Regular readers of my blogs will know that Buffalo and its people, history and culture are common themes in my writing. It was not until I left Buffalo that I realized how much I loved the city and the unforgettable inhabitants of the West Side where I grew up. Writing and thinking about them has given me greater insight into my own personal development, as well as respect for the city and the fundamental changes it has experienced.
But even as I faithfully posted these monthly blogs, I continued to write something else about Buffalo, something larger in scope and deeper in its contemplation of what it was like to grow up there, to go to school there, to live there. For the past five years (although it feels like a lifetime), I’ve been writing a novel set in the city where I was born.
Titled Virgin Snow, my fictional story is about a young West Side girl, coming of age against a backdrop of unraveling family secrets and the legacy of lies told to protect them. It is the late 1960s and the country is in turmoil, Buffalo is teetering on the precipice of economic collapse, and the teachings of the Catholic Church are coming under question. Faith in those who run the country and seemingly every aspect of society, is crumbling. Uncertain who or what to trust, 13-year-old Cosi McCarthy resists her domineering mother and eventually throws in her lot with a “radical” nun who serves as her mentor, a savvy black psychiatric patient who has been unfairly confined, a conscientious objector who looks like Jesus, and the young man she secretly loves—a Vietnam Vet grappling with his own demons.
Like every would-be author discovers, if writing a book isn’t difficult enough, the ordeal of trying to get it published tests all one’s powers of endurance. I tried the usual route and it was like flinging my manuscript into a black hole. So I decided to explore the regional publishing route and was lucky to discover NFB Publishing, a company based in Buffalo itself. I was elated when I received a response from the publisher, indicating the beta-reader who vetted my story really liked it, and they would be proud to publish my book.
I’ll keep all my blog readers apprised of the book’s progress. I’m told that paperback and e-book copies should be available as soon as this summer, and can be ordered online directly from NFB Publishing or from Amazon, IngramSpark and other online booksellers, as well as purchased in bookstores in the Buffalo area.
Once the book is out, I’ll be having some launch-related events and activities, particularly in the Buffalo area. It would be nice to sell a few copies as a result, but what I’m really looking forward to is sharing thoughts and conversations with readers about the things that formed the very fabric of our lives. I also hope to begin a conversation with readers unfamiliar with Buffalo, to immerse them in a world that has more to its credit than snow and “buffalo wings;” a city with an amazing history, incredible architecture, a beautiful waterfront, and interesting and diverse neighborhoods.
If you would like to learn more about Virgin Snow, please leave me comments in the section below. Once the book is published, look for a new space on this website for you to leave your comments and reactions to the book itself. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Moxie Gardiner is a writer and gardener who grew up on the West Side of Buffalo, NY. In a previous life she was a journalist, magazine editor, speech writer, and policy wonk. Back in the day she made three solo parachute jumps, flew in an F-15 fighter jet, and crawled through mud pits at the Jungle Operations Training Course in Panama. She now meditates and practices yoga. She is almost ready to publish her first novel, set in Buffalo.
I’d love to read your book! Born in the 50’s at Millard Fillmore Hospital; grew up in East Buffalo, and have many happy memories from my childhood there. Married and moved to CA in the 70’s (job related), but Buffalo will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll be watching for your notification when the book becomes available. :o)
Thank you Darlene. I am very excited to be able to share my book with former Buffalonians who love the place of our birth as much as I do. Still hoping for a summer release!
So excited for you Moxie—and I look forward to reading on my Kindle as soon as it’s out there. Congratulations and kudos to your staying power and moxie!
Thank you Mary! It will definitely be available on Kindle. I hope you enjoy it!
This is great news! I know it has been a long journey and I’m looking forward to reading it and talking more about the writing process and our favorite town, Buffalo!
I look forward to discussing the book with you as well, Jessica. Lots to talk about, regarding the book itself, the writing process, and the (painful) search for a publisher.
Good morning Moxie!
To be honest I’m not an avid reader but if one recommends a book I’ll give it go and if the first couple chapters capture my attention I’ll continue on. Like you I was born and raised on the Westside until we moved to Kenmore, though just a border town it was a different world.
I went college in Kentucky, after graduation I spent a few years in Buffalo then was hired by American Airlines, based there for only six months then was transferred to Hartford, CT. Thirty Six years later, and based in LA three times and DFW twice and had the opportunity to travel the world I now reside in Las Vegas. I still have family and many friends back in Buffalo and plan on my summers there moving forward.
I write all this because though I’ve now been gone from my roots for Forty Five years now, lived in different cities and experienced many cultures I’m still that little Italian kid from the Westside and very proud to be from Buffalo, NY!
Best wishes for your new book!
Tommy Barone
Thank you Tommy, for your comments and sharing your story. Like many of us in the Buffalo diaspora, we cherish our memories of a time and place that shaped the people we were to become. Thank you for your best wishes, and I hope someone recommends the book to you!
I for one, can’t wait to read it
I know you are an avid reader, so I will be happy to hear what you think of it.
Moxie, are you related to Leslie Gardner? She is a friend of my sister Christine, I too did some growing up on the Westside. Left from there when I got married at 20. I would love to read your book. In the brief description of what the times were like back then it really sounds like our life and times now. I look forward to reading your book.
Hello Barbara! No, I’m not related to Leslie (truth be told, Moxie Gardiner is my pen name). I hope the book meets your expectations, and look forward to hearing from you after you read it.
So excited for you. Looking forward to reading your book!
Thank you Anita! I hope you enjoy it.
YES!!!
Let us know the minute it is available. Can’t wait to read it!
I’m so happy for you & proud to know you.
Will Mounties recognize aspects of the radical nun? We were so lucky to have the wonderful faculty we did.
Congratulations again & enjoy all the excitement! Such an accomplishment❤️
Thanks, Corinne. I will keep everyone posted! You’ll have to be the judge of whether or not the “radical nun” is a fair amalgamation of all the nuns venturing into the brave new world of that time. Perhaps someday I and others will actually be able to find this book in a library? Fingers crossed.
I would certainly hope regional library systems would buy your book – at least! It would be wonderful if you would do author visits at libraries and bookstores & be able to sell your book. We loved doing that at our library. Does your publisher have any plans/connections for promotion?
Yes, they do but I’m not sure what all that entails. How library systems find out about new books is a bit of a mystery to me. But I will certainly ask my publisher!
As a general rule, libraries usually buy a majority of books from reviews in reviewing journals. I’m not sure how those journals get those books to review- somehow the publisher does that job! For books of local interest, the procedure is probably a bit different, since the publisher may not decide to send them to a national reviewing journal.
At our library, we would buy books that were requested by patrons too. Librarians also stay aware of any media that books are getting – because patrons would find out about them that way & subsequently ask. I wish I knew how the BFLO & Erie Co. library system does their selection. Some big systems like that centralize their ordering, but some also get suggestions from their branches. This would reflect the particular interests of their neighborhood customers.
Obviously getting the word out is very important- book clubs, literary groups, writing groups.
If you can work up a presentation (free or low cost) for libraries, that could sell books. Once people meet you, they will WANT to buy your book & read it!
I can’t wait to buy this book. I’m so happy for you! We had the best childhood growing up ❤️
Congratulations
Cathy Ganci
Thanks Cathy. I couldn’t agree more. Yes, we had a great childhood growing up. By the way, for those who grew up near the Massachusetts Swimming pool, Ganci’s Groceries gets a mention.
Homegrown Buffalo gal here looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks Charlene! I hope it meets your expectations.
Super excited to buy a copy of this book, I grew up on the west side in the 60s, and while I moved to Florida in the last 1980s I yearn to move home everyday!!!
Thanks Cheryl! If you grew up there in the 1960s, there is a lot in this book you will remember. I hope you enjoy it. There will be a spot on this website where you can post your feedback (and I would also love a review on Amazon!)
Good luck. I’m sure it’s going to be great. Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Liz. I hope you enjoy it.
I’m a West Side , Buffalo born and raised girl. Grew up in the best neighborhood with the greatest of memories. I hope you much success with Virgin Snow
Thank you so much Janet. I hope you like the book.
Good luck, Diane and I will be will following your trail or I should say tale your mom would be so proud. Can’t wait for the movie 👍
Thank you James. My mom was one of my first readers and she liked the book even in its early stages. I hope to make her proud. (And make the movie!)
By the way, I babysat for many, many families on the West Side back in the day, so don’t read anything into the crazy family my main character babysits for. I had fun imagining what it would be like babysitting for wild children. (FYI, yours were delightful and I loved sitting for them.)
Please keep me apprised of book events in Buffalo. Very interested in your book.
Thank you Lisa. Will do!
I grew up on the Westside of Buffalo New York. Myself and 5 siblings spent our childhood there Some of my family is still there. There’s truth in the saying you can take the girl out of buffalo. But you can’t take buffalo out of the girl. I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations and good luck
Thank you Dianne! I can’t wait to hear the reactions from people just like you! You and former West Siders (like me) are the readers I had in mind when I wrote the book. I hope you like it.
Finally… so happy for you and can’t wait to read it
Thanks, Nancy. It’s been a long time in the works, but it appears the day is finally (almost) here. Stay tuned!