We were an unlikely pair, Olive Ann Burns and I.
She was sixty, a gentle, charming Southern housewife with dreams of finally publishing the enormously long novel she’d spent years writing — years when cancer and chemotherapy and its complications had kept her confined to her house, and the joy of creating characters she loved had kept her going.
I was twenty-five, an earnest, aspiring New York editor who was certain I’d just discovered my first prize in the slush pile. “Cold Sassy Tree could become a classic,” I confidently predicted in my typewritten manuscript report. “It needs some cutting, but we MUST publish it.”
Not quite ready to trust my eager enthusiasm, my boss had his wife read the manuscript. She agreed with me. And so it was that Olive Ann became a first-time author and, in doing so, allowed me to become a first-time editor.
In the process, we became friends. In those more leisurely, pre-internet days (this was 1983!), she typed long, chatty letters to me, full of anecdotes about her family and friends in Atlanta. Thrilled to be engaged in an actual “literary correspondence,” I answered every one. We spoke on the phone, too, nearly daily for months, as she revised and as I cut pages, both of us trying to whittle her 640-page novel down to a more manageable size. (I wanted to excise what I called “the dying stories,” long, rambling, invariably funny accounts of the demises and funerals and burials of various minor characters and their relatives. Olive Ann insisted that every Southerner appreciated a good dying story, and that my failure to do so was just evidence of my constrained Yankee heritage. We compromised.)
Olive Ann’s book was a hit, and it did become something of a minor classic, assigned in schools all over the South, featured on Oprah long before the advent of her first book club, and made into a movie starring Faye Dunaway. Sales were brisk. And Olive Ann was in demand everywhere. After all those years of being confined to her sick bed, she was thrilled to be in remission, and delighted to clip on her dangly earrings, put on a sparkly scarf, and go forth to meet her fans. “I’m a ham!” she would proudly announce to her adoring audiences. And then she would entertain them for an hour, telling wildly improbable yet, she swore, absolutely true stories in her soft Southern drawl.
I was thinking of Olive Ann this morning, as I sponged down the kitchen counter and swept the sand off the mudroom floor. Although she died in 1990, I can summon the sound of her voice still, that musical intonation, her way of turning everything into a story you wanted to hear.
Houghton Mifflin hosted an elegant party in Atlanta on the day Cold Sassy Tree was published, and I got to fly down from our New York office for the big event. Rosalynn Carter was there, and various other luminaries and sophisticates. I finally met “my” author for the first time in person, and was startled by how beautiful she was. (She admitted to being a little surprised by the looks of me, too. “Why, I thought you would be chubby,” she said, “you have a chubby voice.”)
But what I remember most vividly was Olive Ann’s admission that night that, even though she was all dressed up and the star of her own glamorous party, with people lining up to get her to sign their books, there was still no escaping the ordinariness of her real life.
“I thought that when I became an au-u-u-thor,” she said, drawing out the word, “it would be like in a fairy tale, and I would turn into, well, a princess. So I was kind of surprised this morning when I looked down at my feet, and realized I still had to cut my toenails!”
Indeed. My book Magical Journey is officially published today. I’ve been on the radio since 7 am this morning, and will be in my car driving north to a bookstore luncheon tomorrow. There’s a party on Saturday night, and the next day I’ll fly to Nashville, to give a reading at Ann Patchett’s bookstore. My calendar for the next two months is full of travel and appointments and appearances. (Check out my EVENTS page to see if I’ll be at a bookstore near you!) Exciting, nervous-making, exhausting. And, to me right now, all a little unreal.
So, at the moment, I’m sitting here on the couch, looking at my own toenails. And realizing I should absolutely give them a trim. Meanwhile, there are few other things on my plate as well: Jack’s college essay needs another read, the dog’s butt is stinky, there’s something wrong with the printer, and the car is due for an oil change. The kitchen floor needs vacuuming. We are out of milk. This is my day. This is my life — pub day or not. Thank goodness. And thank you Olive Ann, where ever you are, for reminding me to keep my feet on the ground and my toenails looking nice.
And now, for the book news:
MAGICAL JOURNEY is in stores today.
(Finally!) Of course, I’m eager for you to have it in your hands. In the meantime, though, here’s some early reaction — and opportunities to win your own copy.
First: If you haven’t seen the VIDEO, CLICK HERE.
Second: A few glorious reviews!
What could be better, than waking up on pub date to Lindsey Mead’s beautiful reflections?
Here’s Beth Kephart’s lovely piece.
Jena Strong says her blog post is NOT a review; but no matter, I can’t imagine anything that could have pleased me more.
Am honored to have a reader and friend in the wise and wonderful Karen Maezen Miller. She wrote here.
And a nice shout-out from Book Page.
Want to order a personalized & signed copy? My local bookstore is making it easy. CLICK HERE.
To read an excerpt, CLICK HERE.
Want to order now? CLICK HERE.
Interested in receiving a signed bookplate for a gift? (I’d be happy to send you as many as you need!) CLICK HERE. (Make sure to include your mailing address!)
Finally: GOODREADS still has a couple of copies to give away. To enter their drawing, CLICK HERE.
This was the first review, from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
In this intensely moving tribute to the importance of enjoying every moment of life, Kenison (The Gift of An Ordinary Day), former longtime series editor of The Best American Short Stories, tells a tale inspired by loss and confides what can be gained from it. After a dear friend dies from cancer and her two sons head off to boarding school and college, Kenison is forced to question what remains relevant in her life and how such an introspective examination might portend a change in priorities. Identifying a common and paralyzing fear (“I am so used to doubting my worthiness that the minute I decide to do something, I start convincing myself I’m not up to the job”), she turns to intensive yoga studies, where she learns that “the best antidote to anxiety about the future is to be present in the here and now,” and that finding contentment in what one is rather than what one thinks one should be is critical. Her journey will inspire tears and determination, and remind readers that anything, “done from the heart, changes the world in some small way for the better.”
SO happy to be part of this journey. And what a great write up in Book Page! You are on your way, Katrina. Feather your nest, fly away, return. Lots of love,Beth
I second what Beth says; it’s an honor to be a part of this journey, magical indeed, in any way, shape, or form. I can’t wait to watch your book make its way into the world. xoxo
I knew you were Olive Ann’s editor but had no idea you found her book in the slush pile! How diligent you were and how lucky Olive Ann was!!!
ENJOY your travels! In the words of your Margaret: It’s all about the love.
I’ve loved you from the moment I first discovered your writing and now I have another reason for loving you: you gave us Olive Ann Burns and Cold Sassy Tree! Her book has stayed on my list of top ten favorites for decades.
This was just such a lovely, lovely post. I am never disappointed when I choose to spend my precious time on reading your words. Thank you and congratulations on your big day! Looking forward to reading the new book like I look forward to going on vacation. Can’t wait to savor it!
My copy arrived today and it is wonderful!!!
What a beautiful, wonderful post. Now, take a deep breath!
I love this story. And now I must learn more about Olive Ann. I hope you enjoy all the moments in your upcoming travels.
Congratulations Katrina! I’m so happy for you. What an exciting adventure. It’s refreshing to hear how grounded you are with all the usual daily tasks that we all have. Enjoy your travels and promoting your book. I’m excited to read it. We are similar in age and I have two children, one in high school and one in college (far away from home)so I know your book will really speak to me just the way your other two did.
Congratulations!!! I’m so excited for you and happy that you’ll be meeting many new friends along your book tour. I pre-ordered a copy and am eagerly waiting its arrival. Thank you as always for sharing the ordinary and extraordinary times of your life with us.
Looking forward to getting your book–I have been touched by all your books. You’re skipping the whole ‘middle’ part of the country on your book tour–sorry to not see any mid west stops on your list!!
I’ll be in Minneapolis in May — just firming up details. More to come!
I love that Olive Ann thought that there was something like a “chubby voice.” I had such fun learning about her. And, of course, congrats on the book! Can’t wait to read it!
What a marvelous story! The mother of my best friend growing up ADORED “Cold Sassy Tree,” and would absolutely die if she knew that you had anything to do with its publication. I wish you all the best on your Publication Day, and the many (extroverted) adventures that lie ahead in the next few months.
Wow! I never knew you were Olive Ann Burns’ editor! I loved the Cold Sassy books and still recommend them.
And many, many congrats on the new book! It goes on my birthday wish list… coming up!
Cold Sassy was one of the first books that my mother and I shared and discussed. How lovely to discover that you had a hand in discovering and publishing the lovely Olive Ann Burns!
So very happy for you – and hope to make it to one of your auuuthor events!
Dear Katrina,
Congratulations and safe travels! I re-read “Cold Sassy Tree” this year and it was just as good, if not better, reading it again. My mother gave me a copy when it first came out and I found that I had to buy another copy because I must have loaned mine to a friend to read. It’s a great book to share.
I’m half way through your new book. I pre-ordered it and was delighted that it arrived in my mailbox early (last week)! I am taking my time, savoring it and learning from it. I’ve been finding my way through much the same changes in my life for the past 3 years. Your words ring so true! Thank you for your gift of wisdom and of expressing what we need to hear.
What a terrific video. I’m really looking forward to the book. Congratulations!
Congratulations, Katrina! You need to come speak in Illinois–>Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville please!
My kids went back to school today and now I can dive into my copy of Magical Journey. So happy to have it at my door yesterday morning! Happy Wednesday!
Also. . . any chance you’re heading to Atlanta for a reading?
I love the that you were Olive Ann’s editor! Isn’t life just so wonderful – and MAGICAL!
I have been waiting so eagerly for your book to come out. I look forward to getting to know you even more intimately – if you only lived down the road. I know we’d be good friends. Thank you for sharing and letting us in. You really are such an inspiration.
I do agree with Adrienne. So wish you’d make a stop closer to my Chicago home.
XOXO
What a treat yesterday when I received my copy of Magical Journey!! I cannot wait to curl up with a cup of tea and start reading your book! I have been a follower of yours ever since I saw your video for Gift of an Ordinary Day a couple of years ago. Like so many women, I feel like you are writing just to me…you put into words so many of the emotions/worries/joys/sorrows/gratefulness/ etc that I am feeling. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of words with us!!
I’d like to put in a plug for Minnesota, please:)
what a thrill to get into bed last night and open my kindle and see your book download as promised… happily digging in to another gem from you.
I loved this post. What a beautiful story! You were lucky to know Olive Ann and she was lucky to know you! I’ll just have to read, Cold Sassy Tree.
I love your books. Having two boys ready to leave the nest in a few years, I could really relate to The Gift of an Ordinary Day. There are no ordinary days, each one is extraordinary.
Congratulations, This book will be sure to become a best seller. Thank you for allowing us to share your life.
What an absolute treat to find your new book at my door yesterday!! I cannot wait to start reading it! A couple of years ago I saw your video for Gift of An Ordinary Day, quickly bought the book, devoured it, and have been getting your posts ever since. Your writing brings me such joy and peace, and teaches me that i will live through sending my oldest to college in a few months! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful gift of words with us!!
Congratulations on your novel! I learned about it through Lindsey and I’m so happy I did. I look forward to reading it very, very soon.
AND, my jaw dropped when I read that you helped bring Cold Sassy Tree into the world. I just read that book for the first time last year and it was one of my favorites. I will never forget the characters from that story!
I wish you the best of luck with your own authoress endeavors.
P.S. I would rake leaves for the rest of my days so I could live in your home. I watched your book trailer and I’m officially up for adoption! 😉
Hello Katrina, I remember you well from Atlanta days as I knew Olive Ann and Andy. Their neighbor Norma is a long time friend of mine. Your stories of her are perfect and I am looking forward to reading your book. I now live in DC – will you come to Politics and Prose by any chance? All the best.
The Gift of an Ordinary Day came into my life at just the right time–and now it’s happened again with Magical Journey.
I’m reading slowly, savoring deeply.
So very grateful, Katrina!