Six years ago, I kept a journal.
My friends encouraged me to write about our adventures in Belize, and turn it into a book.
Since our return in 2005, my life revolves around writing and rewriting; well, that’s when I’m not distracted with side-jobs, because writing isn’t “working” is it? It’s not considered a job–right?
It’s a painful, yet addictive cycle. I won’t bore you with a list of jobs, conferences, classes, and volunteer jobs I’ve been involved with, but let me say, I rarely watch TV or movies, because I want to write. I’ve become a prisoner of my mind. Everything I see, smell, hear or dream, needs to be written down, before the moment escapes me.
Not long ago, I received an e-mail to submit a short story, memoir, essay or poem. It was dedicated to Orange County writers, and I submitted two hours before the deadline. Just go for it, I thought, What do you have to lose?
Thanks to that Gutsy moment, I now have my first published short story with Windflower Press. The book launch is on May 12th, at Paradise Perks in Irvine, from 7-9 p.m. How sad I shall miss that day due to a scheduled trip to Europe to celebrate my father’s 85th birthday. I have learned that baby steps do pay off, and hopefully my journey will bring me closer to publishing my memoir.
My Italian Lover
by
Sonia Marsh
(My middle name is Patti, or is it?)
I have a new lover. His name is Capresso, and he’s Italian.
Like most Italians, he takes great pride in his looks. I can see through his form-fitting Armani silver-gray suit, the interplay of muscles and tendons that remind me of one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s detailed anatomical drawings. In today’s world, he’s the perfect metrosexual. His aroma is addictive, and to me, he’s impeccable.
Every morning, I spend quality time with Capresso, before my husband wakes up. When I sneak into his room, he’s always available and ready for me to turn him on. This morning is no exception, and as I pull out his gold filter, I place four heaping scoops of malty, sweet East African blend Uzuri coffee with its medley of dark berry notes. Capresso thanks me for the filtered water I pour into his receptacle, rather than contaminating his interior with chlorinated water from the faucet.
“Graci mi amore,” Capresso whispers in his sexy Italian voice.
The following morning while I snooze, my husband decides to make coffee for himself. He’s never laid hands on Capresso. Instead of adding coffee to Capresso’s gold filter, he stuffs a brown Mr. Coffee paper filter inside Capresso’s gold cone. He places Folgers inside the paper and hits start, unaware of the deluxe feature which allows for smaller brewing quantities.
“Please don’t use a paper filter in my gold cone,” Capresso says, but Duke doesn’t understand Italian. Even if he did, he wouldn’t listen. From my bedroom I can hear Capresso sputtering and coughing. My lover is calling me for help and as I rush to his side, I see chlorinated water flowing over his sleek physique, like an eruption from Mt. Vesuvius. Hot, sticky, black lava travels down the side of his silver tuxedo and mixes with tears of pain from a blocked aorta.
“Sonia, il mio amore,” he cries, embarrassed by his mess, and tired of being verbally abused by my husband.
“Don’t ever give me coffee out of that stupid, over-priced pile of junk,” my husband barks. I cover Capresso’s ears and clean him up, but worry he needs medical attention. I call his hot-line number and am instructed on how to unblock his aorta.
Capresso and I are still lovers, and I’m the only one allowed to turn him on.
Great news, Sonia. I think I remember encouraging you to do something with this one. It started out as a blog post, right??
Your persistence is paying off. Keep up the great work and enjoy your trip to Europe and your father's birthday.
@Shirley,
You're right. I had a different version then read it at DimeStories and other venues and finally decided to submit it after some good feedback. Thanks Shirley for your support.
Oh, how exciting Sonia! I remember this story – so well written and very amusing…
Will you be in Sweden during your European trip?
Awesome news, Sonia.
Baby steps is the way to go, I guess. You will get there.
~ Rayna
@LadyFi
I would love to visit you in Sweden, but I shall be in London first, where my Danish friend is meeting me for a few days.
@Not enough hours
Thanks Rayna. Time will tell.
"I have learned that baby steps do pay off, and hopefully my journey will bring me closer to publishing my memoir." That is my hope for you also, Sonia. Having this story published is a big step toward your goal.
A poet has said: "A writer, whatever he is, anywhere he is, puts his hand deep into the society, into the life around him, and anything he draws, will be a piece of truth. Congratulations.
A big, big congratulations!!!!! The first of many I'm sure.
Congratulations!
I remember this story.
Only thing I can say is Oh, la laa!, like they say here… 🙂
Greetings from Casa!
(we're still in a hotel…)
BLOGitse
Congratulations.
You are fortunate to be able to spend your mornings with Capresso. I unfortunately have to begin my day with Juan Valdez and his burro; non-dairy creamer is my one scant luxury.
@Jeanie
Thanks Jeanie. I know you're a journalist, so I hope so.
@Phivos
I hope so. Thanks for your support.
@Lauri
Coming from you, this means a lot to me.
@BLOGitse,
Are you in Casablanca? I shall check your blog, although you said you were taking a break.
@Robert the Skeptic,
No, no, no. Your wife doesn't want
non-dairy creamer. You said you have coffee in bed. It has to be half and half. Only the best for her.
CONGRATULATIONS!! I feel I can share in this, as I had made frequent "crack the whip" visits…
Seriously, I loved your clever story. I am so happy for you! Onward and upward. Happy writing. You WILL publish your Memoirs…
Great news! It must feel wonderful to be published. I have not started doing any real writing besides my blog yet, but I hope to one of these days. . .
Sonia,
I had a break!
Today it's 26 days ago we came to Casa!
Time flies… 🙂
BLOGitse
I remember this from earlier! And I loved it, then, too. Congrats on your wonderful work!
I'm thrilled for you. I've been trying to push into Children's literature and have never written for adults. It's something I toy with. Persistence does pay off.
God bless and have a marvelous Monday!!!
That's pretty cool to hear. I'm still on my way to publication. Working on things. Probably should go ahead and submit a few things along the way just for the experience. Haven't sent anything for submission in a good 30 or so years.
Your neighbor in L.A. County,
Lee
A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post
Well, now you're published. Maybe not in the way you expected, perhaps, but life is unpredictable. Yet in that unpredictability, options appear that can become opportunities. WONDERFUL!!!!!
As someone who has been a journalist for 30 years, I've been published, and broadcast, and published some more. And won awards. And spoken at conferences for journalists and others.
But now I'm blogging — a whole new way of being published — a cheap form of self-publishing. As I say in my blogs, "Blogging is freedom of the press for those who cannot afford a press." For you, it's even more. Blogging, and other skills, have led you to being published in a book. Wonderful! Encore! Encore? In what form?
Whatever you do, remember to
1. be gutsy,
2. have fun.
But what does a Bear really know?
That's great! Congratulations! Next step, your memoir! 🙂
@Donna B
Thanks for cracking the whip and visiting me.
@Brenda
I remember you saying you wanted to write too. You should, as you have so many stories to tell.
@BLOGitse
Do you like Casa? Is it Casablanca?
@LadyGlamis
Coming from you, that means a lot. Thanks.
@Nezzy
Give it a shot. I'm sure you can write for adults.
@Arlee bird
For me it's the time to submit, or rather get it ready to submit. Go for it neighbor.
@Rob-bear
I do like te fact you reminded me to be Gutsy and have fun. I shall, and thanks for being a loyal bear. Is the snow gone?
@Lauren
Thanks for your visit. It's been a while since we "spoke." How is your writing? I know you had exams a while ago. Shall have to come over.
🙂 yes, Casa is Casablanca.
I like it here…We are in the center of the city so we can walk everywhere which is nice. 2 yrs in a compound, no possibility to walk freely – now we enjoy walking!
BLOGitse
Some snow still here, Sonia.
But, hey, it's only April. 🙂
Yay!!! Good going Sonia. So happy all your hard work has paid off.
Sonia, An important truth that is often overlooked – how it's the baby-steps approach that pays off and not, as many believe, that one breakthrough novel. Bit by bit, you open a path. I enjoy reading your entertaining blogs and particularly, ones like this where I can relate to the small triumphs that lead to the big one.
Congratulations on placing your story with Windflower Press, Sonia. That's exciting and definitely a big step in the right direction.
It is the valuable answer