OK. This is a late night, dash-off post, which means that it will blend right in with all my earlier efforts. But I feel like I have stumbled across an almost undiscovered goldmine of prose, and I’m trying to cash in before someone else says: “I found her first!”
Her name is Buttered Toast.
I was tipped earlier today on Facebook, to a five-day old post of hers that had a half dozen comments. I read the post. Twice. I tried to distance myself from its political agenda, which I agreed with, knowing that it colored my assessment. It didn’t matter. Damn fine prose. Gritty, with vivid imagery.
Later in the workday, I treated myself to another look at the blog; at the next most recent post, but already ten days old. It was apolitical; about kids and nature and the importance of place. It was astounding in its imagery. I was the second comment. The second comment in ten days. Insane. I started considering that a technological glitch had frozen the posts, blocked the comments, whatever: because the writing is that damned good. It made no sense that it was still lying here unnoticed, like a wallet full of twenties on the sidewalk.
So, tonight I found time to visit her even earlier post from two and a half weeks ago. It is the best and most honest assessment of love in the context of divorce I have ever read. Until today, it had one comment. Un-freaking believable.
So, before I totter off to my bed, I’m trying to start the proverbial snowball rolling down the hill, helping it to pick up mass (translation” readers) as it rolls. Because whoever this author is; she needs an audience. Hell, she needs a paying audience.
I’ve been fortunate that talented friends of mine like Sheria and Nance each have a loyal following, with no help from me, thanks to the quality of their writing.
In my opinion, “Buttered Toast” needs a megaphone as well, and I’m just trying to help.
Posted on May 24th, 2012 by jack-of-all-thumbs
Filed under: Rants and Musings
Thank you for leading me to her. You’re right; she deserves an audience, and we will benefit from her writing.
Aha. Might you be jack-of-all-thumbs? Thank you very much for your encouragement. I never expected anything I’ve written to be seen outside the small circle of those who know me and understand my humor and my sensibilities. I’m glad that you seem to, too, you perfect stranger, you!
Meg,
Thanks for responding. I edit a lot of scientific writing and I’m reasonably well-read, including a number of blogs. When I comment, I’m always polite, because I know people take their efforts seriously. But, let me be clear, I don’t gush. And I’ve never sent one to my brother, the press director, asking his opinion. At least I hadn’t until I read four of your recent posts. They are stunning. Everyone I have steered to you has responded (via FB) with incredulity that you’re not better known.
You have serious talent.
When I get back to my office on Tuesday, I’ll be contacting three former students who are well-respected published authors, and ask them: ‘how do we get this woman an audience’?
Please stay in touch.
Thanks again for the push. Thought you’d like to know that I’ve had a significant number of views directed through your site. Your readers really trust you!