I struggled to allow myself, sometimes, to really journey back to the moments in which some vignettes take place. It was important for me to work to do this, though, so that the reader could really feel like they were with me in every sense.
29 June 2020 – Rachel Boehm
The Back Flap
I am NOT!
When enough of the world comes at you, telling you you’re nothing, you believe. You become what you believe. You become until the pain of becoming is too great to bear. You constantly ask yourself: What if I don’t know the answer? What if I’m wrong? What if they know I’m wrong? What if they laugh? What if fearing failure makes you fail? You’re faced with a choice. To stay. Or to change. Or to end. If you’re lucky, enough love begins seeping through, lighting a path to change.
This is the story of I Am NOT!, a memoir of triumph over verbal and emotional abuse, bullying, disordered eating, and societal norms. A journey of self-deprecation and the promise of continued growth. An anecdotal warning of the challenges kids, teens, and adults still face today.
About the book
What is the book about?
I Am NOT! is a memoir told in vignettes, recounting my experiences with school and workplace bullying, disordered eating, perfectionism, and the pressure of gender stereotypes. It also recounts my victory over these struggles as I learned to become my own hero.
When did you start writing the book?
September 2018.
How long did it take you to write it?
I completed the writing phase in a little over a year, and the editing phase took 2-3 months.
Where did you get the idea from?
I believe I was given my journey so I could survive it, and tell it and empower others to realize their inner strength and power.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled in different ways through writing most of the book. It took several approaches to figure out the best way to tell the book. For example, I debated between past tense with lessons learned or reflections woven in, and present tense to allow the audience to grow with me.
I struggled to allow myself, sometimes, to really journey back to the moments in which some vignettes take place. It was important for me to work to do this, though, so that the reader could really feel like they were with me in every sense.
What came easily?
Some vignettes were less challenging to write, less emotional to write. The easiest part was the habit of writing regularly. No matter how hard a moment was to recapture, the motivation to deliver a completed manuscript carried me through.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The only thing fictitious are the names of all but one individual. That individual gave permission to use her real name.
Do you have a target reader?
Women currently in high school through mid-50’s.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I write when inspiration strikes. Ideally, I am in a position to actually sit and write, when that happens. Often, though, ideas or thoughts will come as I’m doing something else and I will quickly type down a few bullets in my phone or tablet. Then I will go back and truly write, building on those bullets, when I have time.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
It depends. Sometimes, I will start with an outline. Sometimes I will simply start writing and let the words pour, and then when I have more material to work with, I will begin to outline and see how the material best weaves together.
I do think outlines are really important, even though I fought them often in school. I don’t use rigid outlines, though. Typically, I use working chapter titles.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Typically, I wait until I’ve finished to edit. In the case of I Am NOT! , I edited different chapters and sections after those portions were complete, but not after the entire manuscript was complete.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes. It’s very helpful to have an outside eye read your work to ensure what you said conveys what you meant it to.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I prefer silence or ambient noise, such as what you would hear in a coffee shop.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, because I am fortunate enough to have already had a relationship with Anne O’Connell at OC Publishing. She provided coaching for me when I self-published my first book. She has also published my mom’s children’s books.
I asked Anne if she would consider publishing my memoir and I am forever grateful she said yes.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
There was never a question whether I would go with Anne. She’s top-notch and I trusted her with my story. I have no doubt my memoir will find the people it’s meant to find.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally done.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
OC Publishing has a marketing plan, which makes it a lot easier for me!
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Invest in a publisher, editor, and designer. It’s worth it. Invest in the time to set up your work professionally and be open to feedback. Even if you feel a sense of urgency to publish, take a pause and find a trustworthy, capable professional to review it and set you up for success.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in Austin, Texas.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Alexandria, Virginia.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Everything I do is part of a larger mission to help individuals look in the mirror and feel like a rock star.
What are you working on now?
In the writing space, I’m primarily focused on launching I Am NOT!. Although, I am compiling a sequel to Tripping in Public, my first book, and I am always observing and noting ideas. I’m sure there will be another narrative in the future.
End of Interview.
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