Jacqueline Sheehan

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Jacqueline Sheehan answers the question When did you start writing?

November 20, 2012

“When did you start writing?”

I am coming to the end of the book tour for Picture This and this question has come up at every stop. The answer is never easy, because surely I wrote all my life, once as a freelance journalist in a small town in New Mexico, numerous times as Read More

4 Comments

Comments

Dec 05, 2012 5:10 AM EST

I just finished reading "Now & Then", my first experience at reading your work. I found it to be an outstanding work of fiction! Your characters were real and compelling and you
artfully guided the reader into every chapter with the thread of intrigue that you wove throughout.

The thing I was most astonished about, was the amazing similiarity between your life story and my own and by the Irish places and characters that were identical to those in my family's geneology.

At this late time in my life, I feel strongly compelled to put a voice to my life experiences, which have been unique and varied. Throughout my life, I have been complimented on my ability to express my thoughts on paper. My mother wrote poetry and is responsible for my love of reading and any talent in prose that I possess. It is also a financial imperative that I find the Grandmother Moses in me if it exists!

I have inquired into a memoir writing class that a friend suggested to me. I have not yet received a response to my e mail. The class is free, but limited to twelve participants. I have also decided that any story line running through my had should be immediately put to paper. One such plot will be nailed down on this gloomy, rainy day.

I would appreciate hearing from you on any advise you might have for me. More importantly, I want to tell you about the circumstances in my birth family that match yours and have identically impacted the direction of my life.

First, I must attend to the almost ruined bread pudding I just pulled out of my oven! I also need to find out what is causing my internet connection to be so jumpy today. Further writing is impossible!

Thanks for the good read! Hoping to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Marilyn Schneider

- yn Schneider

Dec 05, 2012 6:29 AM EST

Dear Marilyn,
Please contact me by email and I may be able to give you some ideas. jrsheehan@verizon.net.

- Jacqueline

Dec 17, 2012 7:14 AM EST

Jacqueline -
I did write you an E mail around 12/6. I was having a great deal of trouble with my computer at that time. Everything has been fixed now. I know you are a very busy lady and I don't mean to push, but if you did not receive it, I will resend. Have been accepted in the April writing class and am on standby for the January class in case someone drops out. Have started reading "Writing Down the Bones".
I just finished reading "Truth". It was hard to put down. The reader is transported to that point in time and experiences slavery and attitudes toward it in all its ugliness. It reminded me of the book "The Peculiar Institution" by Kenneth M. Stampp which was assigned reading in one of my college classes. I still have the book and treasure it as one the best and most illuminating books ever written on slavery in the South.

Your writing style is impressive and unique. Please enjoy every minute of the Holiday Season ahead.

Respectfully,

- Marilyn A. Schneider

Dec 17, 2012 12:27 PM EST

Marilyn,
Try my email again. I received nothing from you.

- Jacqueline Sheehan