Tayari's Blog: A Family Reunion

Posted by TayariJones on October 27, 2006 12:58 AM
Filed under The Writing Life

Today, I read at the Tomales Bay Conference. I am never nervous when I read, but this time I felt a little shaky. Why? Because I was reading in front of Judith Ortiz Cofer and Ron Carlson, my mentors.

I know that I am a grown woman of 35 years old, the author of two novels, and the winner of an award or two... but I wanted nothing more than for these two to be proud of me. They were so good to me when I was scribbling on Leaving Atlanta. Imagine me: twenty-something, earnest, camped out in front of my professor's door on a Monday morning--manuscript in hand. And imagine my wonderful, patient, and even-tempered mentors deciding NOT to take out restraining orders.

Judith and Ron, you gave me something I can never pay back. Love to you both, always.

[divider]

There are 0 comments on "A Family Reunion". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.

Your Comments

You are signed in as (sign out)

Please keep comments relevant to the topic. Inappropriate and offensive comments may be edited and/or removed without warning. Comments found on this site don't necessarily reflect the views of Tayari Jones.

(optional)

(required)