On the Way to the Finish Line: Stopping to Hug an Author
The cover has a new quote on the top
Since I’ve never published a book before, I find every phase of the process fascinating.
The first thing I’ve learned that it’s harder work than I ever could have imagined. And it takes a whole village to produce one book.
I turned my last draft in on April 1.
Since then, I’ve worked with two more editors and the designer to prepare the best book we know how to make, complete with photos, captions, recipes, glossary, map, family tree.
The last task will come by the end of this month, when several of us go over every word and image one more time before the manuscript goes to the printers.
Phew!
I will never take any of these materials for granted in a book again.
And I am so grateful to all the folks — editors, readers, designer, endorsers (in case you didn’t see it, the cover now carries an endorsement at the top) — who have joined me in contributing to the book.
My New Beginning today? I’m going to hug an author and thank her or him for all the work, even harder than hoeing tobacco in the hot summer sun, of writing a book.
I’m going to be bold enough to suggest you hug an author also.
91 days until Blush launches. Lavender was a gift of a friend. Smells wonderful!
And then choose your own New Beginning. Come tell me about it here.
Oh Shirley, This is so exciting! I think anyone who writes and commits to publishing needs a big hug. Your thorough and deliberate process and attention to detail is a valuable reminder to all of us to stay focused on excellence and keep believing in our stories. Hugs! Kathy
Kathy, you know all about the process and the focus. In fact, I’ve learned many things from you. Finding other aspiring authors online has made the difficult journey less lonely. I’m walking with you, too. Hugs!
Shirley, watching you move forward on your path to a finished book is thrilling and helps to inspire me to keep going with my own. You have been a great inspiration for me. Sending you big virtual hugs.
Joan
Thanks, Joan, the feeling is mutual. You’ve been an artist all your life and have learned how inspiration and perspiration need each other. Virtual hug until there can be a real one.