56 Comments
User's avatar
Char Wilkins's avatar

I’m so happy the pitch is going out today to throngs and you’re so happy with what your agent is doing. I remember like it was yesterday, your Marathon Pitch Day&Night to get an agent, and how we held your hand through it, spelling each other for winks of sleep or a sip of water, or to feed the baby, or birds. Pitch Day to Pitch Day. Can’t help but admire your tenacity while we listen to your complaining, whining, kvetching, exaggerating, grumbling, quitting, starting up again and again and again and always inspiring the three of us to keep going. Where would we be without you, Marjie!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Me? Complain??? Never. Well, hardly ever…

MELISSA MCWHINNEY's avatar

Good luck and enjoy! The real question is who will play you in the movie. Kathy Bates?

Marjie Alonso's avatar

I’ve lost a lot of weight. Probably Matt Damon.

MELISSA MCWHINNEY's avatar

Lol, but so has she! I'm sticking with it.

Kalyn's avatar

I am so proud of you!! This is a big win worth celebrating 🥳

John Bitna's avatar

Yes, more wine!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Excellent advice!

John Bitna's avatar

I’d like to recommend my favorite boxed wine, Bota Box Bourbon barrel aged cab. It’s a tasty buzz in a box. 🍷

Debbie Foster's avatar

Seriously? Being a fluff person (not sure about the terminology) for porn flicks isn't a "fantastic story?"

And your willingness to take direction - wine, chocolate AND ice cream. You're clearly an overachiever that any agent should be thrilled to represent.

And I'm sure she's had a few good laughs and gotten a few stories to share with her coworkers out of the deal, too.

Congratulations!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Well when you put it

THAT way…

djohns's avatar

"Create as much chaos as you can, and take notes."

You had Nellie. How much more chaos did you need? Did she never slip her leash for an epic chase, car or no?

I want a Nellie bobble-head doll....

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Consider it done

Barbara Mathews's avatar

I had a long history as a freelance writer. I found that, after something went off into the publishing stage (generally photocopying for in-house use), I'd have the heebie jeebies until I felt inspired on the next project. After big projects, I'd even think that I had no more good books in me. Keep casting around for your next idea. Above all, don't try to write until that idea inspires you.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Oh, I've got ideas! Just can't sit still for.... some reason or other

Barbara Mathews's avatar

😆

Allison K Williams's avatar

I DEMAND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BOBBLEHEAD DOLLS

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Well OBVIOUSLY

Sana Fayyaz's avatar

I came here to say exactly this!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Consider it done

Amy's avatar

If the book doesn't get picked up, I hope you decide to self publish. I want to read it.

Renelle LeBlanc-Scott's avatar

I chuckled at “I was left in a drawer under my kidnapper’s bed” schtick 😂 and wondered how anyone would ever fit my 300lb body underneath their bed, let alone in some drawer!!!! Car chases are exciting, sure, but have you ever watched three panicked criminals stare at a tape measure, do math they don’t understand, and finally agree that “we’ll just… angle you” is a real and workable plan?!!

Sending you massive amounts of praise for writing a book and getting to this stage! You deserve all the accolades, chocolate, wine, ice cream and bobble heads ❤️❤️!!

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Ok. When we get kidnapped together we’re definitely going to fuck with those kidnappers’ minds.

Ann Turkle's avatar

It sounds like you have an amazing agent — supportive, detail oriented. On top of process. Good luck!!!

Andrea Eschen's avatar

Congratulations, Marjie! I'm so excited for your and proud of you! I know this book will make it into the world. You're voice, story, humor, and unfettered honesty will make it so. It's a profound story and you're the only one who can tell it. Keep us posted! We're rooting for you through thick and thin.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Thank you so much

Helen's avatar

Beyond exciting, and nerve-wracking! What fabulous news to read alongside the much much less fabulous news coming out of the US now. I'm not sure how you are all holding your heads up and continuing but heartened that so many if you are.

Now, back to you! I'm completely confident with all my not-a-professional-writer credentials that your memoir will be picked up! In hindsight, that is clearly why I was following the news about that/those dogs and all those pieces of string, just so I got to hear about your first published book! Oh, and you also served as inspiration for me to dabble in some writing- fun- and discover this substack thing.

I can't imagine how momentous this point in your writing journey feels! Looking forward to being able to purchase your memoir in its first run!!

Keep celebrating with the ice cream and all the things. I'd recommend some Crunchie crumbled on top....or maybe save that for when a publisher picks up your book!

Helen's avatar

PS...sorry about all those exclamation marks. Goodness.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Never enough of those - and thank you!

Sana Fayyaz's avatar

This was so great to read as my first thing to read today! Happy Pitch Day! We’ll soon be celebrating publication with ice cream and donuts and tea and cake and…It’s an act of resilience to keep moving forward with your very important story even with all that’s going on.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Thank you! And yes, it is.

Kristi Chase's avatar

I am really looking forward to reading it because I am sure you will get a contact and be read by thousands if not millions. I know several people whose stories are not as interesting that have been published. I know Natasha will find the right publishing house for you.

Valerie Pollard's avatar

Brava!!!

It is well worth celebrating!

I can say I knew you when.....a lot of whens!

It's wonderful.

Sadly I agree with the mixed feelings - not a good time and I hope there's a way out. Love.

Marjie Alonso's avatar

Love to you as well, friend.

Rene Allen's avatar

Natasha sounds wonderful. I'll bet even though there is no car chase, this will be picked up.