Conversations with Clients - Andy

Andy wanted to know why I’d never shared with him that I was Jewish. I explained that our time together was about him and that my background wasn’t relevant to our collaboration. As a professional who trades in other people’s experiences, I’ve long since learned to set aside my own identity, except for what I offer as background knowledge.

Two years into writing memoirs I’m discovering the relevance of my own upbringing to my work with authors. I have a good grasp of California, US and world geography. I know my Lalique from my Lladro. I understand American politics and history.

Most importantly, I know when to speak and when to listen, even when there are large periods of silence in between authors’ expression of thoughts. Sometimes this prolonged silence is followed by a long-buried memory recollection or aha moment. I consider this a gift.