Well sorry for the clickbait title but this is less about how to write and get published and more about me deciding that I am going to use this platform to publish my memoir writing. I have dozens of short stories about intense experiences that I need to free from my memory bank. Intense to me, that is. I will say that I have never had a traumatic injury or illness, been addicted to alcohol or drugs (food and love maybe) and my family life growing up was just fine. So what do you have to write about, you might ask. I am a middle kid in my family and the youngest girl. Not the bad girl, not the goody two shoes but a delightful blend of both.
My family traveled. My parents believed that travel was just as good as school for learning. I agree. My parents sold Amway (yes, roll your eyes. I get it) to put us through college. They paid for all 4 of us to attend out of state universities. I was fortunate, I know that. I was able to spend a semester in London, and travel to Russia (before Gorbachev)during that time.
The point is I am an independent woman with life experience. I have stories. I didn’t get married until I was 32, had my son at 39 and was divorced (not my choice but for the best in the end) by 46. I am average but I think that sometimes it’s nice to read stories by average people. Relatable stories that connect us and bring our worlds closer.
So hang tight, I am going to try and post a short story a week. I love telling stories live and do that occasionally around Austin. Please feel free to share this blog (I feel like I am 20 years too late on blogging) if you like my stories. In the meantime, I will investigate Reddit, Substack and other platforms that seem to be more popular. The fleeting thought that I should tell stories and post them on TikTok was quickly batted away by my vanity. I am not young and cute anymore, more like that crazy tough lady with wild hair who is an artist, photographer, has a farm and can sometimes be seen walking her horse down the street. Oh wait, that is me
Nell Carroll Photography 