Sticky Notes Blog

A blog of writing news, tips, and inspiration from Fat Plum

Category: Congratulations

Tracy Beckerman is Living my Dream

Tracy Beckerman is a very funny writer with a syndicated column, Lost in Suburbia, and a newly published book, Rebel Without a Minivan . It's a compilation of some of her best columns, and it's excellent. I'm not just saying that because I edited the book. Or because I'm the first person she thanks in her acknowledgments.

As you may have gathered, it's my tertiary involvement with the book that keeps my envy from turning into something ugly. Because I've always wanted to write a weekly humor column. Have I ever tried to secure my dream job? Well, no. But I now recognize the wisdom of my inertia. Because my life is just not as funny as Tracy's.

Tracy was a hip, cool New York city girl until having a baby forced her into the suburbs of New Jersey. As she explains, "It's just one of those things that happens, like taxes and varicose veins." Her essays highlight her foibles and survival strategies adjusting to the double-whammy of motherhood and suburban life. There's cellulite on her thighs and ducks in the pool. Near-brawls in the school-supply aisle and raised eyebrows over her spiky-short haircut. Even vacationing in the Magic Kingdom turns maniacal.

Even if my life were as humorous as Tracy's, I doubt I could convey it with the wit and sarcasm that are her trademarks. My only hope is that she'll publish another book. So if you won't buy it for your own enjoyment, please, pick up a copy so I can continue to live my dream vicariously. You can buy it through any bookseller or at www.RebelWithout AMinivan.com

Posted by Julie on April 03, 2008
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"Kamal Ascending" to be published January 2008

Madhu Wangu, a longtime friend of Fat Plum, announced on her website that her first novel will be published this month:

My first novel, Kamal Ascending, will be released by Frog Books, Mumbai by the end of this month.

Kamal Ascending is the story of a Kashmiri girl who wants to become a meaningful painter. After graduation and an acclaimed art show, she marries Satyavan and has two children. To fulfill his ambition, Satyavan decides to immigrate to America. Coming to a foreign land and taking care of her family, Kamal loses touch with her artistic self. She must discover her way back to artistic and spiritual awareness or she will fade into nothingness.

We're so proud of Madhu. She has been working on this first novel for many years, and in our Boot Camps and weekend critiques we've seen her revise it tirelessly, to strengthen the characters and hone the story.

In addition to being a writer, Madhu is an accomplished artist. The painting on the cover of the book is one she created.

Congratulations, Madhu!

Posted by Cindy on January 05, 2008
This entry was posted in the following categories: Congratulations
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