The recent launch of the book, Umbilicus, at Skoobs Theatre of Books in Montecasino sparked interest in the entire adoption process as well as the rise in the number of indie authors in South Africa.
Author, Paula Gruben took some time out of her busy schedule promoting her debut autobiographical novel, to answer a few questions.
Tell us about the title of the book and the unique cover design.
My belly button was the last point of contact with my birth mother. Growing up I always felt a spiritual connection to her, and the word Umbilicus just fitted the ‘tie that binds’ thread of my work so perfectly. The figure on the cover represents the main character – the teenage me; a lost and broken soul – her heart torn between loyalty toward her adoptive family, and longing for her biological family, whom she doesn’t yet know. The subliminal triangle between the three hearts symbolises the adoption triad.
The book speaks to all involved in the adoption process. How were you able to develop such insight? Usually, this type of story would be very one-sided.
Much of the story is told in epistolary format, through real letters between my birth parents, adoptive parents, and the social worker involved in our case. It’s all glued together by a very intimate second-person point-of-view, from the perspective of the main character – the adoptee. It took about a dozen drafts and a lot of shuffling of chapters and scenes to create a well-structured narrative arc and coherent whole.
Who should read Umbilicus?
My story will appeal to readers of any age who enjoy young adult (YA) realistic fiction, particularly those involved or interested in the adoption experience. George Meredith once wrote: “Memoirs are the backstairs of history”. And although this isn’t strictly a memoir, but rather an autobiographical novel, it is an authentic slice of life, about real people and real events during the 70s, 80s, and 90s in South Africa.
Tell us why you chose to go the self-publishing route?
After about six months of querying trade publishers and not getting any joy (there were exciting flashes of interest, but no firm offers), I started getting impatient and finally decided to call it a day. I figured I could spend the next year, two years, five years even, embroiled in the submission process, with absolutely no guarantee of ever securing a contract. Or, I could take the bull by the horns, stop the soul-destroying cycle with immediate effect, and self-publish instead. It was a no-brainer.
This route must have presented its challenges. But your tenacity has seen you through it. How did you stay focused to the end?
Maya Angelou once wrote: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” And for me, it was exactly the same. I had a story which needed to get told. I knew my message was an important one, and that there were a lot of people I could help and inspire. It took about two years of research, writing, editing, designing, and formatting to birth this book baby.
I’ve seen the great reviews and the sales seem to be doing great. How do you feel about your book baby now?
Deeply humbled, and terribly proud. All the blood, sweat, and tears were totally worthwhile! Although it’s already touched a lot of lives, I still have a great deal of work to do in order for it to reach my target audience en masse. My ultimate goal is to see Umbilicus on the Department of Basic Education’s list of approved set works for Life Orientation. There is not a single teenager in South Africa that cannot in some way relate to and learn something from this story.
What’s next for Paula Gruben, the author?
Lots of promotional work. Author talks at book-related events, motivational Teen Talks at high schools, and keynote speeches at adoption conferences, seminars, and workshops, plus women’s and youth events. As and when I find the time, I will continue working on my other manuscripts – several future novels in various stages of gestation.
Any advice to up-and-coming authors?
If you’re keen on writing a novel or a memoir, or as in my case, a hybrid, do a focused writing course. It’ll help you work through various bottlenecks you’ve probably stumbled across in the creative process. Harness technology. There really is nothing you can’t teach yourself online nowadays. Network with fellow authors, on social media and in real life. Support their book launches and signings. And don’t be shy to ask questions. Anne Lamott once wrote: “Very few authors really know what they are doing until they’ve done it.” And once we’ve figured out how to do it, we’re usually happy to lend a hand to those still learning the ropes.
GIVEAWAY
Northcliff Melville Times has a copy of the book, Umbilicus, to give away.
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