Emma and Adam
When I wrote Emma and Adam, I was at my wits end with rejection. Which, for anyone unfamiliar with the joys of subjecting yourself to anonymous critique, amounts largely to schizophrenic commentary by gatekeepers who were never your intended audience to begin with. Not to bellyache, but it really makes you wonder what Columbia is teaching their MFAs...
I mean, what am I supposed to do with the following?
"I love the protagonist, but also, I can't stand the protagonist... Change him."
"This book is too male."
"I don't really like sci fi, how about you try a romantic comedy instead?
"Is this a comedy or a drama? The writer needs to choose a style and stick with it..."
Oh, really? Never heard of dramedy, hmm?
So in retaliation, I wrote an anti-romantic comedy.
I sat down and said, if every time I write this thing I don't make myself cry, then I'll erase it and start over. I'm gonna make this thing positively heart wrenching!
So that's what I did. And it was my first book to be published - which speaks to an unfortunate predictability on the part of some contemporary literary sentinels - but truthfully, I love this book. It's about as personal as it gets. By the end of this, you'll have a pretty good idea who I am. Or who I perceive myself to be, I suppose.
It's not for everyone. Which may be antithetical for the writer to say right beside the "Buy Now" button - but it's true. If you ever read The Road then you'll know what I mean.
Emma and Adam is about a journey I hope no one ever has to take in life, but I guarantee you'll hold your loved ones just a little closer for having read it.