AN INTERVIEW WITH ESTHER LEE BARRON

I am grateful to be able to express myself in words and that gives me a sense of fulfillment. Though I have published a book, I do not wear the label of author comfortably because I think that means I should be writing still in a disciplined fashion. Writing has been an offshoot of creativity for me. Though I have ideas and subjects that pass through my mind, my time is limited as I am the caregiver to my mother who lives with my husband and me.

My motivation for writing came in my early thirties after returning to the United States from Bolivia, South America. Culturally, I felt lost, confused, and I began to process the impact that transience imposed on my life. I had expected that it be easier. I determined to stay in one place while I acquired teaching certification. In one class, Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum, a journal was required to process what we read and heard in the class.

I strayed from the discussed topics and documented my thinking about my experiences, grappling with what life had bestowed in my background and in the choices of my early adulthood.

I have learned what it is to be vulnerable to an audience of both friends and strangers. After copies of my published book arrived, I had to take deep breaths realizing that all that was stored within was now out there.

I have learned that every book that is purchased is a gift because, in truth, I doubt I will ever retrieve the investment I made to publish the book. If I ever break even, it will be by God’s grace.

Reconnecting with individuals long lost has been the most wonderful outcome of getting my story out there. It was as though a world of those from my past lived again in cyberspace. Stories came forth, relationships were rekindled, and a deeper understanding of the network of friends, values, institutions solidified for me.

Also, those of mutual experience have written their own memoirs or have researched the lives of those now labeled “third culture kids,” and the sharing is a validation of our person. I could probably write another book. I am impressed by their intellect, their memories, the details I never knew when we were engaged in our younger years.

The Colors of My Country is in paperback and in e-book format.

I believe there is writer’s block. I don’t recall having writer’s block while I wrote my book.
Words seemed to pour. My challenge was now to express my thoughts, but I was rarely stumped.

Covid-19 canceled a book signing at the local library. Prior to the printing, editing was challenging. The publisher helped, but whoever read it and commented seemed to simplify my expression, eliminating style.

I still am embarrassed with the final product. The professionals did not catch spelling that the computer auto correct did not highlight. I know that I am not perfect, and ultimately, I had the last say, but that hurt.

My greatest problem has been marketing. It has been overwhelming. I am an unknown. I chuckle inside when I think that I am competing with Michelle Obama and her Becoming. Who would pay me any mind? I have posted in free advertisement groups on Facebook and find that the hours I spend in time do not pay off in book sales.

I wrote my memoir, a non-fiction autobiography. I chose it because I had an urge to unload my thoughts and feelings. I had to come to terms with the fact that I never thought I would fit anywhere on earth and the reasons behind confusion.

I am on Facebook under my name, Esther Lee Barron. My email is estherleebarron@gmail.com.

My way is to be original. I suppose my purpose may change if I were to give advice, for example, telling how my caregiving experience could be helpful to someone else.

Research…research…research. I did not do enough. I did not know where to begin, anyway.