TIERNEY JAMES

Lipstick & Danger

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A Year to Say “I love you”

I’m always on the outlook for new projects. Just this week I was approached about writing a book on divorce that works in a positive way. I’m not sure when that will happen but her ideas are fascinating. In the meantime I want to share with you about a project I began about five weeks ago for my father. Because he is 87 years old and more than a little hard of hearing it is often difficult to talk on the phone. He’s given up on email and I don’t get home as often as I like.

When Father’s Day rolled around I realized a traditional gift like a shirt, book or candy really showed very little thought. My gift to my dad was simply a letter a week. In the coming year I will talk each week about growing up as his daughter. So far I’ve written five letters. Some of the things I discuss are his influence on my life, incidents that changed my world view, amusing stories he told me as a kid and habits I picked up from his guidance. I end the letter by attaching one of my essays or short stories. Tonight I included the prologue of my latest book, Winds of Deception. He is so thrilled each week when he receives another letter. Needless to say my ranking as sweetest, most talented daughter has gone up considerably. Of course I’m the only daughter but to hear him talk I walk on water.

So at the end of a year I will compile these letters into a book titled A Year to say “I love you.” It will be another surprise for him. That will be his next year gift from me. I hope to include pictures of his cars, houses, family and life in the book. My dad is very precious to me. If you have such a person in your life you may want to attempt this project. I am forced to think differently as a writer during this time each week. This experience stretches me as a writer.

0 Responses

  1. Wow! That's great. I bet your dad loves receiving your letters. And I think it would make a great book for the public not just him.

  2. Hi Tierney, what an awesome idea! It's a great way to bring you two closer in his later years. You give him something to look forward to and that is very special.

  3. Thanks, D.L. I feel sorry for the rest of the family and his friends. He's always trying to get them to read the letters. He's so proud of me and happy that I've taken the time to talk to just him. Thanks for the comment.

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