Mothering Addiction: When Your Child’s an Addict, No One Brings You a Casserole
A query letter is a single page (and no more!) cover letter presenting a writer and their book to an agent. Constance and I are just about ready to press send on our first one. Below is the first of three required questions. We’d love some feedback.
What is your book about ?
Part girlfriend’s-guide, part wise companion, Mothering Addiction: When Your Child’s an Addict, No One Brings You a Casserole illuminates the invisible casualties of addiction: the mothers. They’ve scrambled for tutors and sought out child psychiatrists, shoring up their struggling student long before the first bong hit.
Their story is my story. We’ve kissed boo boos, band-aided skinned knees and confronted bullies, these mothers and I. But we were powerless over this insatiable intruder. As my son sank deeper into a black hole, I retreated into shame and secrecy, hiding my truth in closed-door therapy sessions.
I found solace when, one by one, women like me stepped from the shadows, acknowledging their own private pain. Forming an underground support group, codename, The Book Club, we mothered addiction, together.
This hybrid memoir braids expert advice with the collective stories of The Book Club, inviting the reader into a rare sisterhood of informed support. With humor and humility, these women strengthen their bonds, as they navigate the knife-edged paradox of loving while letting go.
Well said…we are members of a secret sorority. Thanks for writing this ” handbook” as isolation is such a dark place. Good luck!
Lynda, from the very 1st blog of yours that I read, I have thought that you are an incredible writer. You certainly have a way with words and the message you have to give will help so many people. You are talented AND courageous and I wish you all the luck in the world with this publication. I look forward to reading your book. Sending much love your way.
You go gurllllllll, I’m very proud of you!
Lynda,
This summary is truly excellent. I really appreciate the “Book Club” as the place everyone utilized to share and support one another; the “cover” it provided appears to have kept it safe and confidential, and prompts no additional questions by non club members. The external view, women in a book club, versus what was truly developing is absolutely perfect: you had to create a cover to hide the shame you were already feeling compelled to hide. A club no one wants to join… You are a talented writer and this MUST BE PUBLISHED! Thank you for sharing your journey. Love, Suzie
Lynda, You are an excellent writer and I am so moved by the courage you have shown to share this painful story. Your book could help so many mothers…..I sure hope you are able to get it published. I am not surprised at the strength and courage you have shown as you have navigated this horrible experience….but I am impressed!, Bravo to you and your family and prayers for you especially as you continue this incredibly difficult journey. My heart breaks that you and your family have had to endure this pain. I am so glad you had The Book Club to help you through this. Fondly, Sanford
Good for you, Lynda! I send much love and admiration. Claire Taylor