Essays 13 and 14 Summary and Analysis

Essay 13: Confessions of a Reluctant Rock Goddess

Barbara was asked to play keyboard in a band of fellow author. The band was named the Rock Bottom Remainders. She was reluctant to join since she hated embarrassing herself and the band seemed like a sure path to embarrassment. She had almost completed another novel and knew she'd be on the road more than she wanted with that tour. The thought of being a "rock star" was not only intimidating, it was totally unappealing. On top of everything else, her marriage was ending and she was being indoctrinated into the new role of single mother.

Barbara's fellow authors/band members convinced her that she needed to relax and have some fun—it would do her good. As it turned out, Barbara wasn't the only author with stage fright—all...