Thursday, November 5, 2009

I’m Proud I Actually Wrote A Book—(Writer’s Workshop)

I never planned to become an author, but here I am! I wrote "My Funny Dad, Harry" as a memorial to my dad after he died in February of 2007. I just had so many thoughts about him racing through my head at night that I couldn't sleep, so decided to write about him. I realized what a wonderful dad he really was and how amazing as well as funny. Growing up, I always thought my parents were funny (as do most kids, I expect), and often said they should have a TV comedy show called the "Mom and Pop" show.

By writing this book, I thought it would be a great way to share my dad with others and keep his memory alive. I also thought it could be an encouragement to others who are caring for aging parents as well as giving some tips on being a good, caring person. I enjoyed writing this book very much because it helped me work through my grief. I worked on it while clearing out his house to get it ready to sell. (Several months after the book was published, I entered the blogosphere with this blog about him which also makes me proud.)

In the end I include an epilogue that tells how God helped me through the really tough days after my dad's death when I just felt so overwhelmed with everything that needed to be taken care of. Included at the very end of the book are several appendices which list names of people mentioned, all his cats because there were a lot to keep straight, list of places mentioned and one that gives some spiritual help for those seeking a personal relationship with God. This part can be easily skipped if it is of no interest to you; however, I felt compelled to include it for those who may find it helpful.

I was thrilled to hear from one of my co-workers who purchased this book that her two girls saw it on the car seat when she picked them up from school and started looking at it. The cat pictures caught their attention because they love cats and they started reading it before mom even got the chance to read it herself. I think that's great. My dad would be pleased too! He always liked kids and enjoyed watching the neighbor children play.

In hindsight, I see where I could have done a better job with it, but it’s written from the heart and I was very eager to get it published by the end of the year. I was going for a quick read that moved along so people wouldn’t get bored. Considering I had no idea how to get a book published when I started writing, I consider this to be quite an accomplishment and am proud that I did it!

Check out my webpage at http://www.outskirtspress.com/myfunnydadharry for more about "My Funny Dad, Harry." You can listen to an audio clip from me and read an excerpt from the book.

For more posts about what people are proud of and other things or to participate yourself, go to Mama Kat's Workshop.

Tweet This
Tweet Me from My Funny Dad, Harry

20 comments:

KatBouska said...

Wow! Writing your own book is not an easy thing to do!! You SHOULD feel proud...I have no doubt your Dad is very proud of you as well!! Way to go!

Corrie Howe said...

Not only wrote, but got published! This is an amazing accomplishment. I think it is great how you included the parts about a personal relationship with God.

My Trendy Tykes said...

You should be very proud!!

Michelle said...

Congrats on publishing your book. It's definitely a pretty huge accomplishment -- and I'm sure your dad is smiling down on you.

Lin said...

That is quite the accomplishment, Karen! You should be very proud of yourself and there is no doubt your dad is looking down on you, proud as ever. :)

Anonymous said...

What an awesome thing to accomplish. Your dad is so proud of you I am sure. Just stopping by from mama kat's.... Congrats on your achievement!

MsTypo said...

Hi, stopping by from SITS! :)

Congrats on your book! Having your book published is def a feat to be proud of. :)

Unknown said...

Wow! You wrote a book? Only in my own wildest dreams... lol!

Thanks for visiting my blog and those kind comments :)

jude8753 said...

I hope your sells are doing well Karen, sounds like they've picked up from some of your other posts I've read in the past.

maya said...

Huge accomplishment! You should be proud!

Sharon said...

WAY COOL! that's awesome. I have trouble writing down my grocery list... you did a whole book!

I bet your Dad is hanging out with God in heaven, braggin' on you!

Jenny said...

congrats!

Rachael said...

What a wonderful concept for a book! Congratulations!

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

Congrats on publishing your book!

admin said...

everybody will be proud of you. you should be proud of yourself too.

Unknown said...

Congrats on being an author!

Deb said...

Way to go, Karen! Congratulations on publishing your book and keeping your dad's memory alive.

MaricrisG said...

What a wonderful accomplishment! I'm sure you treasure that book for years to come!

Christine Lucas said...

I'd love to do something like that about my Nanna. She passed away in 2006, and her life was very interesting. I think I might like to take a little creative license for dialogue though. Maybe make her say things I wish she'd said. Heck, then you've got fiction. Good job on getting your book out there!

Ginny Marie said...

I lost my mom last November, and writing about it has definitely helped me through the grieving process, too. Writing a book about your dad is a great accomplishment! Congratulations!

"My Funny Dad, Harry" Book Giveaway

Congratulations to all the winners of the giveaway for "My Funny Dad, Harry" at Red Pine Mountain. I am so happy that four of my regular commenters won! Read what Tim thought of it at Everyday Living.