May 18, 2006

Almaden author celebrates friendship in new book
‘Femail: A Comic Collision in Cyberspace’

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Almaden author Shana Moore’s new book, “Femail: A Comic Collision in Cyberspace,” celebrates the nuances of life and motherhood in the suburbs. Although co-authored with Linda Sharp, the two only met in person recently.

Shana Moore, pictured at her home office, co-authored, “Femail: A Comic Collision in Cyberspace,” with Linda Sharp through their online correspondence. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert

Moore first encountered Sharp through her Web site: www.sanitycentral.com. Knowing Moore’s sense of humor and writing sensibility, a friend suggested that she submit an article to the site. She did, and before long, the two were bantering back and forth on a regular basis.

Recognizing a kindred spirit, Sharp suggested they write a book together. “I’ve been thinking about writing a book,” said Sharp, “and I’ve been waiting to find the right person to write it with, and I’d really like it to be you.” Moore was flattered and quickly agreed.

They considered titling the book, “Femail Friend,” because they had become friends while writing to each other, but realized their irreverent writing was too sassy for such a sweet title.

In April, the two finally met face to face to share their story on KUSI in San Diego, and autograph 350 books purchased by the American Association of Airport Executives at a convention. After a few awkward moments, they fell into step, and ended up talking non-stop throughout the weekend. They are hoping that one of the airport bookstore chains may carry their book in the future.

Moore enjoyed her collaboration with Sharp, as well as the friendship they forged. “It wasn’t work,” she insists, “but play. It was really a fun book to write.”

A ‘get-real’ take on motherhood
Although Sharp and Moore may be housewives, they are far from desperate. Rather than finding their thrills with a pool boy, they create their own amusement, focusing on the lighter side of the struggles all women experience.

“Moore and Sharp unite tongue and cheek for a hilarious, witty, sometimes frumpy, sometimes sexy, romp through the daily challenges of motherhood in the 21st century,” said Kymberli Brady, award-winning author of “The Sleepy Little Star” and former Almaden Times staff writer of the new book.

Inspired by Erma Bombeck’s observations on life, Moore has the ability to both amuse and connect with her audience.

She was bitten by the writing bug in fourth grade when a piece she wrote received critical acclaim. Her honest and humorous response to, “Why your mother deserves to be the Mother of the Year of Los Altos” was selected by the city, earning her parents a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe, and Moore the memory of a lifetime. As grand marshals, she and her parents took part in the Los Altos Pet Parade, waving to the crowd from a convertible. They also received prize money and had their picture in the local paper. “I was so proud,” says Moore. “I felt like a celebrity.”

Moore was famous in her family for speaking with such eloquence and honesty in greeting cards that her family was sure she’d end up writing for Hallmark. “I hear Hallmark pays pretty well,” she says with a laugh, “maybe I ought to look into that!” In fact, so many people responded enthusiastically to her Christmas letters and suggested she write a book, that she decided to listen to their advice.

A couple of years ago she compiled her aptly themed articles into a witty collection entitled, “Caffeinated Ponderings.”

Moore writes the way she speaks, making amusing connections while commenting on life’s daily challenges. While compassionate, Moore uses humor as an antidote to life’s ailments. She values the honest and rare discussions between women on the hardships they face. Too often, she says, people just exchange pleasantries, creating the impression that they have it all together. “But when you dig deeper,” she says, “you see that life can be overwhelming. I like to validate other women by being honest about what it’s really like—and laugh about it.”

Moore says she appreciated the community feel growing up in Los Altos and is grateful to be able to provide that kind of upbringing for her daughters, 10-year-old Tori and 8-year-old Taylor in Almaden. Married for 14 years, her husband, Russ, supports her efforts, although he sometimes finds himself humorous fodder for her stories.

In her two books, Moore sprinkles the pages with hilarious anecdotes culled from personal experiences. In “Femail,” the authors’ honest portrayals of PMS, puppies and grown women who “piddle,” have sagging breasts and husbands who act like boobs will leave you smiling.

“I like to think my writing’s spunky, with an edge,” says Moore. “For me, I have to experience it to write about it.” For instance, there’s the time she was picking up laundry with her girls after jogging and wasn’t looking her best. “Oh what beautiful girls!” said a fellow customer. “Are they yours?” Moore was incredulous. “The story writes itself after that,” she laughs.

In the future, she envisions sharing memorable moments, laughter and lattes with moms’ and womens’ groups, reminding them that they're not alone in this leaky rowboat called life.

Shana Moore will be signing autographs and doing readings from her new book, “Femail: A Comic Collision in Cyberspace,” at a girls’ night out event at Unwined on Aug. 15. For more information, visit her Web site at www.caffinatedponderings.com.