Have finally decided to start this blog because I have reached a point with this project where I need to share the excitement, fear and frustration. I am putting together a book proposal for a readable and popular biography of the Condesa de Merlin. If that name leaves you puzzled — you are not alone! That is the whole point you see. This woman was incredibly well known in her day (1789-1852) in Cuba, France and Spain. She appeared in the the French, British, Spanish and Cuban press and was the hostess of renowned musical salon in Paris. She was married to a French general, had escaped from French occupied Spain, published her memoires and then travelled back to Cuba after an almost 40 year absence and wrote an account of her travels – Viaje a La Habana or La Havane.
Why this interest? I found her mentioned in many books about colonial Cuba and La Habana Vieja (the Unesco world heritage older part of the city) but really couldn’t find out much about her. Everyone seemed to quote her on life in colonial Cuba but what was available about her was confusing to say the least! Even finding her books back then was a challenge. (Did I mention I started almost 7 years ago?) But once I began the search — what a life I have found. So there, in a nutshell, is the project.
But one thing has been to research (a story and a challenge in itself) another is to actually get a book deal! The art of the book proposal should be taught as a course, there is so much to learn and it is a steep learning curve. I have had wonderful guidance, however, thank goodness, but now I am close to the moment of truth. I am putting together sample chapters and soon I will find out if anyone will be interested…