A Memoir (need your help . . . please!) :^)

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Hello to whomever reads this. :^)

I'm an aspie, was diagnosed in 2010 at the age of 35. I recently completed my memoir of which I'm currently seeking representation. I was all about writing the book, couldn't do anything else except sit and write it for a year. Then, at completion, I was informed I needed to build a 'platform', potential readers. And . . . well . . . did I mention I was an aspie?

I'm doing my best, built a facebook page, have been blogging, doing the twitter thing (all can be found below in my signature), sharing my work with others and just starting to look into situations where I could do readings. Exhausting it is, but I'm beginning to get the hang of it . . . I think.

When writing, there were times I thought to myself, "Who would want to read this?" and almost gave up, however, I've received a few good reviews so far and am now curious to see if people on the spectrum would have interest reading it (since it is written from the aspie's point of view). Where does your help come in? I'd like to post here what I'm sending in my query letter and hear from you if it is at all intriguing, whether or not you're on the spectrum, and if you'd indeed consider purchasing it once it is published. Then, if you'd like to get updates, hear more or read excerpts, etc., you're welcome to 'like' the facebook page, check out my blog, follow me on twitter, or just clap your hands to your hearts content. If not, I'd like to hear as well why you wouldn't be interested in reading it (Warning: I'm super sensitive, so please be direct but kind!).

So, help?! And thank you in advance!

.........

Query content:

EVERYTHING’S HUNKY DORY: A MEMOIR is told from the unique perspective of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome living with and attempting to rescue her alcoholic, drug addicted mother. The memoir is sometimes humorous, sometimes shocking, with fantasy and vivid detail providing a window into the mind of an autistic child who spent a lifetime desperately seeking the love of a mother whom some would deem unforgivable.

I’d always known I was different. I was the only one I’d ever known who killed Satan with a yellow Tonka Dump Truck. No one else’s mother in the neighborhood was paid to spend their evenings performing as David Bowie. No other girl in school seemed to have had a constant soundtrack playing in her head or a genius comedian such as Steve Martin residing under her bed, waiting at her beck and call for hugs and teatime. No one else barked like a fierce, toothy Doberman at the door when visitors arrived (who else would protect Mum from nefarious criminal types?). Who else hid behind closed doors secretly reading the Encyclopedia?

But was I that different? It was all too effortless a task recruiting a neighbor friend to join me in posing as narcotics investigators in order to uncover the drug crimes occurring . . . in our own homes. In a slumber party of thirteen-year-old girls I’d find I wasn’t the only one with personal tales of sexual abuse by trusted family members and friends. And I, just as the other children, craved my mother’s love more than a new pair of baby blue jelly shoes, more than MTV, more than fancily placed American cheese slices placed next to the healthy serving of Hamburger Helper on my dinner plate.

“Our relationship had become a game of paddle ball—I was the flat paddle, holding still, hoping to connect; she was the round bouncing ball avoiding contact with every sporadic movement, yet attached by an elastic string known as motherhood.”

If I rescued her, she’d surely love me, right?

Everything’s Hunky Dory: A Memoir will appeal to fans of Augusten Burroughs, John Elder Robison’s Look Me In The Eye, and Jeanette Walls’ best selling memoir The Glass Castle.

Brandy Nightingale is an Autism self-advocate, entrepreneur, Visual Effects Coordinator on feature films, retired stand up comedian, and writer. She lives in Ojai, CA with her husband, three rescued dogs, and two happy hens. Everything’s Hunky Dory: A Memoir is her first book.

Hi Brandy

First, I would like to say our families shares sir names

Second, I enjoyed what you wrote, but the better part - I found it relate-able and also written in a way I didn't have to reread any bits to "get it"

That latter part is crucial for me to enjoy a book.

When I was finished.. I was bummed cause it didn't continue

Valkyrie2012k - thank you SO much for taking the time to read and comment on my post/query/desperate plea for help!

And WOWZERS! Nightingale! Maybe we're related? I've only just met my father a few years ago who gave me the sir name Nightingale, and am only recently becoming acquainted with other family members via facebook. So cool!

I appreciate your notes. Thanks for giving me a bit more courage to put stuff out there.

Cheers~

b.

Anyone who's a fan of David Bowie is alright in my eyes.

Congrats on completing the book!


I think your write up sounded good. I'm looking forward to reading the book and it sounds like something a lot of NTs would also be interested to read.

Thanks, all, for your input!

redrobin62- Love Bowie now. Aladdin Sane is my favorite album by him. His new album is pretty alright as well!

catwhisperer-Thanks for you input. Would be nice if NTs were also interested to get a window into the way 'we' think. :0)

Cheers!

b.

English is not my first language.
But i liked whatever you have written.

Even i want to write a book
But i am just so stuck and dont have guts to begin

Anyways good luck with your venture