large group. Your brother won’t read it, for example. No, only a certain small group of people will read it as you’ve written it.”
Oh. Is that good? Is that bad? I held my breath. She held hers. Then her expression changed and I knew she was committed to lay it all out, warts and all.
“Your chapters float. There’s no anchor. The reader will have no sense of the store. My shop was one of only two Asian antique stores in Vancouver for years and years. It mattered. It was a fixture on the Vancouver antiques scene. You need to show your readers that.”
“So, I should lose most of what I’ve shown you?” My mouth was dry and I had a difficult time getting the words out. I’d shown her but a mere tidbit of what I’ve written …
“NO. That’s not what I’m saying. It’s unique and I’ve never read anything like it. Keep what you’ve done but tighten up that first chapter by including how I told the land lord I was going to sue him for $8,000,000.00 if he didn’t send in a plumber that instant. Then, make your second chapter your fourth. You need to make a new second chapter on the importance of the shop in Vancouver and a third chapter on your very first sale. Once you do that, bring it back and I’ll have another look. And keep writing. It won’t write itself, you know.”
Damn it.
She’s right. Since then, the words have flowed. I have a clearer vision. And the best part? I’ve got the theme firmed up and a quirky working title. Who knows, perhaps if I keep at it, even my brother will read it.
Best part? I’ve got a crackerjack editor. Can you believe she’s 94?
40 Responses
Wow, your dear Mum is as sharp as a rack ! Although I am sure it was hard hearing some of what she said, so glad that it has inspired you. I am so looking forward to reading it !!
She is indeed sharper than a rack. And yes, this is going to become my new favourite saying.
Oops, should have been sharp as a tack ! Darn autocorrect. Clearly I need your Mum to edit !!
Bless you.
Great post, Sis. Tell your Mom she needs to be more candid! Heehee! What a fabulous editor she is! And she knows how to keep you in shape. Can’t wait to read it!! Have a good week.
Grinning over the comment that she could be a tad more candid, Sis. I’ll alert her forthwith.
Ha ha ha! I work with a Tiger Lady who edits with no mercy. She has made grown PhDs and MDs cry with her red ink. But she’s usually right.
It’s humbling to have someone view our work–especially the person you’re writing about!–but it usually does make it better. Kudos to you for your bravery.
P.S. I once wrote a 500 word article for a local family magazine about a friend’s business. She basically re-wrote the whole thing when I showed it to her prior to submission. It was so awkward that I vowed never to interview friends again OR show them what I wrote before hand.
Oh that rewrite must have been quite something, Katy. Thank you for sharing. I’ll remember that should anyone local ask me to do the same. And Tiger Lady? She sounds impressive. She and Mom should meet.
Congratulations on passing what will probably be your biggest hurdle.
Thanks for putting it in perspective, Kathy. I appreciate that.
I’d expect nothing less of your mom, Kelly! I can’t wait to read it.
Hi, Donna! Thank you for once again helping to put things into the proper perspective for me.
She’s still got it and so do you – that took courage and the ol’ gal keeps showing us how how to live curiously, courageously and most importantly from the heart.
Keep on truckin’
Thanks, Wend. Means the world to me. And btw? You’ve reminded me of that wedding photo of you and Dad and the mirror …
One should always have a gold sticker on a mirror in a special father / daughter wedding photo. That’s just the way .
A shiny sparkly gold sticker at that. Mind you, a brother could always be subbed in, could he not? M would like that, I’m sure.
WOW. I love love love her incredible honesty and brilliant editing. I also love that you took her feedback with an open mind and heart, ready to dive in with the changes she offered to make the book read that much better! Your mom is AMAZING!!
And uh, is she available for hire? I need an editor like her!
Mom really is quite amazing, Chris. And the best part? She has absolutely no idea. She read these comments and muttered “I really don’t know what all the fuss is about, Kel. I’m not special in any way at all.” She professes to not feel 94 and says she’s surprised to read that she is …
Omg, you know how much I just adore your mom and seriously I only hope to be as on the ball as she is if I make it to 94 someday! But on a side note, my mom likes yours is always right, too 🙂
We are blessed with our moms, ‘eh Janine? Thanks for popping by. Mom will be tickled pink over your lovely comment.
And who better to edit and help make sure that you have captured the essence of THE PLACE in addition to telling the stories of your adventures. I can’t wait to read the finished product! You have a unique voice and a fascinating story to tell – Best Seller GOLD!
Such a lovely comment, Mo. I do thank you. It inspires me to go and bash out another chapter. Truly.
Jeez, Kel…..had no idea you were holding your breath. And you never harped on the fact that I LOVE the way you are writing! I cant do it…too academic. Wish I could. Bring on the rest! Love, MUM.
Oh now you’re being too modest, Mom. You could churn out the humour without blinking an eye. I’ll be over with a new draft next week so sharpen that pencil!
Can I send her mine? I could imagine you sitting there trying not to watch as she flips through your latest child like she is shopping at a thrift store. I could feel your pain. I’m just as sure that her critiques were right on the money. Seriously, can I send her mine? haha
Oh, Rena, if only she was a tad less busy, I’d wager she’d jump at the chance to read yours! Honestly, this gal is often busier than me. And yes, I grinned over your “… shopping at a thrift store.” It was JUST like that.
She’s just amazing. We all should have an editor like her! I know the finished product will be wonderful.
Thanks, Lana. I’m ploughing away. It really did help so very much to get her input. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t go to her earlier.
Kel, she’s exactly the right person to be reading and editing for you!
She truly is. Thanks, Mary. You’re next. 🙂
Whew! I was on the edge of my seat!! I will definitely be reading it. ?
Thanks so much, Naomi. I do appreciate it.
A smart, honest editor who also lived the story you are telling? You hit the jackpot, Kelly – I’m so excited for you. Keep writing – can’t wait to read!
Thanks, Dana. I’m plugging away here. Going to see Mom tomorrow with her suggested edits …
Wow…so awesome. Constructive criticism from someone, who you know, loves and respects you…and is incredibly smart! That’s one powerful ally in your corner. So looking forward to reading this book!
Aw, thank you, Debbie.
I love your mother – though I’ve never met her. She’s amazing. Yep, when I read I put tremendous value on the organization and rhythm of the writing. I don’t like to read much fiction for the very reason it doesn’t suit me in those aspects. Your mother is a gem. Listen to her and hurry up and finish the book. I’m sure she’s anxious to read the rest! Good luck, Kelly!
Thanks, Michelle. I’m plugging away here. Getting closer.
You’ve got some of that in you, Kell. It’s a rare skill to edit the story that isn’t there. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this book.
Thanks, Eli. Means the world to me, truly.