Book Update: 5/14/18

Writing a book so far has been. . . well. . . interesting. Over the past week, I’ve started three different drafts, with three different outlines, in three different writing styles/genres. The good news is that I like all three versions, the bad news is that I can’t pick which one I want to continue to develop.

Moreover, I’m starting to become a bit concerned that I don’t have enough content to fill an entire book. This is where you come in.

Are you a parent of a college student? If so, what did you wish you knew before your child went to school?

Will your child be going to college soon? What would you like to know or are seeking advice on a topic?

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions or ideas for topics!

Change takes time. . . and timing

My 34^th year came with a few surprises and many changes. I had a brief stint as a candidate for Cambridge City Council (turns out my love for policy and politics does not translate into a passion for campaigning). We got engaged. Clinton accepted a new job in San Francisco. We got married three weeks after setting a wedding date. We resigned from our jobs and moved 3,000 miles away to Oakland, CA. I got to see the Grand Canyon. I took up kickboxing.

And now, on the heels of my 35^th birthday, I’ve decided to write a book. This wasn’t exactly the plan when I left my job at MIT, but after spending the past few months trying to figure out what’s next for my career, the time seems right to pursue what I always considered to be a pipe dream.

My book will help parents navigate the college experience as their child transitions from adolescence to adulthood. I plan on covering topics such as defining boundaries, managing communication expectations, advocacy, and FERPA, of course.

I’m one part excited, two parts terrified. I’ve never written a book, let alone tried to get something published besides a journal article. I have so many ideas, but no clue how to organize them. Memoir-style or traditional nonfiction? Do I need a literary agent? If so, how do I find one and what is the going rate? What about an editor? Can they help me with my issue with run-ons? Should I do endnotes or footnotes? I wonder if can I help design the book jacket? Focus, Michelle!

Like I was saying, this decision did not come lightly, and doing so means opting out of a more traditional role in higher education. It means foregoing having a place to go to everyday and interacting with other adults who share my professional interests. It means choosing to engage in a solitary enterprise in a city in which I only know approximately three people, including my spouse. It means not drawing a salary.

As part of my writing process, and in an effort to build some community around an otherwise solo pursuit, I plan on posting book updates on a weekly—errr—let’s say regular basis. I hope to discuss ideas and solicit feedback.

Writing this post is scary. Declaring my intention and putting it out there in the ether makes it real. But, I’m trying to take solace in the idea that I’m being brave. If I’ve learned one thing from my 30s it’s that you have to take responsibility for your actions and to stop worrying about what other people will think. Okay, so that’s two things. My point is that I have no idea how the choice to refocus my career on my desire to be a writer will work out. It may be a best-seller. It may be a complete disaster. At least I’m trying.