Book Jacket

 

rank 380
word count 12354
date submitted 25.07.2011
date updated 09.08.2011
genres: Fiction, Comedy, Gay
classification: universal
incomplete

Kissing Your Elbow

Susan Stocker

The adventures of a 1950’s California tomboy challenging society’s idea of what’s expected while struggling for acceptance, ultimately triumphing by defining her own path.

 

A coming of age story set in 1950’s Southern California when kids still played outside on warm summer nights, and your best friends in the neighborhood helped you negotiate all the curve balls life could throw at you.

Susan is tall, athletic, and a tomboy. Her quirkiness allows her to move within the worlds of both boys and girls, though she would prefer to be just one of the guys. At constant battle with her mother who just wants her to be a “normal girl” and an older brother whose mission is to make her life miserable, her father serves as the only person in the family who seems comfortable with her unconventional ways.

An embellished memoir for anyone who grew up feeling either too tall or too short, too fat or too skinny or chose to go against the social current of "just fitting in," this book is a celebration of being comfortable with who you were meant to be.

 
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tags

1950's california, coming of age, embellished-memoir, humorous

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47 comments

 

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Wanttobeawriter wrote 148 days ago

KISSING YOUR ELBOW
This is a great story. Your characters are wonderful; they come across as so real, they could have been my family. I like the way you describe people’s quirks and oddities but do that in a way that also leaves a reader room to form his/her own opinion about the person. I couldn’t help identify with your narrator as I had an older brother who teased me all the time too. I’m adding this to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Wye wrote 221 days ago

Great read and one to watch. The spotlight on relationships works for me and I was attracted to the simplicity of this delightfull book
Amelia
A Date in the Diary

Wye wrote 221 days ago

Great read and one to watch. The spotlight on relationships works for me and I was attracted to the simplicity of this delightfull book
Amelia
A Date in the Diary

Wilma1 wrote 248 days ago

This is so entertaining its been sitting in my W/L pile. I'm so glad I got around to reading it today. The childs point of view is wonderful The relationship between brother and sister much like my own. Ok so whers chapter 7? I will be back to read more when you post it.

Regards
Sue
One Foot In The Jungle

Knowing Liam Riley

mikegilli wrote 257 days ago

'Kissing my elbow' (yes I tried it and failed) is a delightfully engaging
plunge into a child's world, brilliantly believable and well written.
Where does it go from here? If I were you I'd stay with the story so far,
and flesh it out by playing the liveliest scenes (like the 'bike wars', or the 'bottle dick') live,
in short chapters with dialogue. best luck with it. mike gilli. The Free

Clive Bone wrote 264 days ago

Hi Susan,

I thought this was very well written and with sensitivity. I certainly want to see read the rest of the story. I also liked the fact that you took to the trouble to indent the text. Nor is it an easy subject to deal with as I discovered with my book. I'm keen to see how Susan and Katy get on together as adults - please do finish this book. I've given your book five stars and it will be on my booklist shortly.

I'd value your comments on my book, The Empress of Rome. Not least in respect Nancy and Kate.

Best wishes,

Clive

GILLIAN.M.H wrote 280 days ago

There is one thing I dislike about "Kissing Your Elbow." I wish that I wrote it - but don't think I could have done such a good job.

A & M wrote 283 days ago

Susan,
Your creativeness knows no bounds. With each story, we laughed and sympathized with "Susan's" situation. What about doing a collection of short stories. Keep 'em coming.

A & M

lizjrnm wrote 286 days ago

Loving this so far - you have such a unique writing style and true talent for characterization and dialogue. Starred and shelved!

Liz
The Cheech Room

Jed Oliver wrote 286 days ago

Susan, This is wonderfully written. I, too, tried to kiss my elbow. I'll bet secretly, most readers try, they just won't admit it. But of course, I got nowhere near. No puppy for me. Very charming, excellent writing! Kindest regards, Jed Oliver (French Roast and Lingerie) If you like tongue in cheek slapstick, give my book a look.

Tom Bye wrote 286 days ago

Hello Susan
Book- Kissing your Elbow--

Growing up in1950s California- where kids played outside and made up game to enjoy . had to read this when i came across it.
My type of book for sure, and glad i read all chapters posted.
All family life is here, from the joy the squabbles and lots more. i can relate to all of it ; which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Love tom boy, S usan's visit to the barber to get a duck-tail haircut and lots more of course.
For me i found the book to be a page turner as you paint a lovely picture of the times past
The people described become ever so real as the story moves along at a nice pace.
In it's genre, i give this book six stars with pleasure.
tom bye --dublin ireland
from hugs to kisses'
you might like mine, about a boy growing up in Dublin in the 40s.thanks

Tom Bye wrote 286 days ago

Hello Susan
Book- Kissing your Elbow--

Growing up in1950s California- where kids played outside and made up game to enjoy . had to read this when i came across it.
My type of book for sure, and glad i read all chapters posted.
All family life is here, from the joy the squabbles and lots more. i can relate to all of it ; which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Love tom boy, S usan's visit to the barber to get a duck-tail haircut and lots more of course.
For me i found the book to be a page turner as you paint a lovely picture of the times past
The people described become ever so real as the story moves along at a nice pace.
In it's genre, i give this book six stars with pleasure.
tom bye --dublin ireland
from hugs to kisses'
you might like mine, about a boy growing up in Dublin in the 40s.thanks

Evigo wrote 286 days ago

I tried to kiss my elbow after reading your first chapter. Just kidding. I am liking your book. I am on the third chapter right now.

kiwigirl2011 wrote 286 days ago

I'm enjoying this :-) Well written and entertaining, The part about Randy electrocuting Mickey, her imaginery mouse friend and the way the mother handles it is great.

suzieQTPie wrote 287 days ago

Great story - funny, poignant - engaging. Definitely should be published by HC!!

Sandy Bryant wrote 287 days ago

Witty and captivating! I am drawn in as I laugh and reminisce about my youth.

artalis wrote 288 days ago

This is such an easy writing style to follow. The opening paragraph is brilliant.
My mother was also a fifties girl in Scotland. I can so relate to the experience of growing up in a restrictive environment where boys and girl were viewed in a stereotypical way. My experience took place in the late 70's and 80's but it was still the 50's in our house.
Well down Susan for sharing this.......

Sandy Bryant wrote 290 days ago

I so related to this story. Susan Stocker is a wonderful writer.

Swebster wrote 291 days ago

Hi Aunt Susan! I love the book so far.. Very interesting. I'm not much of a reader but I think because it hits close to home I am compelled to read on. Engaging and descriptive :)

Swebster wrote 291 days ago

Hi Aunt Susan! I love the book so far.. Very interesting. I'm not much of a reader but I think because it hits close to home I am compelled to read on. Engaging and descriptive :)

RMWryter wrote 293 days ago

Classic opening lines!

And the thing about wishes is that when you don't get them you keep amping up the wish, and when you DO get them they may be more complicated fulfilled than unfulfilled. And I will keep reading to find out which of these directions Kissing Your Elbow takes.

Creating tension in writing is all about making the reader want to find out how the story ended. Every worthwhile story builds to a "And then what happened?" question for the reader. The end of the story should satisfy the reader. So if in any story a metaphorical shark fin pops up in the ocean of a character's life the reader will want to know if the character was aware of the danger, or grazed by a shark, or if the fin was only a dolphin's. Listen to yourself tell the story you're writing, and make sure there's a "And then what?" moment in the prose for the reader, and then make sure you write the answer at some point in the narrative.

Gordon38 wrote 293 days ago

Hey, Susan! Love your writing! I couldn't get chapter 1 to load, other than the first three sentences. I must be ghoulish, because I especially enjoyed Mickey's death scene in chapter 3.

Gordon

Carolyn Ruis wrote 294 days ago

Hi dear friend,
As it did the first time I read your memoirs, your book totally CRACKED me up. The most astounding thing is still your ability to remember ALL the details of the neighborhood, your "older' parents, your "shy" brother, everyone's house and how it differed from your own, and best of all your childhood playmates, etc. Your book is really good, filled with reminders of my own childhood, hidden by dysfunction or other unspeakable things. LOL becomes not a new phenome but something that accompanied almost all the chapters. The joy in your story is that, in some way, it is all of our stories. My mother too was "older". I too had nappy, kinky hair. I too played endless games outside, thrilled to be out until dark during the summer. My Mom also was adament that our manners were perfect and she could take us ANYWHERE and be proud of us. My neighbors were also a source of hilarious or enviable kids, pets, toys, parents,TVs, etc. I too wore garb my mother was sure I needed like brown oxford shoes to thwart the onslaught of pigoen toed awkwardness she detected. I NEVER had "nice" hair because she never took the time to figure out what to do with ultra curly hair! All in all, the stories brought back forgotten memories, hugely funny moments, looks at parenthood from a kids' perspective, some pain, and allowed me to peer again at the 50's, from the perspective of a Nana.

I love you, and I'm willing to do anything you deem helpful. The book seems to have improved form the first i read, the stories flow more grouped, the characters more developed and the dialogue greatly improved. It dawned on me that your brother might have a hilarious take on your tale...have you asked him to read it?
Sorry about the glitches early on...the site just allowed me to view it and at last, everything WORKED. Big hugs, c

mrsdfwt wrote 295 days ago

Dear Susan,
I finally had a chance to read Kissing your Elbow and i'm so glad i did.:)
Your narrative describing your parents and grandparents and your life as a child, is what truly wonderful memoirs are all about. I hope you continue writing, because i can see this will be a special treasure for your family's future generations. It's well written, witty and funny, with a loving familial quality. I especially enjoyed the nappy, afro hair incident, which reminded me of something similar in my own childhood.
A truly pleasurable read.
Maria
Dark of the Moon

Juliusb wrote 295 days ago

Hello Susan,

I loved the recount of your roots backing your information many times by remarking that there is a picture/photograph to prove the fact.

It is exciting for mine especially comparing it with mine - Destine to Triumph -chapter 2(1): My Roots.

Will read on.

JULIUS B

Juliusb wrote 295 days ago

Hello Susan,

You have embellished "Kissing Your Elbow" with an attractive pitch, especially for those people English is not their first language, where I am not an exception to this general limitation. The pitch's tags and phrases like: tomboy, quirkiness, constant battle with her mother, brother whose mission is to make her life miserable, comfortable with her unconventional ways, embellished, memoir for anyone who grew up feeling either too tall or too short, too fat or too skinny or chose to go against the social current of "just fitting in - all raises the exception of value to yet to be derived from reading the book.

For instance I had to look up from a dictionary a word "tomboy", which was defined as "A girl who enjoys rough, noisy activities traditionally associated with boys". Wow.

Reading on.

JULIUS B [Destined to Triumph]

Korla wrote 296 days ago

I thought the book was great , very entertaining ! Growing up in the 50's , I related to playing in the streets with all the neighborhood kids. We used to play until the street lights came on, then we knew it was time to go home. Can't wait to finish the book!

Paula T wrote 297 days ago

Looking forward to reading more, nice work! Paula

KirstyCrees wrote 297 days ago

I love the way your premise serves the reader, as it allows most of us to think back and emphasize with Susan.

I love the opening passage, as it is different and gets you to turn the page and read on.

I do think that Chapter 2 is a little too formal in it's structure. I almost think that opening with 'From the time I coudl walk....' is a more engaging start. You coudl then rearrange the other infromation to fall secondary to the main character. Either way the writing is great in struture and richness.

Intriguing!!

Kirsty
'Deflection'

Katrina N wrote 297 days ago

Hi Susan, I've read through the first couple of chapters and I found them really engaging. The only thing I'd say is that at first it reads a bit too much like a summary, there's too much information for the reader to retain. I really like the tone though, and the way you've done the first person narrative. It's conversational but in a well-written way!

s stocker wrote 298 days ago

Thanks Al for your comments.

I made the changes. I don't know if you're willing to answer other questions, but I'll ask and you can either reply or ignore me!.

I'm a terrible speller and know virtually nothing about grammar. I've had had multiple people read the book and edit it and still there are mistakes. Any suggestions? Who does your editing?

I was told I should either refer to Mom as either Mom, or mom, but just be consistent. Anything I should be reading to help explain the correct kind of grammar that should be used?

Lastly, since this is basically a memoir, how should I build tension when there wasn't any? It was just my life unfolding.

Hey, if you answer all or any of this I truly appreciate it. I'm obviously new at this and can use all the help I can get!

Thanks, Al.

Susan



CarolinaAl wrote 298 days ago

I read the first two Authonomy chapters.

General comments; An engaging start. A likable main character. Good period details that evoke the era. Good descriptions. Not a lot of tension in these chapters. Good pacing.

Specific comments on Authonomy One:
1) No nits.

Specific comments on Authonomy Two:
1) Hyphenate 'fenced in.'
2) ' ... and the Websters happy family life began.' Websters (plural) should be Websters' (plural possessive).
3) 'The first time mom saw me eat one of the small bone-shaped treats ... ' Capitalize 'mom.' When a kinship term is used as a name it becomes a proper noun and is capitalized.
4) ' ... if their had not been a screen at the bottom of the pantry door ... ' 'Their' should be 'there.'

I hope this critique helps you further ploish your all important first chapter. These are just my opinions. Use what work for you and discard the rest.

Have a splendid day.

Al

MaryHayward wrote 298 days ago

One of the books where you can hear the author, sitting you down and telling it like grandma did as you sat by the fire. What a lovely start.
Mary

Cyrus Hood wrote 301 days ago

Lovely, one of those books you want to go on for ever, my era - thanks for sharing this.

Cyrus

Ruth Mathews wrote 301 days ago

I absolutely love your opening. I will be back for more. x

amsherzada2 wrote 301 days ago
mdgsjg1 wrote 302 days ago

When I was a child, my uncle, Col. Jack, always told my sibs and me that if we could kiss our elbows we would be able to change our gender. I wasn't really interested in doing that, but was really curious to find out if it was true. Alas, I never found out. I certainly relate to Susan's attempt to have this wish granted. Really enjoyed all the experiences and adventures of Susan and her brother and her friends. Loved reading this. Brought back many, many memories of my childhood.

Micki Mc wrote 302 days ago

Fantastic! Loved every word. Can't wait to read more Susan, I love your writing style. Really funny stuff that brings back great memories!

katie78 wrote 303 days ago

this is an awesome title. i don't typically reads ya, but i'll watchlist this. one suggestion- i think your pitch would be more visually appealing with a line break between paragraphs.

Sandy Bryant wrote 304 days ago

I related totally!! Great coming of age story. When do we get to read the rest?

VeronaHurd wrote 304 days ago

Very engaging with good character development. It gives a good picture of how growing up is a complicated process. Very funny.

shadyfoot wrote 304 days ago

Loved it!! And I can't wait to see the photo of your one and only perm!! Keep writing!

amsherzada2 wrote 304 days ago

I think you captured your childhood experiences with such a heartfelt genuiness, that I felt that I was right there with you. Please continue to write, so that I may continue to read and relate to your experiences.
I loved your sincere perspective and felt connected.

amsherzada2 wrote 304 days ago

I think you captured your childhood experiences with such a heartfelt genuiness, that I felt that I was right there with you. Please continue to write, so that I may continue to read and relate to your experiences.
I loved your sincere perspective and felt connected.

Yuckybeans wrote 305 days ago

Very funny....I truly enjoyed reading it.

JAN COWIN wrote 305 days ago
JAN COWIN wrote 305 days ago

loved it

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