Yet Another Backstory

Today, my all time favorite story to research and write ran in the Danville Weekly. I had the great privilege to meet and interview best-selling author Terry McMillan.

When I originally pitched this idea to my editor last summer, another freelancer was working the story, so I was told "Sorry, already assigned." I was such a new writer I figured it was all for the best. Last fall, while I was discussing story ideas with the same editor, she mentioned the story fell through for the other writer and asked if I was still interested. A long-time fan of Terry McMillan's books and movies, I jumped on it. My deadline was 'whenever' and the conversation ended with a 'good luck' from the editor. The holidays hit and while I didn't forget the story, I did nothing to pursue it.

So, long about January, I decided to start working the story. I googled McMillan's name and found her web site. On a lark, I sent a note to the 'contact us' email address introducing myself and describing the story I wanted to write. A couple of days later, I was stunned to see the name "Terry McMillan" pop into my inbox. She agreed to the interview and gave me a number to call. I was thrilled, and then I realized, I had never really done a story like this before. I mean, really, she is a celebrated literary type. I'm a newby freelancer. And good God, that meant she would read my story. That's when the nerves hit me.

A false start later, we set a date, time and location for the interview. I read her first book, 'Mama' to prepare for the interview as well as her most recent book, 'The Interruption of Everything'. I absolutely loved 'Mama.' The paper hired a professional photographer for me to work with and I was all set.

The morning of the interview my nerves were as tight as the strings on a guitar. I was torn between the excitement of meeting someone who's work I admired and the fear of trying to interview someone who knew Oprah, personally. Why did I think this was a good idea? And the whole thing about a real writer reading my work made me physically ill. It was too late to get out of it, so in I went to the interview.

Ninety minutes later I left with an incredible interview and an even better experience. A couple of things: 1) She has a fascinating life story. 2.) She has an amazing amount of energy. 3.) She is hot for a woman any age and I hope I look half as good as she does at 55.

Writing the story itself was easy, but I still lost some sleep last night thinking she might read it today. I don't know if she did or she didn't, but I was happy with how the story turned out. In the end, that is all I could ask.