“Wouldn’t it be great if we could pool our talents and resources under one umbrella?”
I nodded in agreement as I read those words in a message from one of my Pen Pals, or at least that’s how I always think of Cyndy Prasse Miller. Over the last five years, she and I have been in constant communication, sharing ideas, giving support, and we have become friends, a term I don’t use lightly. The “we” she was referring to was the core members of our circle of confidantes, and I leaned back to let her idea fully bloom in my mind. I knew the possibilities such a thing could bring.
My name is Marlon S. Hayes, and I’m a writer, poet, author, and publisher. Back in 2018, I received a contract for a novel, and the acceptance email was sent by a guy named Gordon Bonnet, who wore many hats at this particular publisher. He was an editor, acquisitions manager, as well as being a prolific author. I still have the email. I don’t want to name the publisher, neither to promote them, defame them, or lay their business practices bare. Let’s just call it ‘Them.’ Lol. Anyhow, over the next two years, I signed contracts with ‘Them’ for nine books, and I was in constant communication with Cyndy, Gordon, and Venessa McDaniel Cerasale, relationships which blossomed into more than just business via emails and messages.
As the relationship with ‘Them’ soured, I began thinking about how to extricate myself from those contracts, not knowing that I was not alone in my desire to move away from ‘Them.’ I started my own publishing company Voices from the Bleachers, as well as creating an erotic one Delicious Escape Publications with Venessa and two other partners. My questioning of tactics and strategies of ‘Them’ led to me being freed from all contractual obligations. It was a breath of relief.
“Way leads on to way”- Robert Frost
We started a messenger group where we could vent, share our ideas, inspire each other with our progress, because all of us were in the process of severing our ties with ‘Them.’ Gordon, Cyndy, Venessa, Gil Miller (editor and author), JC Crumpton (author), and myself. Sometimes I’d have an idea or need guidance on a solo level, so I’d reach out on an individual level. That’s where I read Cyndy’s idea. I knew that if we could bring her idea to fruition, the possibilities were endless. See, the people I’ve mentioned are all multi-faceted creatives, whose skills, knowledge, and talents encompass photography, painting, sculpture, free-hand drawing, poetry, editing, publishing, music, fiction in many genres, non-fiction, and there’s a spark within each of us that can create something wonderful out of nothing much.
We brought the idea to the group and a buzz began as we each thought of how amazing it could be if we formed a collective for business purposes, creative endeavors, and a more structured support system. I like face-to-face meetings way more than Zoom or messenger, and we began planning for a weekend where we could express our ideas and put them into motion. It was decided that we would rent a large home with accommodations for everyone, and we would discuss our possible collective. Gordon was bringing his wife, Carol Bloomgarden, who, unbeknownst to all of us, would be the final piece needed.
I was beyond excited as we exchanged handshakes and hugs, especially since it was my first time meeting Gordon in person. He’d been editing for me, beta reading, and I was grateful we had this chance. Within thirty minutes of everyone being settled in, the laptops and notebooks were out and ideas were zinging back and forth. It was like being in a creative beehive.
Gathered in the large living room there were seven people, six writers, five publishers, four editors, three artists, two couples, and no, not a partridge in a pear tree. Just one new shiny thing called The Bumbershoots Writers Society. We discussed marketing, books, ideas, wants and needs, and we relaxed in the company of like-minded individuals. It felt like coming home, because I was finally in an atmosphere where I was not an anomaly.
Over the course of the weekend, we decided how we wanted to move forward and the ever-changing roles we would play. There was even a field trip to a book store, where I bought The Collected Western Stories of Elmore Leonard. The conversations held on the deck and in the living room were amazing and inspiring as we discussed art, our favorite writers, movies, food, and anything else under the sun, with the exception of ‘Them.’ That’s in the rearview mirror now, and there’s no point in looking back. Especially when the view ahead looks so amazing. We’re here.
“What should we call ourselves, this collective?” someone asked. “We’ll be under one umbrella.”
And that’s what a bumbershoot is, an umbrella. Thanks for following and supporting us, The Bumbershoots Writers Society. I’ll talk about collaborations and conferences next time, okay?
Peace.
