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.
So I guess I’m a writer now
Posted in new orleans, writing
(grabs firmly ahold of Ray’s coattails)
Boo!
Goose
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.
Congrats Ray!
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.
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…)
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?”
Dude.
We’re not worthy.
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*
smile. (big.) that’s wonderful news. -s
So cool! Congrats.
Can I put it on my résumé? That I almost kinda know the famous published writer Ray-In-Austin?
Aw Ray, big, big congratulations!
Exceptionally cool. Congratulations!!
As many have already conveyed – awesome Ray! We should definitely go hear some music soon. Hugs