Genre: Biographies & Memoirs

Author: Lyz Glick and Dan Zegart

Title: Your Father’s Voice: Letters for Emmy about Life with Jeremy—and Without Him After 9/11

ISBN: 0-312-31921-5

The following interview was conducted by: E.Dian Moore.

To read Dian's review of the book click: Here

 Good day Lyz and welcome to Bookpleasures.com

 Now that Your Father’s Voice is published, what, if anything, would you like to add?

Mrs. Glick: Tough question. I think Your Father's Voice accurately portrays where I am today in terms with my acceptance of Jeremy's death. I am still learning from him and still feel him near to me in so many ways. Emmy continues to grow and when she asks I tell her stories about her father. However, her knowledge of the events of September 11th is still very basic.

You wrote about the advice of a friend who said to get up immediately and don’t stay in bed. What words of advice would you give to someone who is suddenly widowed? 

Mrs. Glick: To take each moment as it comes. I feel best when I live in the moment, not worrying about the future or mourning the past. Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

How would you like to see this book used? 

Mrs. Glick: I was touched to see how my book brought a sense of peace surrounding September 11th to you. My hope is that it will bring healing from a personal perspective to those either affected or not directly affected by September 11th. I hope my words and my story bring comfort and strength to those who have experience or will experience loss.

The picture on the back of the book looks like Jeremy is looking into the future, perhaps praying. What was he looking at?

Mrs. Glick: That has actually been a secret up to now -- because he really looks like he is thinking deeply and contemplating life, doesnt' he? On a much lighter note however, he is looking with disgust at the spider webs which have accumlated on the porch ceiling.

How did the collaboration with Dan Zegart come about?

Mrs. Glick: I was introduced to Dan through my literary agent Bob Mecoy. I felt a natural comfort with Dan immediately. He is a great listenter and obviously a very talented writer. As a father, with a daughter Emmy's age, he was able to capture my voice perfectly.

How long did it take to write this book?

Mrs. Glick:  I started work on this book in the spring of 2002. I brought Dan in a few months later. So I guess about two years.

I was struck by the many ceremonies you attended and the ever-present presence of the media. What advice would you like to give the planners of ceremonies and the media when intruding into a survivor’s grief?

Mrs. Glick: I feel that media events and public ceremonies are for the public and do not necessarily refect the needs of grieving families. Respecting privacy is number one. I have met many reporters who were very respectful of my privacy and others who were overly aggressive and pushy. For months I hand reporters knocking on my door uninvited. Personally, I preferred to be contacted by mail. Then it was up to me whether or not I wanted to call back and I could do so at a time that was convenient for me.

What’s new with you and Emmy? 

Mrs. Glick: We just celebrated Halloween. Emmy was Pocahontas. I still have my ups and downs -- but watching Emmy grow and learn always lifts my spirits. As she grows, I see so much of Jeremy in her and that is very beautiful for me.

Thank you for consenting to be interviewed by Bookpleasures.com