Posted on May 12, 2016 by betsylerner
B+. I give myself a B+ for the tour. Guys, I did everything I could. Wore dresses, heels, make up and bling. I flossed like a mother fucker. I met some incredible booksellers and librarians. And lots of bridge ladies with teased hair and leopard print tops, bags and shoes. Love talking no trump with the bitches of South Beach. I have to take some points off for forgetting to use sunscreen and eating for two. Missed you guys.
What’s the worst author reading you ever went to?
Filed under: Authors, Booksellers, Bridge Club, Fame! Celebrity! Riches!, Uncategorized | 21 Comments »
Posted on March 16, 2016 by betsylerner
I just got back from the National Bridge Championships in Reno. Rinse and repeat: I went to Reno to play in the National Championships in the newbie category. Friends, writing a book is cake compared to playing Bridge under tournament conditions. I am so happy to be home, released from the cavernous underworld of the El Dorado hotel and casino. I had no idea that the competitive world of Bridge could be so intense or how nervous I would get when it came time to bid or play the hand. I had no idea that this entire sub-culture existed. After all, my mother exclusively played at home with her ladies. When she was the dummy, she’d get up and wash the grapes. No noshing at the ACBL National Championships. No talking or texting. It’s intimidating and the people who say it’s just a game would sooner take your tonsils out than give up a trick. I finished in the 36th percentile. #walkofshame
What do you do for fun?
Filed under: Bridge Club, Uncategorized | 9 Comments »
Posted on March 9, 2016 by betsylerner
Someone recently asked me if I felt anxious about the book coming out because it is so personal. Get to know me. I’m anxious because it might not sell. I’m anxious because the New York Times might say mean things, or worse say nothing at all. I’m anxious because if I fail it’s not only in front of my friends and family, but the publishing profession where I work. I’m anxious because I’m not in therapy and I probably should be. I’m anxious because I don’t feel like myself, meaning I feel a little hopeful and that is just not part of the package. I’m anxious because it’s all out of my hands now with the exception of boosting Facebook pages and going up and down Fifth avenue in the sandwich boards I’ve made with the Queen of Hearts on both sides.
What makes you anxious about getting your work out there? What’s your worst fear?
Filed under: Agent, Authors, Books, Bridge Club, Facebook, Fame! Celebrity! Riches!, Memoir, neurosis, Publicity, Publishing, Rejection, self-loathing, Self-promotion, shana mahin, Uncategorized | 16 Comments »
Posted on January 29, 2016 by betsylerner
I know it looks like The Bridge Ladies have hijacked my blog about writing, depression, and how publishing will break your heart in a hundred different ways. The Bridge Ladies is my new book and it’s coming out in May and if you love me even a little please buy a copy or 200 for your local synagogue’s sisterhood. Or pre-order. 😉
So I’m working on changing the blog and trying to keep it the same. I’m trying to lose weight and am gaining it instead. I’m trying to sleep through the night but I’m up every hour. It’ been seven years since I published a book and I feel as nervous as a virgin. I want to spread the word about Bridge Ladies and hear from people about their Bridge memories. But I also want to throw my mashed potatoes on the floor and spit peas through a straw at the ceiling.
I’m thinking about blogging about the publication of the book. Is this interesting or even more indulgent than the thousand plus posts I’ve dumped on a beautiful and unsuspecting world.
What would you do if you were me?
Filed under: Bridge Club, neurosis, Publishing, self-loathing, Self-promotion, shana mahin, Uncategorized | 32 Comments »
Betsy Lerner 