I am thrilled to welcome Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway’s Girl, to Great Thoughts’ Great Authors. The book publishes TODAY so we are honored to host Erika on her publication day. My review of Hemingway’s Girl is here.
Here’s Erika:
The night I got the call that my agent had sold my novel, Hemingway’s Girl, to NAL/Penguin, I was celebrating spring break at the beach inNorth Carolina with my in-laws, and toasted the good news with a Key Lime martini. That night, I called my mother to tell her the good news. When she asked the publication date, I told her that it would launch in September of 2012, one and a half years from signing the contract.
The line went quiet.
Both of us realized something profoundly sad at that moment. It was a very real possibility that my mother would not live to see it. In the five or ten seconds of silence, a thousand miles away from each other, we both swallowed the lumps in our throats, cleared our voices, and continued with the conversation as if that darkness had not entered it.
My mother has restrictive lung disease as a result of severe congenital scoliosis. She has dealt with a major curvature of her spine her entire life and now as gravity worsens her posture and the early stages of osteoporosis weaken her bones, her lungs are forced into an ever shrinking chamber of brittle ribs. Her lung capacity has always been about half that of the average person, so she has never been able to swim or participate in vigorous exercise. Her doctors told her that she should think about not having children. Two Augusts ago, after a sudden decline in her lung capacity to 28%, we didn’t think she would have much time left.
Hang in there, the story gets better.
The fact is, my mother did have children—two of us. And two years after my mother wasn’t expected to live two months, she is still here. She mostly stays home with her oxygen tank—getting ready and traveling around town isn’t very easy—but she’s always been a homebody, so she’s doing okay.
My mother has encouraged and supported me, all of my life. She’d read the terrible plays and poems I wrote as a child and gush enthusiastically. She’s still one of my first readers, and God help you if you poorly review my work online. Know that a tiny lady on oxygen is cursing you. She has rocked my crying newborns, played countless games of Uno and Candyland with my toddlers, and attended school concerts, baptisms, and Kindergarten graduations with joy. My mother has been there for me every step of my life, and I prayed earnestly that she would be there for the book launch.
It means so much that she has made it to pub date. It is one of the great blessings of this time, and it is why my book is dedicated to her. So while I’m thrilled about blogs and good reviews, Twitter chats and bookstore signings, my greatest joy at this time, is that my mother is here with me to witness it all.
What are you reading and where are you going?
From what I know about you, Erika, you are your mother’s daughter with a winning combination of love and strength that equal success!
A deeply touching story that I couldn’t read without tears. I’m so very happy she is here for all the excitement! Bless you and your mother both.
Tears. Can’t speak. Love…this. Hugs, that is all.
What a great piece. I can’t wait to read the novel–I am writer and lover of historical fiction, and this sounds right up my alley. Thank you for sharing about your mother, who I’m sure is just bursting with pride. There is nothing like a mother, and no writer has gotten anywhere without one. Sending good thoughts and prayers her way!
Oh, Erika…you’ve made me teary… I’m so glad your mom is there to celebrate with you today. Congratulations, again, on the launch of Hemingway’s Girl
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I can’t thank you all enough for your kind words. My mom is so proud and so much a part of why I’m here doing what I do. Her love and support have gotten me through some very low times. I am blessed.
Thank you, Andrea, for hosting me here, and for letting me share this personal story.
xo,
Erika
I’m not a reader of historical fiction, but this one intrigues me. I’ve read about it on several sites and have added it to my TBR list. Very touching story, Erika. I’m so happy for you and your mom. How marvelous.
C. Hope Clark
Lowcountry Bribe
Bell Bridge Books, Feb 2012
http://www.chopeclark.com
http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Tears… Lots of tears… I am so happy for you and your mom that you can share this special day together. And again, a big congratulations to you.
Thank you all so much!
I’m so glad I clicked over to read this beautiful tribute to your mom, Erika. And so glad she is still with you and able to share this special day with you. God bless.
Sure, go make me cry. Big hug to you and your mother, Erika. xoxo
Very moving, Erika! Thanks for writing it! God bless you and your mother!
Faith is those headlights shining that wee patch ahead, it’s not knowing where you’re going but knowing you’ll get there safely. This ride has been touched and shined and blessed is the woman that sees this, and lives her thanks.
That’s you, babe and always has been. Through and through. Gratitude begets itself and you deserve every moment of this! Your mama does too, she’s made of gold same as you!!
Oh Erika, you have touched my heart with your wonderful story. I am so glad to hear your mom is able to help you celebrate your big day! You come from a line of strong women. Awesome. I am enjoying selling your gorgeous book and look forward to meeting you next week!
I love the dedication! What a blessing that she is still here, adjusting to her “new normal”, and was able to witness the publication of your book!! I look forward to reading the book, as I do love historical fiction. Most importantly, I will enjoy reading it because the author and her mother are able to celebrate such a wonderful accomplishment. It is such a blessing that you have a great relationship with your mom and I hope that when my daughter is older, she will feel the same you do about yours
Best!
Lisa
Erika, what a beautiful post. I’m so happy to know that your mother made it to your release day. Thank you for relating your experience with us. You have a very special mother that you can be proud of. I wish you the best of success! Congratulations Erika!
I had to swallow a lump in my own throat as I read this. That’s such a special story. Thank you for sharing it with us, and good luck!
Beautiful post, Erika. I just finished reading Hemingway’s Girl while on vacation in Sicily. Engaging story, and I particularly loved the second half of the book, which so nicely tied together theme and title. I eagerly await your next endeavor, as your Mom will. Thanks for sharing your personal story along with your fictional one.
What a beautiful tribute. She must be beaming with joy. The job she did as a mother shines through with you and your children. What a proud day this must be for her. My mom and I are not close. You are one of the lucky ones that do have a great relationship with your mom.
Your book is great. I did not know anything about Hemingway, and his writing. I lived in Miami for quite awhile. I wish I had visited the Keys when I lived there. Terrible that things are in your back yard and you take it for granted. Your novel, has inspired me to read one of his novels, and learn about his writing.
Thank You Erika! G-d Bless