Finding Emmaus now has a Facebook page, and I invite all my fans to come visit and post something about the story itself, its characters, the collusion between the pharmaceutical industry and the US FDA, what it's like to be an Empath, what life was like in 1600's America, what it's like to be a woman coming into her own --- essentially any of the many varied topics broached in the book.
The link is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Emmaus/238292639525022
I look foward to hearing from you!!
Showing posts with label psychotropic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychotropic. Show all posts
22 July, 2011
10 July, 2011
Red Carpet Interview
I recently attended the New York City premiere screening of "The Cover Up" (June 10th, 2011), a new cable TV crime drama, and was interviewed on the red carpet. Here is that interview.
17 April, 2011
08 September, 2010
Interview With Para Explorers Radio
Sandra and Russ Wells of Para Explorers Radio focus on paranormal & historical research.
On September 7th 2010 they spoke with Ms. Glasner about her writing in general, “Finding Emmaus” in particular, her research methods, her commitment to historical and factual accuracy, and her characters’ roles as social advocates.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/para-explorers-radio/2010/09/08/pamela-glasner--author--finding-emmaus
06 September, 2010
" ... an intimate listening of our inner voices, deepest yearnings and even blind spots to our egoic sabbateurs ..."
Kelly Welles, President and CEO of Welles Financial Services in New York City, recently had this to say about Finding Emmaus:
“I've been reading Finding Emmaus and enjoying it immensely. What a gifted writer you are. What an intimate listening of our inner voices, deepest yearnings and even blind spots to our egoic saboteurs and authentic yearnings to connect with our source and fullness. What an observer of detail and history. Grand merci for the enchanting journey!
I predict you will build a growing and enduring following among those who resonate with your skillful, wise and lyrical story-telling .... lyrical because it suggests a tone poem with epic overtones. A superb work of art by a most gifted storyteller.”
29 August, 2010
Film Industry Mixer ........ and OMG!!!
(The following was written Saturday night, 28 August, after I got home, just before midnight)
I just got home from the Film Industry Mixer at Young Studio in Hartford and OMG, I had the best time!!
The evening began with a walk down the red carpet as I entered, with photos being snapped and flashbulbs going off — it was fun and I loved it. Then I got to spend the rest of the night surrounded by (and speaking with) producers, directors, assistant directors, journalists, radio and TV hosts, news anchors, cinematographers, photographers, actors, writers … I ran into old friends (lots of them!) and made several new ones. I was in HEAVEN!
I also got to spend time chatting (and laughing!) with some of my favorite radio and TV personalities: Ann Nyberg, Mary Jones and Colin McEnroe.
There were 600 people at this event but it didn’t seem like a zoo, at least not to me. Oh, it was crowded, but it was warm and friendly and there was electricity in the air, no matter which room I was in. I kept running into people I knew and people who knew me and who knew my book. In fact, I am to call a TV host who has a local show in the New Haven area and wants to interview me about my book and my upcoming national tour.
One of the interviews I especially enjoyed was Melissa Mackenzie’s. She is the Senior VP of Maverick Entertainment Group and they specialize in marketing and distribution, two things I know absolutely nothing about. She was fascinating to listen to — a vital segment of the industry but one I’d never even thought of. What a treat!
My car was parked about 2 blocks away and on my way to it, I saw a man getting on a HUGE motorcycle, so of course I just HAD to say something to him: “Wow — your ride is a lot nicer than mine!” and we wound up speaking for about 20 minutes. It turned to be Assistant Director Stephen "Lucky" Luckingham. Wonderful man, and so knowledgeable. It was a warm night and the street was quiet and it was just such a pleasure to speak with a professional about something he was so obviously passionate about.
I’m SO glad I volunteered to work at this event, because not only did it make it POSSIBLE for me to meet all those amazing people, it made it EASY!
It was a beautiful, magical night and I am so delighted to have been a part of it.
Copyright © 2010, All Rights Reserved
I just got home from the Film Industry Mixer at Young Studio in Hartford and OMG, I had the best time!!
The evening began with a walk down the red carpet as I entered, with photos being snapped and flashbulbs going off — it was fun and I loved it. Then I got to spend the rest of the night surrounded by (and speaking with) producers, directors, assistant directors, journalists, radio and TV hosts, news anchors, cinematographers, photographers, actors, writers … I ran into old friends (lots of them!) and made several new ones. I was in HEAVEN!
I also got to spend time chatting (and laughing!) with some of my favorite radio and TV personalities: Ann Nyberg, Mary Jones and Colin McEnroe.
There were 600 people at this event but it didn’t seem like a zoo, at least not to me. Oh, it was crowded, but it was warm and friendly and there was electricity in the air, no matter which room I was in. I kept running into people I knew and people who knew me and who knew my book. In fact, I am to call a TV host who has a local show in the New Haven area and wants to interview me about my book and my upcoming national tour.
One of the interviews I especially enjoyed was Melissa Mackenzie’s. She is the Senior VP of Maverick Entertainment Group and they specialize in marketing and distribution, two things I know absolutely nothing about. She was fascinating to listen to — a vital segment of the industry but one I’d never even thought of. What a treat!
My car was parked about 2 blocks away and on my way to it, I saw a man getting on a HUGE motorcycle, so of course I just HAD to say something to him: “Wow — your ride is a lot nicer than mine!” and we wound up speaking for about 20 minutes. It turned to be Assistant Director Stephen "Lucky" Luckingham. Wonderful man, and so knowledgeable. It was a warm night and the street was quiet and it was just such a pleasure to speak with a professional about something he was so obviously passionate about.
I’m SO glad I volunteered to work at this event, because not only did it make it POSSIBLE for me to meet all those amazing people, it made it EASY!
It was a beautiful, magical night and I am so delighted to have been a part of it.
Copyright © 2010, All Rights Reserved
22 August, 2010
An Explosive Trip to the Moravian Book Shop!
So there we were, driving along on Route 78 West, a limited access highway with three lanes of traffic going in each direction, on our way to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We were in the middle lane, moving along at about 70 MPH, overtaking a tri-axle truck. Just as we pulled up next to him, just as his rear wheels were right outside my side window (I was the passenger), his tire exploded! I mean, REALLY exploded!
I’ve never seen or heard anything like it. Bluish-grey smoke burst out of the tire, black shrapnel showered our windshield and sprayed the side of our car, and the tread from his tire simply disintegrated right before my eyes. And the sound! OMG — even with the windows closed, the air conditioning on and the music playing, it was deafening. Scared the you-know-what out me.
No-one was hurt, thank goodness. We pulled off the road and onto the shoulder at the first safe place, and the truck driver pulled over immediately behind us. I got out and inspected my side of the car and, amazingly, there was no damage whatsoever. I called to the driver, “Are you alright?” and he smiled and waved.
Everyone was OK. And just like that, it was over. Of course, my heart didn’t stop trying to pound its way out of my chest for another 15 miles.
Way to get your blood flowing, that’s for sure!
Moravian’s, by the way, is a beautiful shop in a town so charming, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve just stepped into a Currier and Ives painting. My hosts were lovely people, and some old friends, Pennsylvania natives, whom I’d not seen in several years, were able to attend, so it was a nice afternoon, all around.
I’ve never seen or heard anything like it. Bluish-grey smoke burst out of the tire, black shrapnel showered our windshield and sprayed the side of our car, and the tread from his tire simply disintegrated right before my eyes. And the sound! OMG — even with the windows closed, the air conditioning on and the music playing, it was deafening. Scared the you-know-what out me.
No-one was hurt, thank goodness. We pulled off the road and onto the shoulder at the first safe place, and the truck driver pulled over immediately behind us. I got out and inspected my side of the car and, amazingly, there was no damage whatsoever. I called to the driver, “Are you alright?” and he smiled and waved.
Everyone was OK. And just like that, it was over. Of course, my heart didn’t stop trying to pound its way out of my chest for another 15 miles.
Way to get your blood flowing, that’s for sure!
Moravian’s, by the way, is a beautiful shop in a town so charming, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve just stepped into a Currier and Ives painting. My hosts were lovely people, and some old friends, Pennsylvania natives, whom I’d not seen in several years, were able to attend, so it was a nice afternoon, all around.
Copyright © 2010, All Rights Reserved
27 July, 2010
The Lodestarre gets a YouTube page!
Hey -- Look at me -- I'm on YouTube!!!
Or, more accurately, "Finding Emmaus" is.
Ladies and gentlemen, Pamela Glasner has entered th 21st century, albeit kicking and screaming :-)
I'd love it if you'd check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCOKQe1pF7o
Or, more accurately, "Finding Emmaus" is.
Ladies and gentlemen, Pamela Glasner has entered th 21st century, albeit kicking and screaming :-)
I'd love it if you'd check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCOKQe1pF7o
05 May, 2010
Review of 'FINDING EMMAUS' by filmmaker and author Peter Thomas Senese
A Timeless Masterpiece of Writing
Pamela Glasner’s ‘Finding Emmaus’ is an extraordinarily thoughtful, provocative, and brilliantly written futuristic novel built on deep historical information and insight that readers will unquestionably delight in both the story’s depths and spires. As an author and avid reader, I have become particularly discriminating when reviewing other writer’s written works and have purposefully not publicly written a review in two years. However, I thought that Pamela Glasner’s masterfully written story was worth breaking my current trend since I was so enraptured with the subject matter and Ms. Glasner’s writing style, and I think many will benefit from reading this story the way I have.
‘Finding Emmaus’ is in fact one of the most enjoyable and fascinating novels I have EVER read, and I simply cannot recommend or endorse enough Pamela Glasner’s delightfully marvelously written story of the human spirit, the pharmaceutical industry, and what appears to be dead-on accuracy about how we, as a society, have chosen not to celebrate our differences, but have tried to classify individualism as peculiar traits that must be brought into line.
In ‘Finding Emmaus’, which I want to point out is a clever title because biblically, ‘Emmaus’ is an alleged ‘home’ town of a biblical figure during the time of Christ, yet there is no historical data that demonstrates the town ‘Emmaus’ ever existed. However, Pamela Glasner’s metaphor of ‘Finding Emmaus’ or “Finding Home” is one I think mankind continues to search for. Regardless of one’s religious or philosophical beliefs, attaining an enlightened state is what we all seek, isn’t it? But what is ‘home’? Could it possibly be a peaceful celebration of our unique honesties and perspectives? Brilliant!
The story’s two main characters are Empaths possessing what society considers to be abnormal personality traits. Francis Nettleton and Katherine Spencer live three hundred years apart, yet their stories intertwine in this groundbreaking novel as they uncover a multibillion dollar conspiracy in which millions of Americans are being misdiagnosed and drugged so that the capitalistic engines greased by greed and narcissism that is the pharmaceutical industry will continue to earn fortunes.
Finding Emmaus, book one of The Lodestarre series, is writing at its best, and I believe we have amongst us in Pamela Glasner a rare author possessing dynamic insight into society’s complex social complacency matched by this literary maestro’s ability to weave a complex and complicated story built on brilliant character development and impeccable research. ‘Finding Emmaus’ is a story that needs to be heard as it is a call-to-arms against mankind’s tendency for complacency and desire for uniformity as much as it is a soaring endorsement of the celebrations found in the individualism of the human spirit.
After reading ‘Finding Emmaus’, for several days I sat and thought about the messages and storyline in Pamela Glasner’s sharply written story. At times I found myself thinking about ‘The Jungle’, about ‘The Brave New World’, and even some films that address the issue of conformity. In Pamela Glasner’s ‘Finding Emmaus’, readers everywhere have been given a rarity: a wonderful, can’t-put-down story so light and so heavy, so joyful yet so sad, so celebratory yet so frustrating, so current yet a call of what may be. Pamela Glasner’s ‘Finding Emmaus’ is a very special book that readers everywhere will delight in. I cannot endorse ‘Finding Emmaus’ enough, and I look forward to reading the next book in The Lodestarre series. This is writing at its best!
And, of course, please don’t forget to visit my website to read the previews of ‘Finding Emmaus’, book one of The Lodestarre Series.
Copyright © 2010, All Rights Reserved
04 February, 2010
Manure, Money and Mental Health - The Essentials of Life
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
All are invited to an exhilarating afternoon of humor and seriousness as three dynamic women speak about three completely different yet surprisingly interrelated — and vitally important — aspects of life.
The event will take place at the Acton Library on Saturday, February 20th, at 2:00PM (That's New York City time)
The library is located at 60 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, Connecticut (USA). Please call 860-395-3184 for additional information.
Manure:
Maureen Haseley-Jones, aka The English Lady, is a much sought-after and highly respected lecturer, writer and radio gardening expert. In her talk entitled “Garden Earth”, she will speak to us about creating a beautiful organic garden without using the harmful chemicals that pollute the air, water, plants and indeed, our lives. Healing our planet, one garden at a time.
Money:
Diana Melville, CLU, ChFC, veteran financial planner and investment advisor with the Barnum Financial Group, lectures on a regular basis throughout the state of Connecticut. She sits on several boards and is currently president of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Melville will speak on "The 10 Most Common Money Mistakes." This is must-hear information due to the very serious financial environment we are in today.
Mental Health:
Author and social advocate, Pamela S. K. Glasner will discuss her newly-published dark historical 350-year fictional yet factually-based journey through the history of treatment for the mentally ill and the intolerances of society for anything that is perceived as different, the disturbing contemporary trend of misdiagnosis and overmedication, spirituality and the ardent desire to lead a life that matters, and the indisputable human right of free will.
Copyright © 2010, All Rights Reserved
02 December, 2009
Pamela's words are what Computer Graphic Imaging is to the movies!
What an amazing book. Pamela explains in ‘Author’s Notes’ on how the story is a figment of her imagination, but she utilizes historical characters from America’s past, making her story more intriguing and even more fascinating.This is a book that you just can’t put down. You will be right on the edge of your seat as she mentions various towns that are descriptive of real American towns on the East Coast. Pamela knows how to pull on America’s heart strings via her readers.
The heroes of this book are Francis Nettleton and Katherine Spencer, both empaths. Here is the doozy that will have you hooked: both empaths live three hundred years apart, but yet their lives are interconnected. Right in the beginning of this book, you can feel your adrenalin rush as Katherine is terrified after hearing the front door opening and slamming repeatedly, the motor for the lift starts and the lift keeps ascending, loud footsteps are heard, sounds of breaking glass and Katherine mustering up all of her strength as she yells out … “there’s no such thing as ghosts!”
As the story proceeds along at an exhilarating pace, you will learn about a character named Gilbert Bond that is Empathic, but the doctors misdiagnosed poor Gilbert. Gilbert is finally forcibly escorted to the Bethlem Royal Hospital. Gilbert starts a diary and when you read the diary, you will learn about the atrocities that were placed upon him. How he faced torture and humiliation. How pitch is thrown upon his body, how he screams in excruciating pain. How three brutish men shave his hair off and cut into his scalp repeatedly. The tortures continue and the reader is left with vivid images in their mind.
Pamela definitely knows how to play this story out as if it were a blockbuster motion picture! Pamela’s words are what CGI (Computer Graphic Imaging) is to the movies! This story is filled with references to not only historical characters, but even to sayings from movies like The Confession.
There is a mystery around every corner and it will even have you front and center with a government agency like the Center for Disease Control.
Yep! When I say this book is intriguing …I am dead serious! Finding Emmaus is not only a good read, but it also leaves strong images in my mind that will linger with me for a long time afterwards!
~~By Paul Dale Roberts, December 2nd, 2009~~
Reviewer and President of Jazma Online
08 November, 2009
Another 5-Star Review: "A Book You Can't Put Down"
A book you can't put down..., November 8, 2009
By Debra A. Killian "The Mortgage Lady" (Connecticut)
Finding Emmaus is an exceptional read. I want to know everything about how this story came about. How did Ms. Glasner decide on these incredible characters? Has she met any Empaths? How could she so brilliantly write about their world?
While a work of fiction, I couldn't help but think about the reality of prescription drugs and the effect on our society. Her message is consistently articulated throughout the events she creates. I wanted to read ahead, instead I savored every word. How did she know these people from so long ago? Who were the inspirations for her characters?
This book kept me on a good edge, made me question my own emotions and believe that woven into this fiction, are traits, thoughts and experiences every reader can identify with. I loved her descriptiveness and choice of words; her creative concept that life altering events can happen "in between heartbeats."
Pamela Glasner's first book is without a doubt a must read and I look forward to the next in the series.
Of course, please don’t forget to visit my website to read the previews of Finding Emmaus, book one of The Lodestarre Series.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
By Debra A. Killian "The Mortgage Lady" (Connecticut)
Finding Emmaus is an exceptional read. I want to know everything about how this story came about. How did Ms. Glasner decide on these incredible characters? Has she met any Empaths? How could she so brilliantly write about their world?
While a work of fiction, I couldn't help but think about the reality of prescription drugs and the effect on our society. Her message is consistently articulated throughout the events she creates. I wanted to read ahead, instead I savored every word. How did she know these people from so long ago? Who were the inspirations for her characters?
This book kept me on a good edge, made me question my own emotions and believe that woven into this fiction, are traits, thoughts and experiences every reader can identify with. I loved her descriptiveness and choice of words; her creative concept that life altering events can happen "in between heartbeats."
Pamela Glasner's first book is without a doubt a must read and I look forward to the next in the series.
Of course, please don’t forget to visit my website to read the previews of Finding Emmaus, book one of The Lodestarre Series.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
28 September, 2009
"Finding Emmaus": an incredible read from the very first page!
Reader Views - Carol Hoyer, PhD
7101 Hwy 71 W #200; Austin, Texas 78735
512-288-8555
http://www.readerviews.com/
admin@readerviews.com
Finding Emmaus (The Lodestarre, Book One)
Pamela S. K. Glasner
Emerald Book Company (2009)
ISBN 9781934572337
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (9/09)
"Finding Emmaus" is such an incredible read from the very first page! If you have ever thought about unique individuals you have come across in your life, then the story involving Katherine and Frank will certainly give you food for thought.
For centuries many individuals have been labeled as being mentally ill and have been treated with experimental drugs, inappropriate treatment and torture. Today, even with all the modern science, we still treat individuals with special talents with lack of concern or interest. The pharmaceutical companies own us- they make millions of dollars off of us and really don’t care if their medications are causing harm.
Francis Nettleton and Katherine Spencer are two such special people who lived over three-hundred years apart, but both were considered to be crazy or lunatics. Neither knew what special talents they had; their mood swings and dark days consumed them and the medical field misdiagnosed them. Each went on a lifelong search to find out why they received the ability to feel others emotions and if there were others like them. Francis had the help and guidance of many in the “special community,” but it took him until he was on his deathbed to finally come to terms with what he had learned and how to help others like him.
Katherine knew there was something different about her, but she couldn’t figure out what it was until a close friend suggested she might not really be mentally ill, but an Empaths. Empaths are individuals who through no choice of their own can tune into others thoughts and feelings in the present and past. Being an Empath is not learned, it is inherited. These individuals like Francis and Katherine are caring, compassionate people. They have the ability to tell if someone is lying or not. Much like Indigo children, these individuals have a purpose on earth.
The author has given readers a wild journey to take with Francis and Katherine. She provides historical data, romance, mystery and an insight into how we as a society now, and in the past, truly view those individuals who have been labeled with mental illness. As readers go on this journey they will learn many things and will come to be saddened and angered at how “unique” individuals are treated. The vivid descriptions of characters, time and place and events will keep readers up all night reading. This reading will certainly make you re-look at your previous thoughts about life and society in general. After reading this one will look at friends, family and acquaintances in a different life and maybe even question if they are an Empath. Very powerful reading and I can’t wait to read the second book.
Pamela Glasner has a unique talent and insight and through her writing shares her knowledge with readers in “Finding Emmaus.”
And, of course, please don’t forget to visit my website to read the previews of Finding Emmaus, book one of The Lodestarre Series.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
7101 Hwy 71 W #200; Austin, Texas 78735
512-288-8555
http://www.readerviews.com/
admin@readerviews.com
Finding Emmaus (The Lodestarre, Book One)
Pamela S. K. Glasner
Emerald Book Company (2009)
ISBN 9781934572337
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (9/09)
"Finding Emmaus" is such an incredible read from the very first page! If you have ever thought about unique individuals you have come across in your life, then the story involving Katherine and Frank will certainly give you food for thought.
For centuries many individuals have been labeled as being mentally ill and have been treated with experimental drugs, inappropriate treatment and torture. Today, even with all the modern science, we still treat individuals with special talents with lack of concern or interest. The pharmaceutical companies own us- they make millions of dollars off of us and really don’t care if their medications are causing harm.
Francis Nettleton and Katherine Spencer are two such special people who lived over three-hundred years apart, but both were considered to be crazy or lunatics. Neither knew what special talents they had; their mood swings and dark days consumed them and the medical field misdiagnosed them. Each went on a lifelong search to find out why they received the ability to feel others emotions and if there were others like them. Francis had the help and guidance of many in the “special community,” but it took him until he was on his deathbed to finally come to terms with what he had learned and how to help others like him.
Katherine knew there was something different about her, but she couldn’t figure out what it was until a close friend suggested she might not really be mentally ill, but an Empaths. Empaths are individuals who through no choice of their own can tune into others thoughts and feelings in the present and past. Being an Empath is not learned, it is inherited. These individuals like Francis and Katherine are caring, compassionate people. They have the ability to tell if someone is lying or not. Much like Indigo children, these individuals have a purpose on earth.
The author has given readers a wild journey to take with Francis and Katherine. She provides historical data, romance, mystery and an insight into how we as a society now, and in the past, truly view those individuals who have been labeled with mental illness. As readers go on this journey they will learn many things and will come to be saddened and angered at how “unique” individuals are treated. The vivid descriptions of characters, time and place and events will keep readers up all night reading. This reading will certainly make you re-look at your previous thoughts about life and society in general. After reading this one will look at friends, family and acquaintances in a different life and maybe even question if they are an Empath. Very powerful reading and I can’t wait to read the second book.
Pamela Glasner has a unique talent and insight and through her writing shares her knowledge with readers in “Finding Emmaus.”
And, of course, please don’t forget to visit my website to read the previews of Finding Emmaus, book one of The Lodestarre Series.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
21 August, 2009
Trying To Turn On The Lights - with Tony Serve and Kevin P Miller
On August 19, 2009, it was my honor and privilege to be interviewed once again by Tony Serve of Perth, Australia, but this time with renowned film producer/director Kevin P. Miller. The audio is entitled: “Big Pharma’s huge profits from human suffering featured in brilliant documentary and awesome new novel, listen to Producer Kevin Miller and author Pamela Glasner”.
I had a wonderful time speaking with these two dedicated and gifted men; they were both brilliant!
I hope you enjoy listening to it.
http://shrvl.com/0UV8I
.
I had a wonderful time speaking with these two dedicated and gifted men; they were both brilliant!
I hope you enjoy listening to it.
http://shrvl.com/0UV8I
.
13 July, 2009
Talking About Big Pharma w/ Tony Serve
On Saturday, July 11th, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tony Serve of Perth, Australia, a presenter at Radio 6pr (6pr.com).
We discussed my upcoming book, Finding Emmaus, the pharmaceutical industry’s terrible abuse of those who are tragically labeled mentally ill and governmental agencies which so miserably fail to protect anyone.
I am so very impressed with Tony’s stand on the subject and his commitment to shine a spotlight on this vitally important issue which literally effects millions the world over.
Please follow the link http://tonyserve.wordpress.com then scroll down to Pamela Glasner talks about her new book Finding Emmaus, Empaths, Big Pharma and bi-polar and click on that.
Tony ROCKS!
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
We discussed my upcoming book, Finding Emmaus, the pharmaceutical industry’s terrible abuse of those who are tragically labeled mentally ill and governmental agencies which so miserably fail to protect anyone.
I am so very impressed with Tony’s stand on the subject and his commitment to shine a spotlight on this vitally important issue which literally effects millions the world over.
Please follow the link http://tonyserve.wordpress.com then scroll down to Pamela Glasner talks about her new book Finding Emmaus, Empaths, Big Pharma and bi-polar and click on that.
Tony ROCKS!
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
03 July, 2009
Funny thing happened on my way to becoming an author, part one
I was recently asked the question: Aren’t you giving up an intimate part of you when you write?
My answer? Yes and no.
OK … OK … I know … that’s no answer and it sounds like a cop-out. But the truth is, it is yes and no. Maybe I am giving something up. But then again, maybe I’m not.
It doesn’t feel as though I’m losing anything.
To my way of thinking, it’s feels more like digging way down deep inside and accessing it. Certainly, once my words are published, they will be shared with the multitudes - and, God willing, the multitudes will keep up their end of the bargain (my bargain, anyway!) and partake of the sharing - but I never think about that when I'm writing. I never think about what’s going to happen to my words later on.
I think if I gave that part of the process - what it might mean once my readers have my words in their hands and then in their minds and eventually in their discussions with each other … if I stop to consider my audience … I might be inhibited. My writing might be inhibited.
Oh, mercy, I hope that doesn’t sound self-aggrandizing! It’s not meant to. It’s just that I write from a place inside me which is so primal and profound, it’s honestly still a mystery to me.
When I write, I don’t really think about anything. In truth, I've learned that I do my best writing when I get out of my own way, mind my own business and just let it happen … in other words, when I don’t spend too much time thinking about it. When I just let it flow, the story and the characters seem to create themselves. And those seem to be the phrases or the paragraphs or the chapters of the story which move me the most - even when I go back to them several months later.
So, am I losing some intimate part of me? Am I giving something up? I don’t believe so. It never feels like “giving”. It feels more like praying.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
My answer? Yes and no.
OK … OK … I know … that’s no answer and it sounds like a cop-out. But the truth is, it is yes and no. Maybe I am giving something up. But then again, maybe I’m not.
It doesn’t feel as though I’m losing anything.
To my way of thinking, it’s feels more like digging way down deep inside and accessing it. Certainly, once my words are published, they will be shared with the multitudes - and, God willing, the multitudes will keep up their end of the bargain (my bargain, anyway!) and partake of the sharing - but I never think about that when I'm writing. I never think about what’s going to happen to my words later on.
I think if I gave that part of the process - what it might mean once my readers have my words in their hands and then in their minds and eventually in their discussions with each other … if I stop to consider my audience … I might be inhibited. My writing might be inhibited.
Oh, mercy, I hope that doesn’t sound self-aggrandizing! It’s not meant to. It’s just that I write from a place inside me which is so primal and profound, it’s honestly still a mystery to me.
When I write, I don’t really think about anything. In truth, I've learned that I do my best writing when I get out of my own way, mind my own business and just let it happen … in other words, when I don’t spend too much time thinking about it. When I just let it flow, the story and the characters seem to create themselves. And those seem to be the phrases or the paragraphs or the chapters of the story which move me the most - even when I go back to them several months later.
So, am I losing some intimate part of me? Am I giving something up? I don’t believe so. It never feels like “giving”. It feels more like praying.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
15 June, 2009
Rocks, Walls and Epiphanies
A friend of mine, a film producer, recently asked me in an e-mail what was going through my mind when I wrote “Finding Emmaus”. He said, “I meet so many people who confidently tell me that their book or play or film is going to change the world. Invariably their works are boring and pedantic. My take is that we need to tell the best story we possibly can. If, after being exposed to our work, people are inspired to make positive changes in themselves or their communities, great. But that's a happy by-product. Story matters above all.”
People who know me now but did not know me just a few years back may be surprised by this but, prior to this huge ‘epiphany’ of mine nearly two years ago, I was about as unemotional a person as one could get. I didn’t cry at tear-jerker movies and I CERTAINLY never cried in front of anyone - ever. I used to be envious of my friends who COULD cry on their way out of the movie theater, friends who could then tearfully, joyfully, tell the people waiting in line what a wonderful film it was and how much they’d enjoy it.
These same high school friends, and then, later on, my co-workers, firmly believed I was hard as a rock and twice as strong and everyone loved to lean on me ‘cause I never shed a tear. I was the one to go to. I was Wonder Woman, Underdog and The Rock of Gibraltar all rolled into one. I resented, BTW, that everyone automatically assumed I was so strong that I never needed arms around me, but I kept my mouth shut because I was like that.
I clearly recall a time in my late 20’s when an incredulous friend said, “…YOU need help? But Pamela, you’re so strong. It never occurred to me you’d be weak.” One of those memories which pops up occasionally in living color and brings with it anger and resentment in waves.
I was NOT a rock, I was behind a wall. But I had no idea and neither, apparently, did anyone else…
Something changed one day - August 8th 2007 - and I don’t know why. I can remember the exact moment, where I was, what I was doing, and the photograph I was staring at which is now indelibly etched into my brain as the foundation - and the starting point - of this “Dream Quest” I’m on, this path of mine which I am now certain ‘has a heart’ (thank you Don Juan and Carlos Casteneda!).
From that moment on, I've become a different human being. At first, and for a long time thereafter, I thought I was losing my mind. ALL I could do was cry - over anything. A GE commercial could reduce me to a quivering bowl of Jell-O. I still cry easily, but at least now I’m not afraid it’s a sign of impending insanity.
That said, I can now answer Burt’s question.
The only thing on my mind when I created the town and the people of Duncaster / Weavers Bridge, CT, and then the story and then the book “Finding Emmaus” was an almost frenzied need to write it with everything I had in me.
That’s all I knew: just tell the story.
And the way I knew I had written a phrase or a sentence or a paragraph or a chapter just right, the way I knew I had ‘nailed it’, was my emotional response to it as I wrote. If I didn’t cry, I put what I had written aside and started again. And I’m not just talking about the sad or emotional parts of the story - I mean EVERYTHING. If it didn’t touch my heart, even if was only a paragraph to describe how the early Puritans identified which plants they could use to dye their cloth blue, it got rewritten.
I didn’t write “Finding Emmaus” to be famous or change the world or to impress anyone. I wrote it because I HAD to. Seven hundred and fifty pages came pouring out of a part of me I did not know existed and still have yet to locate.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
People who know me now but did not know me just a few years back may be surprised by this but, prior to this huge ‘epiphany’ of mine nearly two years ago, I was about as unemotional a person as one could get. I didn’t cry at tear-jerker movies and I CERTAINLY never cried in front of anyone - ever. I used to be envious of my friends who COULD cry on their way out of the movie theater, friends who could then tearfully, joyfully, tell the people waiting in line what a wonderful film it was and how much they’d enjoy it.
These same high school friends, and then, later on, my co-workers, firmly believed I was hard as a rock and twice as strong and everyone loved to lean on me ‘cause I never shed a tear. I was the one to go to. I was Wonder Woman, Underdog and The Rock of Gibraltar all rolled into one. I resented, BTW, that everyone automatically assumed I was so strong that I never needed arms around me, but I kept my mouth shut because I was like that.
I clearly recall a time in my late 20’s when an incredulous friend said, “…YOU need help? But Pamela, you’re so strong. It never occurred to me you’d be weak.” One of those memories which pops up occasionally in living color and brings with it anger and resentment in waves.
I was NOT a rock, I was behind a wall. But I had no idea and neither, apparently, did anyone else…
Something changed one day - August 8th 2007 - and I don’t know why. I can remember the exact moment, where I was, what I was doing, and the photograph I was staring at which is now indelibly etched into my brain as the foundation - and the starting point - of this “Dream Quest” I’m on, this path of mine which I am now certain ‘has a heart’ (thank you Don Juan and Carlos Casteneda!).
From that moment on, I've become a different human being. At first, and for a long time thereafter, I thought I was losing my mind. ALL I could do was cry - over anything. A GE commercial could reduce me to a quivering bowl of Jell-O. I still cry easily, but at least now I’m not afraid it’s a sign of impending insanity.
That said, I can now answer Burt’s question.
The only thing on my mind when I created the town and the people of Duncaster / Weavers Bridge, CT, and then the story and then the book “Finding Emmaus” was an almost frenzied need to write it with everything I had in me.
That’s all I knew: just tell the story.
And the way I knew I had written a phrase or a sentence or a paragraph or a chapter just right, the way I knew I had ‘nailed it’, was my emotional response to it as I wrote. If I didn’t cry, I put what I had written aside and started again. And I’m not just talking about the sad or emotional parts of the story - I mean EVERYTHING. If it didn’t touch my heart, even if was only a paragraph to describe how the early Puritans identified which plants they could use to dye their cloth blue, it got rewritten.
I didn’t write “Finding Emmaus” to be famous or change the world or to impress anyone. I wrote it because I HAD to. Seven hundred and fifty pages came pouring out of a part of me I did not know existed and still have yet to locate.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
07 June, 2009
In Search of a Glimpse of Light at the End of This Tunnel
I lately find myself wanting to let all my friends and family know that, while I've been largely incommunicado within both of those communities - neglecting social engagements and phone calls and e-mails - I've not forgotten about anyone at all, even though it may look like that.
I’m having to divide my time and energy between writing my next book (which, in and of itself, can be a full-time job!), working with the publisher to bring “Finding Emmāus” to market, composing posts for this blog, managing my real estate holdings which I had on the market but, because of this lousy economy, never did sell, and Twitter (yes, Heaven help me, I’m a Tweeter!), which my literary agent was all but adamant I join and honestly, has become a huge boon for me and my future as an author.
Add that to church and elderly parents and a husband and a home and a son and a brother and a cat and a dog … (*takes a deep breath*) … and I'm seriously considering having myself cloned!!!
The majority of my communication/connection with the outside world, other than the occasional e-mail which invariably begins with “Dear So-and-So, sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you…” seems to be via these blog postings - at least they keep me feeling connected to humanity in some small way.
So I plod my way through this new, suddenly and dramatically reinvented life of mine, learning - one itty-bitty baby step at a time - how to balance it all, desperately hoping everyone understands or, at the very least, tolerates and forgives!
I've never been a published author before and I'm still trying to feel my way. And right now I spend lots of time feeling as though I'm in one of those absolutely lightless fun-houses… I love it but I'm not sure where I'm headed or when I'll catch a glimpse of light at the end of this very unsettling but absolutely trilling tunnel.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
I’m having to divide my time and energy between writing my next book (which, in and of itself, can be a full-time job!), working with the publisher to bring “Finding Emmāus” to market, composing posts for this blog, managing my real estate holdings which I had on the market but, because of this lousy economy, never did sell, and Twitter (yes, Heaven help me, I’m a Tweeter!), which my literary agent was all but adamant I join and honestly, has become a huge boon for me and my future as an author.
Add that to church and elderly parents and a husband and a home and a son and a brother and a cat and a dog … (*takes a deep breath*) … and I'm seriously considering having myself cloned!!!
The majority of my communication/connection with the outside world, other than the occasional e-mail which invariably begins with “Dear So-and-So, sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you…” seems to be via these blog postings - at least they keep me feeling connected to humanity in some small way.
So I plod my way through this new, suddenly and dramatically reinvented life of mine, learning - one itty-bitty baby step at a time - how to balance it all, desperately hoping everyone understands or, at the very least, tolerates and forgives!
I've never been a published author before and I'm still trying to feel my way. And right now I spend lots of time feeling as though I'm in one of those absolutely lightless fun-houses… I love it but I'm not sure where I'm headed or when I'll catch a glimpse of light at the end of this very unsettling but absolutely trilling tunnel.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
28 May, 2009
"Finding Emmāus" goes live!
I truly enjoyed Tuesday night's interview with Cori Brackett at www.SweetRemedyRadio.com
I was quite nervous in the beginning because it was my first live interview, but Cori is such a splendid host, she put me at ease very quickly.
We discuss several different aspects of the story: empathy, early Puritan history, psychotherapeutic drugs, the collusion between the pharma industry and the FDA, advocating for those who've been ostracized from society, what it was like for me to write the book.
I'd be honored if you'd take the time to listen. It's located at: http://tinyurl.com/p3xjlw
I hope you'll find it interesting.
I was quite nervous in the beginning because it was my first live interview, but Cori is such a splendid host, she put me at ease very quickly.
We discuss several different aspects of the story: empathy, early Puritan history, psychotherapeutic drugs, the collusion between the pharma industry and the FDA, advocating for those who've been ostracized from society, what it was like for me to write the book.
I'd be honored if you'd take the time to listen. It's located at: http://tinyurl.com/p3xjlw
I hope you'll find it interesting.
03 May, 2009
The Dreaded Synopsis!
After stringing 170,000 words together into a coherent document and calling it a novel which, believe me, was no easy task, I found myself in the unenviable position of having to create - OH NO!!!! - The Dreaded Synopsis!
Of course, I’m no expert. I can only speak from my own experience. But I’d be willing to bet that if you ask any author who’s ever had to write one, particularly their first one, the reactions you get will all be pretty similar: something akin to a shudder.
But I think I figured it out. At least, I figured out what worked for me. So I thought I’d share it.
After struggling with it for what felt like ages, it turned out that the best way to tackle it was to shorten it to just one sentence and work from there. Believe it or not. I’ll tell you how it came about:
My agent had instructed me to come up with an elevator pitch - a one-sentence, 20 or 30 second description of my book. I freaked out! 750 pages boiled down to one sentence? I thought, you’re nuts!
Of course, I didn’t say that - I just said, “Yes, Yoda, you teach, I will follow”
I was going to a premiere screening of a friend’s movie at a film festival and media types were expected to be there and Pamela (my agent is also Pamela - makes for very interesting conference calls) told me I needed to be able to pitch the book to them for future interviews - and I’d only have 20 seconds to do so.
So I agonized and scribbled and typed and edited and swore (Tsk, Tsk - New York City girl that I am!) and typed some more but eventually - in about 2 days - came up with one perfect sentence. From there the rest was a piece of cake.
What I learned from that exercise is that it’s so much easier to start with something tiny and expand on it, then to start with something huge (like my outrageously long novel) and shrink it.
Once I had the one sentence, Pamela said, “OK, now you need a 100 word synopsis. You’ll need that for newspaper announcements as we get closer to the launch date.”
That only took about an hour to write and perfect, though I admit I tweaked it a few times over the next few days.
Then she said, “OK, now you’ll need one with 200 words, 500 words and 750 words - to send to the media when they want to interview you, to post on your website, to start requesting endorsements, and so on.”
Which was fine with me because once I had the 100 words, the rest came VERY easily.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
Of course, I’m no expert. I can only speak from my own experience. But I’d be willing to bet that if you ask any author who’s ever had to write one, particularly their first one, the reactions you get will all be pretty similar: something akin to a shudder.
But I think I figured it out. At least, I figured out what worked for me. So I thought I’d share it.
After struggling with it for what felt like ages, it turned out that the best way to tackle it was to shorten it to just one sentence and work from there. Believe it or not. I’ll tell you how it came about:
My agent had instructed me to come up with an elevator pitch - a one-sentence, 20 or 30 second description of my book. I freaked out! 750 pages boiled down to one sentence? I thought, you’re nuts!
Of course, I didn’t say that - I just said, “Yes, Yoda, you teach, I will follow”
I was going to a premiere screening of a friend’s movie at a film festival and media types were expected to be there and Pamela (my agent is also Pamela - makes for very interesting conference calls) told me I needed to be able to pitch the book to them for future interviews - and I’d only have 20 seconds to do so.
So I agonized and scribbled and typed and edited and swore (Tsk, Tsk - New York City girl that I am!) and typed some more but eventually - in about 2 days - came up with one perfect sentence. From there the rest was a piece of cake.
What I learned from that exercise is that it’s so much easier to start with something tiny and expand on it, then to start with something huge (like my outrageously long novel) and shrink it.
Once I had the one sentence, Pamela said, “OK, now you need a 100 word synopsis. You’ll need that for newspaper announcements as we get closer to the launch date.”
That only took about an hour to write and perfect, though I admit I tweaked it a few times over the next few days.
Then she said, “OK, now you’ll need one with 200 words, 500 words and 750 words - to send to the media when they want to interview you, to post on your website, to start requesting endorsements, and so on.”
Which was fine with me because once I had the 100 words, the rest came VERY easily.
Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved
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