laura_seabrook | Wakeup Call

I've just finished reading "She's Not There: A life in Two Genders" by Jennifer Finney Boylan. Not since reading Katherine's Diary: The story of a transsexual (Katherine Cummings; William Heinemann Australia, 22 Salmon St., Melbourne. 1992. 0-85561-450-1) have I been moved as much.

Yes, it's another "transsexual biography", but this one is well written - a witty, funny, melancholic memoir of her struggles and triumphs. Certainly I'm encouraged to see out Boylan's novels: The Constellations, The Planets, and Remind Me to Murder You Later (all apparently ironic comedies). Curiously, the book Trans-Sister Radio by CHRIS BOHJALIAN may also be based on Jenny's transition. Go figure.

It's also been a bit of a wake up call for me. I've been meaning to write a couple of books myself (one semi-biographical, the other tackling various issues), and I think it's about time I started. I have some ideas about how to do this, involving going back to university to do my honours. I know that I am (when I put my mind to it, and when I do more than one draft) a good writer.

Funny thing, but I was checking some of my mailing lists, and found this on my Yahoo page:

Beginning a new line of work will be extremely profitable for you. If no official jobs are on the horizon, why not market some of your creative efforts? You could start a nice little side business over the Internet or out of your home. You may be amazed at how much money you can make. Teaming up with someone who has previous experience will be really helpful. Let this person show you the ropes.

Don't know about the "home internet business" idea, but teaming up with someone with previous experience, was exactly what I was considering!