Emerging Authors and New Books Series Presents…
Fun: Essays on a Life Embraced by Aline Weiller
Summary on Book Cover
FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced is a collection of humorous and hopeful slice-of-life stories. Full of the author’s signature wit, poignancy, and zest, FUN offers readers a front row seat to Weiller’s World: be it performing stand-up comedy, prepping for a middle school swim test, or waxing poetic about discontinued bank pens. Both observant and clever, Aline’s wordsmithed pieces are all heart: whether she’s spilling family tales that resonate, paying superfan homage to celebrities, or riffing on her decade-apropos hairstyles, she’s all in.
My Thoughts
What a delightful collection of poignant, insightful and entertaining essays. FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced is a must read – I was moved to tears when Aline revealed bits about her family, elated with joy at 80s references and I loved her clever use of language and all the charming subject matter she tackled.
FUN is a perfect compilation that reveals so much about the realities of life and the enjoyment you get when you participate. Lots of relatable snippets – similar to Aline, I also am the keeper of photos from college, WPLJ was my beloved radio station back in the day, and I too loved Dear Evan Hansen. Due to her mention of Donny Osmond, I spent a rabbit hole’s time worth of reminiscing and watching old Donny and Marie episodes on youtube, privately belting out the lyrics to “I’m A Little Bit Country, I’m A Little Bit Rock and Roll…”! Yes, that was FUN!
For me, this collection of essays is like a cherished variety show… a little bit of everything and something for everyone! Such a joy to view the world from Weiller’s eyes and to bask in nostalgia!
Q & A with Aline Weiller
Q: Clearly, you are a gifted storyteller and I am sure you have done a lot of writing in your lifetime; how did you choose which written pieces to include in FUN?
A: It was tough, as they’re all my “babies,” but I chose humorous and hopeful essays relatable to the reader, and most significant to me. Much of the content selected for FUN also centers around family, a major theme throughout. I ultimately wanted a balance of short and long, light and poignant pieces, that represent various stages of my life.
Q: How do come up with an idea for an essay and how long does it take to get from idea to final form?
A: I’m most often inspired to pen an essay by an event or change, pop culture news, family happenings, or even a conversation. Something spurs my creative juices and I immediately develop a title to capture the gist; the essay flows from there. I can create a rough draft in a matter of days, then hone it for a few weeks. I carefully choose my words and want my writing to have a certain rhythm, so I’ll edit several versions.
Q. How did you come up with the brilliant ideas of including Liner Notes, Fun Fact and Q & A?
A: I wanted this collection to be unique with bonus content, allowing me to break the fourth wall and speak directly to the reader — realty show style. I added reflections I thought would be of interest, combined with retro graphics that elicit a certain Generation X nostalgia. I essentially wanted to invite the reader in with a series of personal asides, and perhaps spur a chuckle or newfound insight.
Q. What is your process for getting an essay published?
A: My process begins with the goal to write a meaningful piece. Then I workshop the essay in a class, with a writing coach, or share with peers for valuable feedback. Next, I edit to the appropriate length (usually between 800-1200 words), and find viable publications. It’s key to research your essay markets so that the piece is an appropriate fit for the publication’s readership. The final steps include writing a concise but persuasive pitch to the editor, and selecting relevant clips (links to your work) to attach, if required. Lastly, wait with fingers crossed for an acceptance email…but if you’re rejected, that’s okay too…the essay will eventually find the right home.
Q. When did you decide you wanted to take your storytelling skills and try them out on a stage as a stand-up comic?
A: I’ve long been a superfan of all things comedy, but it wasn’t until 2017 that I wanted to share my observational humor on stage — a brand I term, “clever clean.” While at a local show, the host plugged her stand-up class, prompting me to sign up the following day. Stand-up comedy allows me to further define my voice — by using another writing muscle — plus my funny bone. I’ve coupled writing comedy with my love of performing (I was a theater kid), so doing stand-up is a win-win.
Q. What do you do for work?
A: I’m the founder of Wordsmith, LLC — a public relations firm helping local businesses, entrepreneurs, and authors market their message, product, or service. I offer copywriting and editing services as well, but am most known for my publicity efforts and events — book launches, grand openings, and the like. Additional details can be found via my website, alineweiller.com.
Q. How can we keep us with all you are doing?
A: I always welcome new fans! The best way is to follow me on social media:
Facebook @alineweillerauthor; X @alinecweiller; Instagram @alinecweiller; LinkedIn: Aline Weiller, YouTube: @alineweiller9262.
More About Aline Weiller
Aline Weiller is an award-winning essayist, publicist, and stand-up comedian. Weiller’s creative nonfiction and public relations work has been recognized nationally, and her essays have been tweeted by The New York Times. A nine-time Connecticut Press Club award-winner, Weiller’s essays are also contest-winners and have been chosen for dramatic readings. She’s been published in print and online to include Brain, Child Magazine, Grown & Flown, and Erma Bombeck’s Writers’ Workshop, among others. Weiller’s also the founder of the PR firm, Wordsmith, LLC, and she and her husband share two young adult sons. FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced is her debut book and is available on Amazon.
Connect with the author via her website (alineweiller.com) or on social media: (Facebook (@alineweillerauthor); Instagram and X (@AlineCWeiller); and subscribe to her YouTube comedy channel (@alineweiller9262).
