Do you recall what happens after Tinkerbell drinks the poison Captain Hook intended for Peter Pan? As the tiny fairy’s light grows ever fainter, Peter realizes he’s facing the loss of a treasured friend. In desperation, he turns to the audience for help.
"She’s going to die unless we do something. Clap your hands! Clap your hands and say, ‘I believe in fairies!’"
While I’ve taken great pains to collect evidence of my memoir’s veracity, some publishing insiders are suggesting that certain high-profile hoaxes have poisoned the genre altogether. No surprise, those dishonest stories have cast shadows of doubt over CAN I GET A WITNESS. I’m very optimistic about my project’s potential in the long run, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit those perspectives put a temporary damper on my enthusiasm.
Until I remembered Tinkerbell.
Why she came to mind, I couldn’t tell you. Perhaps I was inspired by this icon, or maybe it’s the trace of my father’s DNA in me that sees everything as a potential parable. Anyway, when I re-read JM Barrie’s story, this excerpt from the original version really brightened my spirits:
"If you believe," [Peter Pan] shouted to them, "clap your hands; don’t let Tink die."
Many clapped.
Some didn’t.
A few beasts hissed.
The clapping stopped suddenly….but already Tink was saved. […] First her voice grew strong, then she popped out of bed, then she was flashing through the room more merry and impudent than ever.”
Did you catch that? Not everyone clapped for Tinkerbell! Her inner light returned, even though not everyone believed.
In re-reading Peter Pan, I rediscovered that important truth. Not everyone has to believe in my project. Some will say meh, and others will reject it outright. But it just takes one agent and one editor, right? That, plus a writer who believes in herself.
I also realized anew the power of our collective spirit. Each of us goes through dark times now and again; when that happens, we can help one another keep the magic alive. I’m grateful for the wonderful people who clapped for me when I didn’t have the energy to clap for myself.
I refuse to let my light go out, not ever. I’ll keep researching and telling my story true. I’ve worked too hard, endured too much to let someone else write "The end."
I am clapping!! clapping!! clapping!!! I believe in your book Melodye!!!!
YES!
Yes yes yes!
If I had listened to the 20 agents who said “no” before I found Jenn … I would have given up.
I am quite certain the right agent is out there for you. And the ones who are, Chicken Little-ish, claiming the sky is falling for memoirs, are NOT FOR YOU.
xo
How perfect!
I’m clapping here too!
The light will stay on, absolutely.
xoxox – Carrie
I remember when we first talked about this on the phone. It’s so true. My own experience has shown that it doesn’t so much take one yes as it does one person who believes. That’s what we really need in this business – a dogged work ethic plus a bit of belief (and perhaps a streak of masochism).
You can do it! We believe in you and your writing!
You MUST finish this book. I will stand in line for my copy.
*clap* *clap* *clap*
Keep researching and writing.
I believe in your memoir. It will be incredible.
Can you hear me clapping?
Go forth and write that memoir!
*clapping for you*
You have an amazing TRUE story to tell. I can’t imagine that this memoir is not going to end up on shelves – and in peoples’ hands.
A round of applause from me to you.
Lovely!
I believe in you and in your book Melodye! Don’t you dare give up!
Your light is going to shine through all those shadows of doubt and an editor will be blinded by the truth of your story!
I’m clapping…clapping…clapping!!
I so believe in you too! I’m clapping, clapping, clapping!!!
Here is some clapping for you, because I don’t want your light to go out, ever!!!
I believe in you, Melodye, and so will one agent and one editor! You’ve got an amazing story to tell, and I can’t wait to read it.
* clap! clap! clap! *
I believe in you! AND I believe in fairies, too. 🙂
Bubba is standing giving you a standing ovation. Keep your light on and may it shine as bright as any star in the heavens. That way Bubba can look high in the bright Texas night sky and think about you and your story until he can read it for himself. Keep right on trucking.
I haven’t got to read LJ much this week because of work, so I’m glad I went back and read this. I love that part about not everyone believing. Write on, Melodye.
I’m so glad that you are going to fight to keep your inner light glowing strong. I’m so glad that you aren’t letting the views of some keep you from pursuing your passion, Melodye. You have an amazing story to tell and we will all be richer for having heard it.
Fly on, Tinkerbell. 🙂