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October 17, 2005
So I guess I'm a writer now
Last month Toni from Electric Mist asked me to contribute a story to a book to which she was also contributing. A collection of essays about life in New Orleans, from an insider's point of view.
It was a pretty intimidating prospect, since I've never really considered trying to get anything published before.
Well, I just got the word: my piece has been accepted!
Woohoo!
The publisher is Chin Music Press. They have a previous book that is kind of similar called Kuhaku, a collection of stories and essays about Japan, which has been well-reviewed by smartypants types like Bookslut.
You can find a blog entry about the genesis of the New Orleans book here. Actually, the whole blog there is well worth reading.
Publication is set to coincide with Mardi Gras, which is apropos since my own piece describes my experience as a teenager working inside the parade floats during Carnival.
This calls for something festive. And then I need to figure out what to write next.
Posted by ray at October 17, 2005 3:49 PM | Permalink
Categories: [new orleans | writing ]
Comments
(grabs firmly ahold of Ray's coattails)
Posted by: Brett at October 17, 2005 4:39 PM
Boo!
Goose
Posted by: Goose at October 17, 2005 6:36 PM
Sweet news, Ray. Thanks for comin' to call over at GnG. We has friends rendered home+jobless by Katrina and I've been reading your news and notes with a lot of interest ever since.
Posted by: Gander at October 17, 2005 7:11 PM
Congrats Ray!
Posted by: whirlbrain at October 17, 2005 7:48 PM
very cool. While I know my limitations and know realistically the life of a published writer is not for me, I can shout huzzah for those I like who can achieve this.
Posted by: Gwensarah at October 17, 2005 7:57 PM
Ray, that is freaking fantabulous! Congratulations! Allow me to buy you a Coke (or other form of inexpensive beverage) at JournalCon.
(Brett, who knew there was room for two on Ray's coattails? It's pretty comfy here...)
Posted by: Carol Elaine at October 17, 2005 8:28 PM
Room on my coattails? Oh, I get it. You're saying I have a big ass.
"There goes Ray and his big ass."
I see how it is.
Seriously, thanks for all the love, peoples. This publishing thing is scary shit. I never realized that writing could be like being on stage, but now I've got stage fright. "I'm gonna be in a book. What if I suck?"
Posted by: Ray at October 17, 2005 9:07 PM
Dude.
We're not worthy.
Posted by: Karl Elvis at October 18, 2005 12:00 AM
Ray, I will never say you have a big ass. 1) That's just rude. 2) We've not yet met, so how would I know? 3) Those with big asses shouldn't throw stones. Mainly because that shit hurts.
*rubs own big ass*
Posted by: Carol Elaine at October 18, 2005 12:51 AM
smile. (big.) that's wonderful news. -s
Posted by: sarah at October 18, 2005 9:56 AM
So cool! Congrats.
Posted by: Gregg P. at October 18, 2005 1:44 PM
Can I put it on my résumé? That I almost kinda know the famous published writer Ray-In-Austin? ;)
Aw Ray, big, big congratulations!
Posted by: Circe at October 18, 2005 6:52 PM
Exceptionally cool. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Kate at October 20, 2005 1:47 PM
As many have already conveyed - awesome Ray! We should definitely go hear some music soon. Hugs
Posted by: Kristi at October 21, 2005 6:18 PM
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