Hi, my name is Kelly and I write about being a dad. Let me tell you 
This summer I would like to write a book, inspired by this blog.
As I begin, undoubtedly my most valuable resource is you, my reader. You've helped me shape my thoughts and opinions along the way and you've given me a reason to keep writing. Because of your involvement so far, (if you're willing) I would like to include you in the process of writing this book as well.
If you would like to be involved, here a few ways you can help:
1. Encouragement - As a writer, I have no idea why people read my blog. So, I'm asking you, so that I can write a better book. Why do you read this blog? What keeps you coming back? What would you expect to see in a book based on this blog?
Ultimately, what would it take for you to own a book based on this blog? I want your honest opinion.
2. Readers - I'm also looking for a few readers. If you would like to be considered, it's not necessary that I know you personally. The only requirement is that you've been a regular reader (I know some of you read, but don't comment, and that's fine with me.) If you have the time and feel you can edit, please email me at kellycrull@gmail.com.
3. Contacts - probably the most difficult part of the process will be finding a literary agent who can represent me. I'm new to this whole process (which is part of why I'm doing it), so if you know an agent, or know of a friend who knows an agent, or even a friend of a friend of a friend who knows an agent, let me know. Or if you have a writer friend who you think could offer some advice, that would be helpful too.
At the very least, thanks for reading, and for giving me the courage and confidence to try something I've never tried before!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Summer Project
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12 comments
I have been reading your blog for some time now, and I've always thought that you should be writing a book rather than a blog. I think you have a gift for capturing small moments and a further gift for knowing just how much to give at once (I'm always left wanting just a little more--which is perfect).
So, best of luck with the endeavor. Can't wait to read it.
Good for you!! I've heard that writing a book can be a challenging experience. I wish you all the luck in the world! I'm still thinking through the reasons why I read this blog, so when I have a better formulated answer I'll get back to you.
P.S. I would LOVE to be a reader, but the reality is that, with a 4 month old I don't really have the time to dedicate to it. Bummer.
Kelly,
I'm very happy to read this because as I was reading your blog the other day, I was thinking how nice it is to catch up on your family happenings, hear some of your very insightful thoughts, and sometimes challenges for me your reader... and all of that in a very enjoyable and eloquent fashion. I thought you should be doing more with this writing ability. Each time I read your blog I enjoy how you've written, and even more am often prompted to think, which is the best gift you can receive.
So all the best to you in this exciting endeavor! :)
Leisl
yeah, kelly, i like the blog posts the most that capture, as junk pirate said, the "small moments." it's the funny little stories that keep me reading and waiting for new posts. i like how, after telling a story, you sort of expound on the repercussions of whatever happened- like why people are socially a certain way or why things are the way they are. i know that's kinda vague, but that's what i like about your writing.
Hi Kelly,
I read your blog because of the ways your and your family's experience is the same as mine (living in Spain at one time, raising children in a culture that's not my birth culture), as well as how it is different. Also, I'm fascinated by the new wave of truly present dads, and I love reading how you express your experiences.
We're about to move in the next few weeks (with 3 kids 2 and under), so I'll be swamped for a little while, but I'd love to help as either a reader or a tip-giver (I am un-agented in my own fiction writing, and haven't felt the need for an agent for my short nonfiction yet, so I can't help with that, BUT I can certainly give advice on targeting potential agents, and the writing process). Good luck!
Good luck on your book writing endeavor. I look forward to reading about your progress, and hopefully someday buying your book. I think you'll do a fantastic job.
So you know, I read your blog because I enjoy reading about how you're raising your child in a country that is foreign to me. I admire the fact that she will absorb so much in terms of culture, language, customs, etc. She will have an incredible advantage when she's grown. She's a very lucky girl.
I am actually a student in the United States heading to Madrid in the fall...I'm interested in what you and April do with Alleke and how you parent...it's fascinating...I have been reading for some time and the way you describe everyday life and make it interesting is what keeps me coming back...
That's quite an exciting project.
I read because it is interesing reading about parenting in a different country.
I just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for your encouraging words. I was telling April that after reading through these comments, I felt like it was my birthday and I was getting presents from all of you.
My writer friends tell me that editing and publishing is difficult, and will require me to have some tough skin, so your encouragement it good fuel for the road ahead.
Encouragement is always welcome here!
After taking some time to think through the comments and emails I received from all of you, I've distilled the information down to three basic reasons people read this blog: a) people like reading about a dad who is also an involved parent, b) people like reading about parenting in another culture, and c) I write with a certain level of insight and honesty that is approachable.
This information alone is incredibly helpful to me, and will (hopefully) only make this blog more focused on what you (the reader) prefer to read. As for the book, it also helps me find that one simple idea that I can focus the book around.
For now, I'm leaning towards writing the book about what it means to be a dad who is an involved parent. The book will be a collection of short stories / essays, each a reflection on another question or issue that parents (specifically, dads) deal with through pregnancy and the first two years.
I'm still trying to put this all into words. What do you think...?
Just wanted to say hello, I discovered your blog few months ago and I enjoy it a lot, I like reading about parenting because I'm a mother (have one 18 months old son) I'm not english speaker, I'm from Barcelona, so your blog as well as being so interesting it's also very useful to me for improving english
Kelly,
I've been reading for more than a year and a half now (my daughter's age) and really enjoy keeping up with the Spaindad family. I know you asked specifically about your writing but you should know that our daughter Zoe absolutely loves seeing Alleke slideshows and videos. I think she may think they are her images.
I enjoy the simplicity and straightforwardness of your writing. Your style is very approachable and frequently poignant. You are often quite gifted at distilling a complex moment into a little gem of a detail to represent it. I love hearing about being an American expatriate family, as my wife and I hope for the same in a year or maybe two, though we are hoping for southern or eastern Africa. The details of differences of life such as bedtimes for Spanish kids are great reading for us.
Keep up the good work. I'm a very slow reader, but would be happy to help if you need it.
Scott in New Orleans
Scott - thanks for your thoughts, and your willingness to be a reader. I am also an extremely slow reader myself.
Anyway, I'm sending off the manuscript in chunks to readers this week, so if you are still interested, drop me a line with your email address at kellycrull@gmail.com.
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