HALLIE EPHRON: It’s WHAT WE’RE WRITING WEEK, and after a long dry spell during which I’ve been doing a lot of teaching and a lot less writing, I do have some progress to report. No, I haven’t finished the novel I’m working on, though I am working on it (in fits and starts).
Here’s how they described the year-long position:
The WIR is an aspiring or published writer who furthers the Library’s fundamental mission by using their time to create an original piece of work and sharing their expertise through creating and offering library programming.
The position is funded by a generous legacy from Herb Voigt, a brilliant biomedical engineer with an astonishing list of accomplishments from research to teaching to academic leadership to civic service to beekeeping. Like my husband Jerry, Dr. Voigt went to City College and I would love to have asked him whether they crossed paths when Dr. Voigt was a student and Jerry was a TA teaching introductory physics and getting his PhD.
And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I'd love the opportunity to spend a year taking my writing in a new direction and connecting with local writers and readers through my library.
So I applied. In the process, thinking about what kind of “original work” I’d want to attempt. Here’s what I proposed:
I’m interested in using the year to take a step away from the suspense/mystery novels I’ve been known for and create a collection of thought pieces that share my own journey, growing up in a family of writers but for decades insisting that I was not a writer.
I went on...
For decades I insisted that I was not a writer. My parents were writers. My three sisters were writers. I was a teacher who lived in the suburbs and drove my kids to soccer practice. I wasn't a writer because I didn't write, and it wasn’t until I was into my forties that I finally started to wonder if I could. I began with essays, figuring hey, I've got opinions. How hard can it be?
Now anyone who's tried to write essays knows how naive that is, but sometimes it's better not to know. National Public Radio took one of my first efforts, a piece about growing up a closet athlete in the years before Title IX funded girls' sports, and I was on my way. Reading it in the NPR recording studio for Bill Littlefield’s "It’s Only a Game" remains a highlight of my writing career.
So now I’m waiting for the library to announce 2023-4 Dr. Herb Voigt Memorial Writer in Residence. But the good news is that the applying gave me a kick start in a new direction and a project that it feels exactly right for me to tackle at this point in my career. (Thanks, Dr. Voigt!)
I had no idea that libraries did this, Hallie, but it sounds so exciting . . . .
ReplyDeleteI think it was such a thoughtful legacy. I wouldn't have thought of it, either.
DeleteI didn't realize libraries did this, either. It does sound exciting, and best of luck - both for becoming the WIR and for trying a new direction and project. That's an inspiring example to share.
ReplyDeleteAs if I needed another example of how where you are in your real life affects what you feel like doing in your writing life.
DeleteThat's such a great statement.
DeleteGo for it, Hallie (although I very much would love another of your novels one day). I've thought about applying for other writer-in-residence programs. There was/is one at a national park, for example. Will you write this book even if you aren't awarded the WIR?
ReplyDeleteI never knew about the NPR piece. That's very cool. Do you have a link to it?
Yes I would love a link too!
DeleteMe three! But I think it's lost in the sands of time... Had to have been 15 or more years ago. I'll look and see if I have the hard copy... which is part of my project!!
DeleteI found it! Not so buried after all. Reminding me of the writers' axiom: NEVER THROW AWAY ANYTHING YOU'VE WRITTEN. TODAY'S CRAP IS TOMORROW's COMPOST! I'll post it next week during my blog week. Such fun to find it again - Thanks Edith and Anon!
DeleteLooking forward to it, Hallie!
DeleteAwesome! And I know your voice, so I'll be able to hear you when I read it. ;^)
DeleteOh Hallie, W-i-R sounds so exciting! Crossing my fingers for you! I second Edith’s question, is there a link to your NPR poece? Suzette Ciancio
ReplyDeleteI'll post it next week... Wish I had the audio file...
DeleteHALLIE: The library WIR sounds like a great opportunity. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
DeleteIt sounds very cool, Hallie. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz - fingers crossed.
DeleteHallie, the WIR sounds perfect for you. But even if they select another author, (where you live, there must be a lot of competition) the application process stimulated an idea that you can use, if you choose. You would be my choice for WIR, of course!
ReplyDeleteThere are tons of really good writers in my town... and I look forward to meeting them whichever way this ends up.
DeleteKim Hays: This sounds like a brave and well-thought-out plan, Hallie. I HOPE very hard for you that it works. New for me: tackling the next Polizei Bern book.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Tell us more!
DeleteHow could they not choose you? Talent, teaching skills, compassion, more talent, a library user, and best selling author. If not now, then when? I, along with many, have loved your essays. I won't go Que sera on you, just share a personal vignette meant to encourage you. You, dear Hallie, told me 'but the words you write are YOUR words". I listened and am now a member of an international writer's group. Our book is published by Parallax Press and distributed by Penguin Random House. Thanks to you, a life long dream is real. The 60's said "keep on keepin' on.. and I second that 'don't give up. The library world needs Hallie Eprhon.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Coralee... you can't see the big grin on my face. Did you share the book with us? (email me if you did not - would love to know more but not buried in comments...)
DeleteBrava, Hallie, for the new direction. Just taking it is an award. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteGood way to think about it. And it gives me bragging rights/writes.
DeleteHallie, I had no idea that libraries had writers in residence program. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you. I have been meaning to ask you.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it like growing up in a family of writers? I wondered because I grew up in a family of musicians and it is hilarious because I lost my hearing at the age of 2. For me, the closest thing to music was ballet .
What is new on my horizon? A family wedding in a few months! Writing assignments from my Author Academy that will eventually become my debut novel. My decluttering project is ongoing. This morning I was able to do my exercises without bumping into things.
Diana
Diana, we'll all be waiting for your debut!!
DeleteOh yes, oh yay: Hallie for WIR! What a great proposal you submitted. My fingers are firmly crossed for you, Hallie!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda - mine, too!
DeleteVery cool Hallie! I would think you have a great chance of getting selected. As Coralee said, how could they NOT choose you?
ReplyDeleteOur library (in pre-pandemic times) had a library writers' program, where they solicited manuscripts from self-published local writers. If a writer's work was selected, it would be added to the library's e-book collection. One work, selected by library staff, would be printed each year. In 2019, they selected Katie Grindeland's The Gifts We Keep. Katie and I had worked together at 9-1-1, so I picked it up and really really liked it.
Not much new on my horizon,,,Street racers took over a nearby intersection last night and the noise kept me awake and totally freaked out my guest dog, who kept pawing at me (dog claws on bare skin) and trying to crawl in my lap (70 lb golden retriever) for a long time, even after the noise had stopped. I hope some sleep is on my horizon soon.
Oh, gee, Gillian, you have street racers, too. It’s getting to be a big problem here.
DeleteDebRo
I feel like street racers are the gift that came with Covid. That and people who think it's fun to race down the street and toss cherry bombs in their wake in the wee hours.
DeleteStreet racers have always been a problem, especially in small towns where there is nothing else to occupy their time. Always happens in the summer in urban areas. This is not a new phenomenon.
DeleteThink AMERICAN GRAFFITI and GREASE. Also, those recent movies about street racing that made it look so cool.
DeleteStreet racing isn't new, but what they are doing now isn't really racing. They take over an intersection and block it off and drive in circles, screeching tires, also setting off fireworks . There's smoke and noise and it goes on for hours. The police don't respond, because it would require many many officers for what is not a life-threatening situation (though one of my neighbors was assaulted last summer and ended up in the hospital). I've lived in the neighborhood since 1990 and this particular activity has only happened the last two summers.
DeleteFrom Celia: that’s so exciting Hallie, I second or third - how could they not choose you? A new direction opens. I loved Bill’s show. I bet NPR has that recording in their vaults. After all Julia Childs early programs are still around. Best of luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Celia - I miss Bill's show, too. His was my first YES to an unpublished work. That's all it takes to make you trust yourself: a (small) bank check for a few words. Amazing how powerful.
DeleteHallie, congrats on taking the leap in a new direction! Here's hoping you win the WIR; the library would be lucky to have you in residence. I mean that sincerely. You would be a perfect choice, given your experiences as teacher and writer.
ReplyDeleteOn my horizon: self-publishing my novella as an ebook and paperback (it's currently only available on Kindle's Vella platform), publishing a paperback version of a middle-grade fantasy novel, and publishing a historical romantic suspense novel. Before any of that can happen, real life intrudes once again--need to deal with a blocked foundation drain--with all the rain we've been having, it's a problem that can't be ignored.
The writing goals seem a whole lot more manageable than a blocked foundation drain. We had a basement window that leaked flooding our basement in any heavy rain. These last days of LOTSA rain would have been a disaster. Fortunately I found a landscaping service that dug out a widow well around the window (there had always been one but it silted up over the decades)... Now I'm afraid to go down and see if it held. Did I mention that we got a lot of rain?
DeleteHallie, I feel for you. Sometimes I just want to not know what needs doing next. The joys of home ownership! But then, I balance that with peace and quiet, countryside, great neighbors--it's been worth it.
DeleteGood luck and excited for you to be headed in a new direction!
ReplyDeleteThe Cincinnati-Hamilton County library system has a popular writer-in-residence program. Kurt Dinan, a HS teacher who writes YA, gave several good talks. Jessica Strawser took the WIR position to a whole new level with her talks to packed audiences and 10 minute "office hour" slots at a local library.
"office hour" slots? Sounds intriguing. I know Jennifer through my connection with Writers Digest Books - she's terrific. Perfect choice for a writer-in-residence.
DeleteI agree with the others, Hallie, this is very exciting and we all think your submission is the best one! I decree it so!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Would that it were that simple!
DeleteHallie, I’m excited about the possibility of you becoming WIR at your library! With your background, you’re the perfect choice. And even if someone else is chosen, you have a new idea to pursue.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s new for me? It’s actually something old: I used to journal every single day. I have no idea why I stopped, but I want to start doing it again. Also on my to-do list: I desperately need to declutter!
DebRo
More power to you if yo can get back to journaling. Such fertile ground, if only to figure out what you're thinking.
DeleteHow exciting! I've enjoyed your novels immensely and can see you as WIR. Essays and thought pieces! I love those. So much fun to get a deep dive into someone else's experiences, what they feel about those experiences and the way those experiences have helped shape them. Reading essays helps me to examine my life with greater curiosity and wonder.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JC... I love essays and thought pieces, too. But it amuses me that I thought they'd be simple... easier than making things up. Not.
DeleteHallie, this is such an exciting opportunity, and whether you get the grant or not, just the fact it has you thinking about writing in a different direction is wonderful. So many of us are starry-eyed dreamers surrounded by teachers and scientists, saying, "I'm a writer!" The fact you were surrounded by writers, insisting, "I'm a teacher (married to a scientist)!" is unique, and let's face it, just darn interesting.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that. "A teacher married to a scientist" - could be my new tag line.
DeleteHallie, this is perfect for you! How can they not give it to you. And we have been nudging you to write this for years! Fingers crossed. ( Rhys)
ReplyDeleteThe nudging has been much appreciated. And as you know, I am so in awe of your ability to stay focused and write write write... in new directions and down familiar paths.
DeleteHallie, yes, we have been nudging you, and it seems like this WIR program is just designed to push you in a new direction. And considering that you are such a fabulous teacher, how could they NOT choose you?? But in any case, it's got you focused, and that is the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've appreciated being nudged. However, as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the writing. Or words to that effect.
DeleteThat's great, Hallie, and very adventurous. Got my fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteHallie, I think this is a terrific opportunity and I hope you are the chosen one You have so much to offer. And your life has taken a new path before. You always seem to chose what’s right at the time.
ReplyDeleteI’m in your corner!
Thank you, Ann!
DeleteCongratulations, Hallie, on giving yourself this new adventure, whether you get the WIR position or not. (Seriously, how could they refuse you?) When major changes happen in your life, a lot of old patterns don't really fit anymore, and many of the subjects you once enjoyed lose some of their appeal. So keep writing, but strike off in a new direction. I bet it will be awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat's new on my horizon? Health problems shut down my creative energy for a long time in 2021-22, but I'm starting to get my mojo back. While my first project "should" be to finish that third Deep Ellum story, I think it's going to be a new quilt, which will go in a different design direction from my past efforts. It will give me a lot of time to sit and think while my hands are busy, and who knows where that will take me? Good luck to us both!
When you do write the third Deep Ellum, please let us all know. I love the first two!
DeleteWhat Judy said!
DeleteFingers crossed, Hallie! What a great way to inspire yourself, either way.
ReplyDeleteHow does the WIR program work? Is there a stipend? Is there a reporting requirement for writing product/mentoring goals? And who decides whether or not goals were/were not met? Is your physical presence required?
I'll check back much later today, because I'm on my way home from visiting my family in Northern Michigan. Some lake kayaking, cherry eating and buying, whitefish eating, a beautiful boat ride on Torch Lake, trivia night, doggie loving up, farmers market, and just plain relaxing. Bliss. It was nice to be a guest for a change, after months of hostessing for various reasons, with more to come. It's been the most social summer I can remember in years! Next up: Madame Butterfly this weekend!
Ha ha ha! Karen, that list of questions is virtually the same as the list of questions I asked them during the interview.
DeleteSIGH Northern Michigan! It's on my bucket list.
Fingers crossed for you Hallie. I think being a teacher and author would make a you a perfect choice for Writer-in-Residence. I'm interested in reading more of your journey of not following in the family business only to find you were joining them after all.
ReplyDeleteNew on my horizon is a needlepoint project with others at church. I haven't done needlepoint in years and getting the feel for it has been frustrating but now that I have the better tools, a better mindset after establishing new boundaries at work I'm off and running.
I did needlepoint once upon a time. In fact I learned in elementary school - our school had the best art projects and I learned to cross stitch and do a bunch of other stitches. So satisfying. But doing it with a group now that sounds wonderful. Wondering if it's like working on a really large project or everyone does a piece and you stitch them together like a quilt. (Wouldn't it be nice if one could write books that way)
DeleteGood luck, Hallie! W-I-R sounds like a wonderful prod, push, kickstart, whatever you want to call it. The application itself might have just done the trick.
ReplyDeleteKick-in-the-ass seems apt.
DeleteHallie, good luck on the W-I-R. My fingers are crossed. Like a few others here, I'd never heard of this being a thing libraries did.
ReplyDeleteThere's not a whole lot new on my own writing horizons. Just continuing to work on CD reviews, articles for my Cassette Chronicles series and trying to cram in some book reviews for Mystery Scene and hopefully The Strand magazine as well. Though with the latter, I had to pass on the first thing they sent me. They don't publish negative reviews and the book they sent simply did not do it for me. That was not an easy email to write let me tell you.
Jay, it sounds as if there's actually quite a bit on your writing horizons!
DeleteI hear you on reviewing a book you don't like. When I was reviewing mystery novels for the Boston Globe I was fortunate in that they let me pick the books I reviewed... that way I was spared the thankless (and pointless) task of reviewing books I didn't like. Because what IS the point of that? I'd so much rather use the ink to steer readers to books and authors they'll like but might never have heard of.
Running in, running in...pant pant. Oh, Hallie, how could they NOT choose you? You are perfect in every way. In fact, I wish you could also be a writer in residence at MY house. THAT would be fun! Every finger is crossed... xx
ReplyDeleteHallie, this sounds like such a wonderful opportunity for you...and you would be wonderful doing it (whatever they expect yo to od). Good luck! As for me,having struggled for ridiculously long time with trying to tell a different kind of story, following the sale/loss of my former publisher....I am astonished to say I seem to be closing in on a workable draft that makes sense. Ripping apart and rearranging everything. That's a long way from a finished book, but it makes it seem...possible?
ReplyDeleteHallie, I so hope you get this! You'd do a wonderful job and have an opportunity to help so many people. You are such a fantastic teacher and writer and would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat’s wonderful Hallie-it sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You’d be great at this job — or many, many jobs out there. They would be lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting, Hallie. I love that you are feeling inspired. It's the best feeling in the world.
ReplyDeleteI am so late to this particular post, so you probably won't see it, but I love that you're looking to a new direction for your writing.
ReplyDeleteYou're such a good teacher. You spot details others miss.
Yes, I remember that from Seascape. No One Else spotted something you alone caught in my pages, Sensei. No shade intended for anyone else who read my pages--we do what we do--but you're the only one who questioned that and your remarks caught my attention.
Anyway, I can't imagine anyone else who applied for WIR having the chops to do what you do.
As my friends who do manifestation say, the job is yours.
Hallie, this is so exciting. CongratulationsI I have no doubt that Herb would be thrilled that you are using this program to head in new directions. (He was good at creating opportunies for stretching).
ReplyDelete