Welcome to the Blackbird Journey
From idea to publication of a international bestselling memoir
This section of Flight School is devoted to the story of imagining, writing and finally publishing my first memoir, Blackbird: A Childhood Lost and Found.
At the time, I unknown , had never written creative work, was newly married and renovating a house, and being asked (by my husband) to contribute to our family income. His request was the sole reason I pushed myself to write an excellent book and then aggressively pursued publication. At the time, I only wanted to do my part and increase the security of our young family.
I had no idea, none, that my quest for the truth about the lives and deaths of my parents to include a spate of homelessness in LA and a horrible time with a cult, would begin a nearly thirty year journey that would change all of our lives forever.
Had you told me that one day I’d make millions, be traveling the world, sitting before mics and cameras at the BBC and Harpo Studios, posing for photos in Newsweek and USA Today, that Blackbird would be translated into multiple languages, and that I’d receive thousands of emails from fans eager to share their stories of family loss, homelessness, and abuse, I might never have continued. But I did. This is my story.
To follow chronologically, start here. Then, to continue seamlessly, you’ll be prompted with this linked que→ (Go directly to the next post on the Blackbird journey now).
Enjoy the ride, J. 🐦⬛