Middle Chicken created an App. Mainly because she’s not busy enough as a lawyer, wife and mom of three. I know, she’s one of those chicks you’d hate if she wasn’t so nice. And she’s beautiful. Pfft.
We’re discussing the particular app, called Waybie, a resource for parents that outlines amenities available for parents out in the wild. It blossomed to life after Middle Chicken found herself floundering in an airport with no designated space for breastfeeding or pumping. She sat, not the first time, in a bathroom stall with the steady hum of a pump leaving all to wonder at her restroom activities.
We’re discussing strategy and growth.
Middle Chicken: “Would you consider writing a blog for Waybie?”
Me: “Yes, of course.”
Middle Chicken: “I want it to be funny, not shameful to any moms. But really funny about motherhood and kids. You know, like when Duchess Diaries was in its heyday.”
Me: “Yes, I would love that.” Conversation continues.
But, in truth, at that point, my brain ceased function. When Duchess Diaries was in its heyday? Girl–do you mean before I went through two years of cancer or the past six years that the corporate world gutted and filleted me like a salmon while I grappled to swim upstream and survive instead of what salmon really swim upstream for?
I hear her blathering on about how funny and tear-inducing the blog used to be. I pronounce this nonsense done. Only in my head, of course. Rarely do I pick a fight with anyone. I did recently quit my anti-anxiety meds cold turkey, so you never know when I could pop off. Just a tip for those interacting with me ’til I settle down.
I consult a new friend, Claude, not for writing advice, God forbid. Like all writers, I eschew the belief that a bot can reproduce what comes from the heart, but it apparently knows a thing or two about business. So I ask how to bring Duchess Diaries back to its former glory. I give stats and monetization, and do my best to convince an inanimate brain that I know anything other than pen to paper.
It gave a rundown of the twelve years since the blog’s birth. Widowhood, cancer, huge life changes, a career that, while providing a living, never allowed for a lifestyle. How could you not see that as experience that makes for hilarious, provocative writing? It also pointed out that women in their sixties are underrepresented in media. Um, Claude, my friend, we don’t need your expertise to know that.
After it reviewed DD, Claude added, “There are very few written by women over 60 who are stylish, wickedly observant, experienced in corporate America, and willing to say what everyone else is thinking.” Claude, are you flirting with me?
“This is a niche with surprisingly little competition. Women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are hungry for someone who isn’t telling them to age gracefully.” Preach, Claude.
Who knew? Maybe we’ll be friends, this AI bot and me. Jury’s still out.
As for DD and all my Duchess Dolls, let’s go for a reboot, non? I’ll take it from here.
I love this.. so many of us have withered some very hard storms!! Can’t wait to see what you come up with…no pressure to make me laugh (or cry).