Books(in140) & Other Things

This week, I “chatted” with author Gail Konop Baker about her new book, Cancer is a Bitch (*Or I’d Rather Be Having a Mid-Life Crisis).

As Water for Elephants author Sara Gruen said “don’t let the C word scare you”, because Cancer is a Bitch is charming, funny and sweet. Yes, it is about cancer, but it’s also about so much more. Gail Konop Baker is a vivacious super busy doctor’s wife, writer and mother of three and her memoir will make you laugh and cry (often at the same time!) and have you thinking about your life and the choices you’ve made. (You can read my review here!)

Be sure to follow her on Twitter @gailkonopbaker and check our her website–she blogs about being a doctor’s wife (it’s not all it’s cracked up to be) and being a memoirist!

Hi Gail! Are you ready for this? I’ll DM you a Q, respond when you can & on it goes! Q1: In 140, tell me about your book CANCER IS A BITCH!

A memoir about my brush with breast cancer and how it served as a catalyst for me to re-examine midlife mothering marriage mortality.

What compelled you to write about something so personal?

I didn’t plan to write a cancer memoir didn’t plan to get the cancer that would inspire it but after I did I couldn’t write anything else.

How did the experience of writing CANCER IS A BITCH compare to your previous writing experiences?

I didn’t think before I wrote it so it came out raw unfiltered unprocessed unplanned from the deepest part of my gut the edges of my soul.

Part of the proceeds from your book are going to the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the Wisconsin Well Woman. Why these organizations?

NBCC is radical and outspoken WWW funds mammograms for ALL women also gave money to Breast Cancer Recovery (kayaking trips for survivors!)

That’s awesome!! Seeing as your book is so personal, how did you family/friends feel about CANCER IS A BITCH?

I showed everything to my husband and kids before it was published everyone is fine with it including my parents… except for my in-laws.

Your family bond felt very strong in the book. Totally unrelated: please tell me about the “stand-up comic” in your Twitter bio!

It was an imitation of my boss that made my friends laugh completely bombed in front of an audience wasn’t funny unless you knew the boss.

That’s pretty brave! As an author, have you found Twitter (and other social media!) to be useful? Why?

Yes I have connected with reviewers and interviewers and readers on facebook and twitter the downside is the time and distraction.

Do you have any future writing projects in the works?

Anatomy of a Marriage: SEX Love SEX work Sex Nest Kids Money Work Exhaustion sex Boredom Temptation obligatory sex frustration was that sex?

Sounds interesting! When does that come out?

I am revising and polishing the proposal with my agent at this very moment and hope to be on submission soon!

That’s exciting! As a busy mom, how do you find time for writing? What’s your schedule like?

It’s hard… long days start w/getting 12 yo son off to school then e-mail yoga or running interviews writing more pr dinner bed more e-mail.

Despite the heavy subject matter in CANCER IS A BITCH, I found the book very approachable & easy to read. How/why did that tone come about?

That’s me on the page… as open and honest as I’ve ever been and even though I was flipped out… the absurdity and humor brought me back.

Thanks Gail! I don’t think I have any more questions. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

CIAB is life-affirming and more about midlife motherhood and marriage than anything don’t let the word cancer keep you from reading it.

Cancer is a Bitch can be ordered through Amazon for $22.00!