B. Lynn Goodwin, multi-award winning author of Never too Late, has published her interview with me on her blog. Words a good friend told me years ago, that “My Story Must Be Told,” is the title. Lynn’s introductory paragraphs give this overview:
“We all have things we don’t remember. Some memories move over to make space for more important ones, and some get buried because they ignite pain or fear. In Mary Jo Doig’s memoir, Patchwork, a flashback following the death of a relative opens a passageway to horrific secrets buried since childhood.
Patchwork is the riveting story of one woman who strives to live a life full of love, only to endure tragedies with two of her children and struggles in her marriages—the consequences of a mysterious life-long behavior unnoticed by her family or teachers. Like a needle stitching together a quilt, the memories Mary Jo recovers show why her early years were threaded with a need to be invisible. You don’t want to miss her healing journey.”
I welcome this opportunity to share with you what I have learned as a first-time author. Moreover, I hope you will discover some wisdom for your own writing journey. And, lastly, be sure to check out Lynn’s entire blog. She’s been mentoring authors online since 1997 and teaches personalized online classes. She also provides manuscript consultations, as well as writing, contest, and marketing advice. She’s an excellent resource.
And now, kindly join our full conversation on Lynn’s blog at Writer Advice.
Congratulations, Mary Jo! A well-deserved honor by Lynn Goodwin, another talented writer. Other women writers like me are grateful for what you do.
Thank you, Carol, for your generous words. You wrote your novel, “Lily’s Odyssey,” so skillfully that, as I looked back through it a few times while writing my story, I suddenly saw that I could build mystery into Patchwork, which made it a better story. I’ve always been grateful that our paths crossed the day I requested your book to review – and grateful for our writing sisterhood. Shalom!
I’m ordering your book tomorrow, Mary Jo. I am so grateful that I have met you and that you have led me deeper into my writing life. I, too, have secrets that affected many of the decisions I made in my life. I’m sure your book will give me the courage to tell them in creative nonfiction form.
Thank you for everything.
Sandra,
Thank you for supporting my work. Our gratitude runs two ways, smooth and strong, between here and Green Bay. I love it! I admire your long-time gifts to your circle community so powerfully with such caring and respect that has provided them the opportunity to be safe as they share. You are such a force! I so look forward to holding your memoir in my hand one day, to share the incredible journey you took as a teenager into the deep south to help improve lives. And secrets? Here’s what I’ve learned: each step: writing them, sharing them, and then publishing them removes all the heavy negatives of carrying them around inside, as we have, all these decades. Kind of like a snake sliding out of his old skin. I was thrilled with the unexpected final freeing from it all by giving the story to the universe. I think of you so often, as I hope you are writing those segregation stories and more, my dear writing sister.
Congratulatiins! I loved Patchwork, which I have subtitled in my head–‘And still standing’. It’s a remarkable book that I couldn’t put down. Your bravery is breathtaking. Best wishes on your future endeavors.
Kathryn,
I laughed out loud at your sub-title. To me, it’s perfect, of course. Brooke would say that phrase needs to be a little more specific… but its far and away the most humorous. Looking forward to A Marriage in Four Seasons and to holding your beautiful cover in my hands. Thank you for your enjoyable visit – and – all the best to you when you launch later this year.
Mary Jo, congratulations on your success. Thank you for sharing your stories and talent and being supportive of others.
Oh, I’ve been away from here too long…
Denise, I love that I can find you here and hold you words close to my heart. I have one healing memory that you are an integral part of that comes to mind fairly often and will for the rest of my life. So, so glad our paths crossed in Otsego County!
Such a wonderful interview, Mary Jo. And, you are an amazing writer, person, survivor! I grew up in a family of women who were survivors and reading your book touched many memories of my own in different ways. You helped bring healing into my life. By the way, neither of my children has read my newest book, either! I doubt they will, but since I said good things about them, I think they should!
Truly, I trust they will at some point, Rita.