This rebirth of the series (along with turning 40 last week) has caused me to reflect on my career as a writer, which officially began in March 2006 when I published May Day (it’s getting a new cover soon, too!), and was invited to speak at my first book club at my then hometown of Alexandria, Minnesota.
The book club meeting was held at a gorgeous, tastefully decorated house on the local golf course. The hostess served strawberries dipped in chocolate, stuffed mushrooms, and delicious wine. I was nervous and out of my element and the first one there. Soon, though, the the women started filing in--a reporter from the local newspaper, some teachers, a few doctors, and then, all of a sudden, there was my gynecologist.
Usually, when I'm at a party, I'm the only one there who has seen me naked. You can bank on it.
The shock of seeing my gynecologist in civilian clothes in that immaculate house where I was about to come under the microscope of a baker's dozen of slightly tipsy professional women caused me to hiss under my breath, "That woman has seen my vagina!"
Apparently, gynecologists, like mothers, dogs, and teachers, have supernatural hearing as she turned in my direction and said, "It must have been normal, because I don't remember it." Ha! That's a great line. My gynecologist was funny. The rest of the night was a good time, though there was much more talk about life than May Day, which is the way it should be.
Since then, I’ve published four more books and am today sending off the sixth in the series, Octoberfest, to my editor (I promise, Terri!). It’s been a fun ride, one that I hope continues for decades.
17 comments:
Too funny, Jess. Happy belated birthday! Love your new cover.
Great cover, great memories, great doctor, great career.
Keith
P.S. I thought women wore gown thingies when putting their feet in those stirrups.
Thank you, Lisa! I should confess that I forgot I was up blogging today. Good thing we've got Keith on our side to keep us on the straight and narrow!
Ha! When your unclothed bum is in the air, naked is naked, Keith. A stocking cap, winter coat, and socks wouldn't change that, forget a paper gown that opens in the back.
Jess, you're making me laugh, but the dictionary says naked is "being without clothing or covering." IMHO, if you have a gown on, even with a bare bum, you are not nekkid.
Ah, you're going with the denotative definition, Keith. I'm choosing the more connotative, "ohmygod I have to take my underwear off AND put my feet in stirrups and why the hell are you bringing that light over here!?!" definition.
:)
First of all, Jess--Happy Birthday! What an acccomplished woman you are.
I like the new cover, but even more I like the success of this series! Awesome job.
Regarding the gynecologist thing--that is a whole different genre: horror.
Hahah! You are right of course, Julia. And you always make me smile with your quick wit and kind words. Thank you!
Welcome to your FABULOUS FORTIES, Jess!
I love the new cover, it matches those that came later in the series.
As for the gyno, maybe you'd feel more at ease if more people saw you naked. ;)
Happy Birthday!
Great post -- I'm still laughing but I think Sue Ann got you! ;>)
Maribeth
Giggles and Guns
Sue Ann, I am genuinely LOLing. Maribeth is right--you got me (and thanks for the bday wishes, Maribeth!).
I will give your advice deep consideration. :)
Jess, please define "deep consideration."
I was going to comment, but I don't think I can top Keith's last one.
Love your new cover Jess, it's bold and sophisticated (like you?)
After deep consideration, I've decided age 40 is not the time to embrace public nudity. Dark chocolate, red wine, and a good book, yes.
Carol, I'm from Minnesota, and we don't come in that flavor here. :) But I appreciate the nice words! I like the new cover a lot, too.
Great post, Jess. Congrats on the cover, your GREAT series continuing 4-ever, and on turning 40. Speaking of nekkid (leave it to Keith) I must say, when I turned 50 I decided to visit a nude beach, gravity be damned. Of course, this is easier to do in Miami than Minnesota, but I'm just saying ... Top that!
Deb, your bravery makes me happy. I'm going to carry it around to inspire me!
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