You’ve heard many metaphors for life, images that suggest how daily happenings can throw us into a tailspin:
- Life is like a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs
- Life is like a washing machine, churning round and round
- Life is like bumper cars, hitting one obstacle after another
Perhaps also life is like a quilt, odd scraps pieced together to form a whole, especially if it has a crazy quilt design.
Since 2013, I have been “quilting” on my blog, “Plain and Fancy,” assembling pieces of my family heritage, my own life events, along with literary interests and promotion of other authors.
In the beginning, I assembled blog posts, nilly-willy, following my fancy. My memory of family history or the passage of seasons sometimes prompted my choice of themes. Often, like a quilter, I too let instinct guide me. In 2015, I noticed that you, my reader, responded well to stories of my early life, especially those involving Mother and Daddy Longenecker along with Aunt Ruthie and Grandma Fannie. Several of you encouraged me to assemble these stories into a book. As it happened, many of those blog posts became scenes (or chapters) in my memoir, Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl.
Now I’m scooping up some of these blog posts for my next book, tentatively titled, My Checkered Life: A Collection of Blog Posts, the cover probably including a “checkered” quilt pattern like the one above.
Selected blog posts will form the anchor points for the themes in this book: Moments of High Emotion, Aunt Ruthie Longenecker’s Diary entries, Longenecker Artifacts, Life of the Spirit, and Recipes. In another section, writers, especially beginning memoirists, can find their own direction reading 10 steps toward publishing my memoir, Mennonite Daughter.
Excerpt from the Prologue
Quilts tell stories. In order to begin, you don’t have to know how your story will end. Sometimes your narrative can come together without your consciously thinking about it. Taking a walk, soaking in a tub, or chatting with friends often summons the next, best step. I have gotten better results when I “Go with the flow” rather than straining to make my characters or plot sequence work in a prescribed way. Above all, trust that in the end, your story, whatever genre, will lead to a satisfying conclusion.
In addition to the suggestions above, what other story categories would you like to see included in this collection?
What particular story/stories should certainly be included?
What do you think of the title?
***
With publication sometime in early 2023, nothing about the proposed book is cast in stone. I am completely open to your ideas.
Thank you!
Good morning, Marian! Ooo! I’m going to have to think about this. But I like your idea of concentrating on your childhood.
Speaking just for me, of course, I wouldn’t put “A collection of blog posts” in the title. That would make me not want to read the book. Maybe that’s just me.😀 But you could explain the book is drawn from your posts (which I assume you’d be editing) in an a note or introduction.
As it happens, many commenters here agree with you. Thanks, once again, for getting the ball rolling here, Merril! 😀
You’re welcome! 😀
I’m excited for your new book! Congrats! For your new title how about something like, “Quilt Checkered Life: Wisdom Sewn through Experience”
I like it, Katherine. Thanks for showing up here with a fresh idea. 😀
And wow! Great news that you’re working on second book! 💙
😀
Congrats! I tend to agree with Merril about not referencing blog posts in the title.
You know what they say about “great minds”! Thanks, Jill. 😀
Good Morning,
I am early today instead of being the last one because I’m always late.
I like the idea of comparing the life you’ve lived so far to making a quilt. I had a quilt that my grandmother put together and I used it until it was no more. I loved that quilt because it brought back so many good memories. I read your excerpt, and I agree with Merril and Jiill. I suggest yo think about tying your title to your the design that you’re going to put on your book cover, Somewhere in that title the word quilted should be included in the title and your life experiences because you’re piecing together events and situations that have sown wisdom within you. Something like, My Checkered Quilt, Wisdom Learned Through Life. (This is only a suggestion to help you understand what I am talking about.)
Wishing you all the best, Marian, and congrats on starting your second book. I’m happy for you.
Shalom aleichem
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. So appreciative for your explanation and suggestions, Pat!
Oh Marian! Yay! So happy to hear of book 2! Great title! Like everyone else, I love the idea of you discussing your early life. I love PatGarcia’s suggestion about wisdom.
Thanks you, Linda Marie. You’ve given me more food for thought. 😀
Before I even read Merrill’s comment above, my thought was: I wouldn’t put the blog post mention in the title. I would think that you’d want to expand or add material you weren’t able to use in the blog posts and they would be refreshed and new to most readers. A new memoir, focusing on your prominent relatives. Again, that’s just me.
Best wishes. Preserving those stories and more in print form is a great idea.
Yes, Melodie, I have these stories on WordPress and also in a WORD document on my desktop. Even though I’ll make changes to the blog post content, the stories will be in a more permanent format.
Thanks for the encouragement. 😀
I am excited about your new book! And I love the checkered life idea. It reminds me of the saying that someone has a checkered past. Of course, that usually means the individual has a shameful past. In your case though, A Checkered Life sounds wholesome and good. 🙂
Instead of mentioning blog posts in your subtitle, how about My Checkered Life: A Crazy Quilt Collection of Memories.
Titles aren’t easy. I’ve changed the title of my work in progress a half dozen times, at least. But regardless of the title, I can’t wait to read your next book!
Linda Lee, the title was one of the last things to come to life when I wrote Mennonite Daughter. Now, in this second book, I find myself fishing around for a title that will give boundaries to my content as I begin. Also, I’ll probably use a quilt design on the cover, which should downplay the “shameful” connotation of the word “checkered.”
Thank you for offering a title suggestion. I will certainly consider it. 😀
Kudos, Marian. Sounds like a great next step. (I agree with Merril; I almost always agree with Merril). Best wishes.
Thanks, Janet. There seems to be a consensus building here, a good thing. 😀
Congrats on starting your second book, Marian I agree about not mentioning blog posts in the title but there are some cracking ideas in the comments which if nothing else will trigger an idea of your own 🙂 Happy writing 🙂
As I’m replying to you, I think I’ll make a folder with title suggestions from commenters here. The word “plays” will turn into a cracking great idea. Yes?
Thanks, Carol! 😀
A folder is great idea my mind works far better having words or a short sentence to play with… it definitely sparks other ideas and then it all falls into place…x
You definitely have an organized mind, Carol, both as chef and as writer. Yes, folders DO help!
Marian — Congratulations! I’m excited for you. I, too, agree with Merril’s observation: I wouldn’t put “A collection of blog posts” in the title.
Based on the consensus building here, I think I’ve been totally disabused of using “blog collection” in the title. Thanks for chiming in, Laurie! 😀
I think the title is perfect as is the idea. I’m sure you’re book will be wonderfully written with lots of heart. You inspire me.
Welcome to this space, Sara. And thank you for your kind words! 😀
I’m so glad you’re writing another memoir, Marian! Some authors only write in that genre, and I think I would be one of those! Maya Angelou (I know Why the Caged Bird Sings—her autobiography) always wrote from her life. I’m coming to the end of my Ellie Stories now, and thinking of writing something like it from an adult perspective (my life after age 14). We’ll see how it goes. My husband is my copy editor (that was his profession). It’s a challenge but I know it will be great in the end!!
I will certainly want a copy of your Ellie Stories. (I like the nickname!)
And how wonderful that you have a built-in copy editor, which puts you miles ahead of other authors with a new book. Thanks, Elfrieda! 😀
I’ve wondered what you were working on now, Marian, and here’s the answer. I’ve used the metaphor of a quilt to think of a classroom. We’re all interconnected, and some parts are a little askew or messed up, but they still are part of that quilt. Much luck to you with your project.
The quilt as a classroom metaphor, a capital idea. Yes, we are all interconnected, even in a crazy quilt design. Thanks, Pete! 😀
I like the idea of creating a new book by gathering your blog posts together into subject matters and elaborating on them where you see a need. Inspiring, indeed!
I appreciate your affirmation here, Linda. As you know, we writers create in a solitude, but we certainly need others to cheer sp on. Thanks for doing that today, Linda. 😀
Marian, congrats on getting over the hurdle of whether to do book #2! I agree about the title. You could keep the Checkered Life as the main title. Subtitle: Essays on ________(when you decide your overarching focus). Free advice for what its worth. 🙂
I appreciate all the free advice here, including yours, Shirley. And I’m touched that people who care tell me the truth. 😀
I love the crazy quilt in the photo! I like Linda Lee’s suggestion of a title. I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thanks for cheering me on, Patty, and giving me your thoughts about a title. 😀
How exciting, a new book! I agree with everyone else not to put bog posts in the title. I’m sure you will find something clever to use instead. The analogy of a patch work quilt is perfect. Another theme to include might be family. You have some wonderful blog posts so this will be a great book. Pam Wight has done something similar and I enjoyed it.
You’re right, Darlene. Pam’s latest book which I’ve read and reviewed is very much a collection: Flashes of Life: True Tales of the Extraordinary Ordinary.
Yes, I’ve toyed with the idea of including family, perhaps in a section titled “Heritage.” As you know, ideas evolve but you have to start somewhere. Thanks! 😀
I love the title “My Checkered Life” as it seems very fitting to describe all the different aspects of your journey in this world so far. I would love to know more about your teaching experiences, when you first left home for good and your trials and tribulations on that long trip you took in a caravan with your young family due to Cliff’s work, as I remember from one of your posts.
Best of luck with this new venture. ❤
What you are describing sounds like a Part 2 to my memoir. I’ll certainly give it consideration. Thanks for adding to the suggestions–and to the encouragement–here, Maria Fatima! 😀
Hi, Marian. It’s great to hear that you’re working on your second book. I, too, agree with your other commenters about not including “blog posts” in the title–which raises a question I’ve been interested in for the past several years. What are the characteristics of the blog as a literary genre? How does a blog post differ from a personal narrative? A creative nonfiction essay? How does a blog in its entirety differ from a memoir in book form? Since you’re a go-with-the-flow writer, I’d suggest you gather up all of the posts you think you might like to include, then experiment with putting them in different sequences, reading each sequence from beginning to end to look for patterns.
You raise wonderful questions, Liz. As you have suggested, I have gathered up selected blog posts and put them into sections, some of which I included in the post here. Now, I believe I need to reconsider what I include, based on the subtitle I can commit to. Looking for patterns is good advice. Decisions, decisions!
Thanks, heaps! 😀
You’re welcome! You’ll keep us updated on your progress? (I love reading about other people’s writing/thought process, endlessly fascinating!)
Liz, funny you should mention this. A few weeks ago, I collected 16 blog posts that have to do with my memoir writing process–from early ideas through marketing. You may be interested in one about mid-way through: https://marianbeaman.com/2018/08/01/memoir-progress-peaks-and-valleys/
I don’t think I’ll be as detailed about this book because it’s a different kind of book, but who knows – ha!
Hi, Marian. When read your progress post, I was struck by how much of your process you shared!
Yes, Liz, it helped make the 5-year journey seem a little less burdensome sharing it with other readers and writers. Also, I think the educator in me persists in sharing what I’ve learned, mistakes and all.
I know that educator’s impulse well!
Great, Marian!
Thanks, Bette! 😀
Marian: I’m excited for you. I think “My Checkered Past” could focus on what Mary Pipher calls “rowing north.” As we age, we look back on our lives, our journey and reflections…and, of course, our childhood. Much is in your blog posts, but it will require new writing, some rewriting and a narrative. A new writing project is so exhilarating.
Yes, Susan, a new writing project is so exhilarating and also daunting. I have read Mary Pipher’s Rowing North and loved it. I didn’t write a review, but I did take notes. One line I noted: “Only in retrospect does my life look organized and focused.” Now I wonder if that is true for me. She also said, “Time passes quickly and our lives feel like contrails.”
Thanks for your suggestions. As I mentioned in the closing, I’m completely open to other ideas. 😀
This is a lovely idea, Marian. I think your idea of quilting the story of your life is wonderful. Will it be a collection of vignettes or will you stitch it together with a subtle plot?
Now that’s a good question, Robbie. Other commenters have suggested using a theme with a narrative arc. When I started thinking about this, I visualized a collection of vignettes only. I’ll probably have to make a decision about which way to go, so that I can move forward.
Thanks for the good wishes–and my heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family! ((( )))
Marian, you put me to shame! I can’t even get my memoir finished and published and here you are working on a second book in the coming year. Kidding aside, I am excited for you. I agree with several thoughts already expressed, especially those by Linda Lee, Merrill Smith, and Shirley Showalter. Titles are hard to create, and often they are changed many times before settling on the right one.
Sherrey, you have strong writing chops and a unique expressiveness that reminds me of Linda Hoye. Maybe a trip to that sweet space Bob built for you will give you just the nudge you need. I’m 80 now and feel my energy waning, another reason I feel the impulse to get going with this project.
Thanks for the encouragement here. A “collection of blog posts” will definitely NOT be part of the title–ha! ((( )))
How exciting that you’re working on your second book. I agree with Merrill, Linda Lee, and Shirley about the title. I wish you all the best and a smooth birth of your second collection of words.
Joan, I believe this project will be less emotionally taxing than my memoir, but I may be wrong. I definitely have less energy these days. It’ll get done when it gets done. Thanks! 😀
I was without internet for a couple of days, so I faced a flood of emails upon my return. That means I have to be selective and can’t attend to everything, as life on the road has other priorities. But when I saw your blog title, I knew I had to check it out.
Good for you, Marian, tackling another book. Using your blog posts as an anchor will help with the structure for sure. I like the idea of a quilt and comparing life – or writing – to quilting, especially since you are a quilter as well.
I like the first part of the title, but I’m not sure about using the term “blog posts” in the second part, though, as it might put off readers who haven’t been following your blog. They might think you’ve just pieced together already existing material. Maybe another word at the end, “a collection of inspirational stories”?
Thanks for making my blog a priority because of the title. No pressure otherwise as I know how daunting a flood of emails can be. There was an outcry against using “blog posts” in the title, so it’s OUT! Now for the intriguing subtitle which will come if I don’t push too hard. You know how it goes!
Landscapers next door cut the cable to our house, so I didn’t have internet for nearly 2 days, which is both good and bad.
Happy travels, stay safe! 😀
Glad to hear you’re doing another book. I like Linda Lee’s suggestion on the title. Love the quilt reference.
Bonnie, you’re sweet to chime in here. I’m glad others are cheering me on, voting up or down on my wording the title. 😀
Congrats on the new and upcoming Marian. My checkered life, with a quilt in the cover sounds good to me. If you’re asking, I’d recommend a better subtitle and refrain from saying blog posts. Many authors make books from their blogs by various methods such as, incorporating the blog stories into short stories, or instructional guides, etc. – depending on their writing genre so you may want to consider the format you want to deliver the stories in – possibly in scenes, short stories, flash fiction/nonfiction, for example. Just throwing it out there. 🙂 x
Great to hear your opinion, Debby. Thank YOU!
I see I have much more to consider than just collecting and revising blog posts. Apparently, I’ll need a theme, perhaps suggested in the subtitle, and some new material. Hmmm… 😀
There you go! And depending how much material you already have, you may not need more, just revising what you have, maybe adding to it, and fitting into a theme. You can also do an ‘umbrella’ theme where each chapter is different stories, but the whole book of stories fitting into one theme. <3
Debby, thanks for caring so much to leave specific suggestions here. I’m putting them all into a folders, so when I return to the project, I’ll have a notion on how to proceed. What to leave out is as important as what to include. I can’t thank you enough, my dear! 🙂
My pleaure Marian. We are community. And like most things, it takes a village, lol 🙂
That’s the truth, for sure!
What a lovely idea for your next book, Marian. I tend to agree with Merril also about the book title. I just read about one blogger who participated the A to Z challenge and turned her writing into a book. She didn’t use A to Z Challenge as the title but used the theme as her title. One of Sally Cronin’s book is entitled Life is Like a Mosaic. I think it’s similar to your idea. Have a wonderful weekend!
Great suggestions, Miriam. I have read and reviewed Sally book Life’s Rich Tapestry but not Life is Like a Mosaic. It looks like I’ll need to give that a look. Thanks for giving me more to consider. I appreciate it!
Yes, enjoy your weekend too! 😀
Congratulations on the new book! I love the image the title brings to mind. We have many similar quilts in our family.
I think a quilt is almost a universal theme for family and for fitting odd pieces together, which is maybe what a family is – ha! I wonder if you use your quilts or store them in a chest. Thanks, Arlene!
Wonderful re your new book in the offing Marian! The first thought that came to mind ‘Life is a Chequered Quilt’ or just ‘A Chequered Quilt’. Those quilts you showed are gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Susan. Always appreciated! 😀
Wonderful news, Marian. I love thinking of life as a quilt although I wonder about some of the squares I wish I could have left out. But then it wouldn’t be my life, would it? Quilting is universal and your family has quilting traditions. In my family it was crochet and embroidery, not nearly as practical or warm as a quilt. I look forward to whatever you create.
As I pull the pieces together for what I think I might do next, I face how much is still undone–and I wonder what will happen next. I thought I had a first draft, but when I pulled it together, I could only see the big holes in my “quilt.” The Monarchs are sailing the winds south, so I have a whole winter to imagine my story. Love and congratulations to you for conceiving of a wonderful idea.
Maybe it’s not the right time for your “new” project. With monarchs sailing south, you may have new focus and fresh ideas, especially during the winter months by your warm stove.
As to my next one, I’m still in the shifty sands of making choices. I’m so thankful for friends like you who give encouragement, assent and also dissent. Thank you, Elaine! 😀
Hi Marian, Congrats on the winning blog site. I can see why. It is lovely here and I look forward to your new book. Take care.
Rox, thank you for cheering me on. I have had a general idea of the book’s content. Now I’m thinking I need to step back and re-focus. Of course, you know how it goes! 😀
congrats & wishing you the best with this — my best answers to your questions is to research others who’ve done the same — seems to me they don’t add ‘blog’ in the title — also, would go by your posts that have been most popular…
Good advice, da-Al. I have looked at other authors who have published selected blog posts in book form, very helpful. Trust me, “Blog” will NOT be part of the title. Thanks for stopping by to comment! 😀
we’ll be rooting for you, hoping to learn from you <3
Thanks on both counts, da-Al!
btw, as I mentioned before, would love if you’d guest blog post on my site — regarding this or whatever you’d like
Pumped about your offer, da-Al!
Since 2013, I have been writing on diverse topics which reflect my interests. A sampling:
Writing: 7 Revelations Since Memoir Launch
https://marianbeaman.com/2019/11/20/7-revelations-since-memoir-launch/
By the way, I have published 17 posts (sequential but not back-to-back) on publishing my memoir.
Humor Confessions of a Conehead: https://marianbeaman.com/2019/03/13/cone-head-confession/
Love How We Met https://marianbeaman.com/2013/03/19/how-we-met-carebear-cliff/