Author parodies self-help, urges setting realistic goals
by Brandy Bramblett, reporter

    The over-abundance of self-help books on the market, coupled with disbelief at the ideas presented in Marabel Morgan’s 1973 book, The Total Woman, inspired a local author to write a parody of self-help books.

   D. J. Brown, author of The Total Man, gently pokes fun at the notion that simply reading a book can improve one’s skill in any given situation.

   “We tend to be a quick-fix society, and I think too many people look for the answers to their problems between the covers of books. They expect to make everything better in an instant,” she said during an interview.

   The book, presented from a man’s point of view, offers tips to other men on how to improve their relationships with their wives.

   The narrator is a recently unemployed “house-husband,” who has managed to turn his marriage around by changing his attitude, outlook and physical appearance to please his wife.

   While Brown agreed that compromise is the key to any successful relationship, she admitted that her character takes things to extremes.

   “I think it’s totally ridiculous to expect anyone to change completely to please a partner. It’s all a matter of give and take, not give, give, give,” she said.

   Although Brown’s book is a parody, underneath the humor and sarcasm, she has managed to present practical advice for couples as well.

   “I suggest that people listen, care about someone’s feelings, learn to admit when they are wrong and give their all to make relationships work,” she said.

   Although the book’s main focus is on marriage, Brown believes single TCC students will enjoy it as well.

   “I think they will easily pick up on the humor and realize that some of the ideas we associate with gender are very out-dated,” she said.

   “I think they’ll read it and realize how silly it is for our society to expect women to change to meet the needs of men when we don’t expect the same thing from men,” she said.

   Brown advised those writers who wish to be published to set realistic expectations for themselves.

   “Don’t expect to write a book and have it picked up by the first publisher who looks at it,” she said.

   “And don’t expect to receive a huge advance the first-time out, either,” she said.

   Brown also suggested that authors research publishers before sending a submission. Writers have a better chance at success if they do not attempt to sell manuscripts to publishers not interested in certain contents.

   Some publishers do not accept unagented or unsolicited manuscripts, and others charge authors to publish their books.

   Also, since many of the larger publishing firms receive thousands of manuscripts a year, getting published can be a daunting task.

   “I sent the manuscript out to more than 40 publishers before I found one that was interested enough to offer me a contract. So remember, perseverance is key,” the said.

   Brown currently works as an adjunct English instructor at the University of Texas at Arlington.

   She plans to teach a creative writing course there in the fall.

   Along with her book, she has had several short stories, as well as a novel, Sweet Revenge, published.

   For more information about Brown’s work, visit the author’s Web site: www.djbrownbooks.com.