When my mother died I wasn't there to say good bye. I travelled to my country, dealt with the coroner, the cremation and funeral arrangements, the people who sobbed their hearts out and yet expected me to 'stay strong'. On the day of the funeral I couldn't take it anymore and closeted myself in my old bedroom--and began to write. That booked turned into the novel I flogged this year during #Pitmad and #Dvpit (Sept and Oct). I never imagined the interest my pitches would receive, but I'm happy to say that after several offers I've signed with Leon Husock, of Lori Perkins Agency, NYC! Like, an actual real agent! lol
Agent comments about my book during offer phone calls were mostly the same: it's 'raw and passionate and funny and heartbreaking'... In short, it's all the things I remember about being a teenager in my tiny country in the 1980s. I wrote my mother into the book as a young, secondary character, and throughout my writing it felt as though she was holding my hand. This book is for her, and I'm over the moon that I now have the solid backing of a fabulous agent who'll do his best to get it on the shelves.
Agent comments about my book during offer phone calls were mostly the same: it's 'raw and passionate and funny and heartbreaking'... In short, it's all the things I remember about being a teenager in my tiny country in the 1980s. I wrote my mother into the book as a young, secondary character, and throughout my writing it felt as though she was holding my hand. This book is for her, and I'm over the moon that I now have the solid backing of a fabulous agent who'll do his best to get it on the shelves.
While tragedy may not be a prerequisite for creativity, writing your way through the pain and grief can certainly aid in the healing process. I'm sure your mother would be very proud. 
