So, anyway.....When A Girl Named Zippy was first published in early 2001, I bought the hardcover. It was displayed in the New Books section of my favorite indie book store, Main Street Books, in St. Charles, Missouri. The store was still at its old, and I think original, location. Sometime soon I'll do an entire post about the store and a little of its history.
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| courtesy: google.books.com |
I bought it for the same reasons I choose any book, whether I'm buying it or borrowing it from the library:
1) The cover really caught my eye. I mean, really....look at that adorable face!
2) I read a bit of the first page or two and flipped through it, noticing the photos.
3) I liked the writer's style, her voice.
I don't remember if I read "Zippy" before or after May of 2001, but it was somewhere in that time period. Why does that matter? My estranged dad became very ill in May 2001 and wasn't expected to live. I went to see him and when I got home, my feelings just flowed out of me and....long story short.....I realized I was a writer. I discovered my passion at the ripe old age of almost 50.
The entire time I read it, I kept thinking, If I wrote a memoir, it would be like this! I was definitely not comparing myself or my writing in any way to Ms. Kimmel. Not at all. What I meant was the small town life, the little adventures of a young girl who had a couple of much older siblings, the similar era although I'm older, and the use of B&W photos. Reading that book prompted and inspired me to write, and not only to write, but to submit my writing.....without fear. I owe so much to little Zippy.
As I get closer to finishing my first book, a memoir, my excitement builds. My book cover hasn't really been discussed much yet, but I'm leaning toward something like this: What do you think??
Finally, I'm so excited about a package I received yesterday from Amazon.com. (Yes, I shop at various book venues.) I've never listened to an audio book before, but when I heard about this one, I just had to have it. (P.S. I got it from one of Amazon's vendors and it is brand new, still in plastic wrap. The retail price on it is $26.95, and I got it for less than $10.00, including shipping.)
From Pigtails to Chin Hairs
A Memoir & More
by Becky Lewellen Povich
Finally, I'm so excited about a package I received yesterday from Amazon.com. (Yes, I shop at various book venues.) I've never listened to an audio book before, but when I heard about this one, I just had to have it. (P.S. I got it from one of Amazon's vendors and it is brand new, still in plastic wrap. The retail price on it is $26.95, and I got it for less than $10.00, including shipping.)
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| My hardcover "Zippy" book on the left, plus its new companion: my new audio book! It's on 5 CDs and is read by the author, Haven Kimmel. I can't wait to start listening.
What about you? Have you ever listened to audio books?
Are you a writer?
What writers/books have influenced you?
Tune in tomorrow when I'll have some contest information to share. |
First off, let me thank you for stopping by my Reading Corner so early this morning...
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that reading the "Zippy" book got you jumped started into writing your own memoir. I can't wait to read your book.
Yes I have listened to audio books before, mostly I listen to them if I am in a crocheting mood. I can still listen to a book and crochet.
No I am not a writer, I am a reader of books. No desire to write, just read.
I would say the Bible has had the biggest influence in my life, but I know you want a different book than that, so I would have to say self-help books have influenced me, especially ones that have tips about how to make work faster and easier. ; ) and of course Cook Books, otherwise when I was young we would have had to starve, but we have microwaves now to heat all the food in, so much easier, and lets me a lot more time to read....
I have never read Zippy; but you know I do read! I do not listen to audio books but I go sleep and the "book" goes on losing my place! With a real book, I often go to sleep with my finger in the pages or I can at least find the place I faded off tp while reading.
ReplyDeleteI think Zippy sounds like a book to read if it inspired you. I don't listen to audio books, my mind wanders. I like the title and cute pic for you memoir!
ReplyDeletehugs, Linda
Becky, if Zippy led you to your self-discovery as a writer, it is a valuable treasure. I'm so excited that you're close to finishing your book. I think that photo would be great on the cover.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a cute cover to me!
ReplyDeleteAs for audio books, I don't enjoy hearing a story as much as I do reading it, but we do listen occasionally while traveling.
And yes, I am a writer, but my heart is set most on poetry.
=)
I haven't listened to audio books. I love the photo for your memoir.
ReplyDeleteI am a reader and appreciator rather than a creator (and I figure I am needed too).
I couldn't pinpoint which books have influenced me most as it changes with the wind. One that I have read recently which has had a HUGE impact it The Freedom Writers Diary. I couldn't recommend it strongly enough.
When your memoir hits the shelves I will be seeking not only a copy, but an autographed one. Your writing is a joy.
I have "Zippy" in paperback. And also the sequel, "She Got Up Off the Couch."
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your writing! I like your picture.
ok -- pigtails to chin hairs did make me chuckle. no one gets chin hairs under 40 right? hahahaha.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blogger therefore, I am a writer.
Audio books occasionally but the voice has to be just right or I stop and just read the copy myself... hahahaha.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower.
ReplyDeleteI have never read the book Zippy but it sounds very interesting.
Good luck with your writing.
Thank you for coming by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment! I think Ms. Kimmel would be so flattered that she inspired you to start writing! I think your memoir will be funny! Or, should I say, "fun".
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to write children's books. I would like to illustrate them. I made up a song for Tommy, my 2 yr. old grandson, so I may write it up and draw pictures to go with it and that will be my first.
I did write a goofy little book on a dare by my sily sister. She jokingly assigned all 5 of us sisters, to write a book called, "There's Too Much Junk In My Trunk", and at the next family gathering, I was the only one who had done it. I read it aloud and couldn't believe that all my nieces and nephews and everybody sat spellbound and listened to every word! I bound it myself, and there's only one copy, but I often think about adding to it and improving the sketches.
Oh, and now,I just so enjoy blogging, and that's writing, right? I think you can even get a written copy of all your posts somehow.
I think I would like to hear an audio book while driving. Maybe James Herriot's books that I enjoyed so many years ago.
Your title is clever, funny! The book should be a hoot! What I want to know is, If my eyelashes have gotten thinner, ( because after menopause you lose 30% of them), then why do those pesky mustache and chin hairs still thrive?
Good luck finishing the book!
I think I've read all of Haven Kimmel's books, starting with Zippy.
ReplyDeleteI love audiobooks! The STL County library even has E-audiobooks that I download to my computer. No CDs to worry about, nothing to return (the ability to listen to them 'expires' on their due date).
I do like the picture for your cover and I was fascinated by how Zippy inspired you to write your own memoir. I love it when a book does that. I've often thought about writing one myself - I was a foster child and moved around a lot. The title that has always stuck in my head is Jam and Bread Sundays. It was my favourite meal when I lived in the children's home.
ReplyDeleteI read that book years ago and loved it!
ReplyDeleteI'd say that two books were influential to me...Gone With the Wind and To Kill a Mockingbird. Guess I have a thing for southern novels. Anyway, both books are filled with vivid description, memorable characters, and a story line I never tire of reading.
Your pig-tail picture is cute and I think it could definitely work as a cover for your memoir.
Pat
Critter Alley
We have been looking at audio books to buy for when we travel. We have a couple...that we listen to over and over! I love this book and I'll go put this audio book on my wish list! Any others that you've found at great prices? Hugs!
ReplyDeleteZippy does look interesting. I can see why you were drawn to it.
ReplyDeleteYou already know of one of my influences--our dear Maeve BInchy--she was part of my Holy Trinity of Writing that also includes Anne Tyler and Joyce Carol Oates.
I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Jane Austen, Viginia Woolf and Shakespeare, too. :)
Oh my gosh, what great comments everyone left! Thank you all so much! Would you believe I haven't had time yet to start listening to "Zippy"? But I definitely will this weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Becky, I love your cover picture, you are just a doll. I too have read some books that have inspired me and made me think, hey, I could write something like this. The last one was recently, and it was a Christian book, something that I hadn't considered before.
ReplyDeleteI haven't listed to an audio book yet. I think that they would be good in the car on a long trip though.
Kathy M.
Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping and commenting. And awww, shucks...you embarrassed me!
ReplyDeleteHey, you should follow that instinct about writing, too! There's nothing/nobody stopping you, but yourself. Hugs :)
Hi Becky - I have read that book - and I loved it. It definitely leaves you feeling as though it's the right blueprint for a memoir, so I can see why it inspired you! If I remember correctly, she wrote another memoir after and I read that one as well. Good luck with yours, I love the title. And the photo is fun. Perhaps you could post a small excerpt on your blog...maybe you have?
ReplyDelete