I’m sure you all remember late last year when PC and I got wrapped up in a writing challenge. At some point, I finished and we declared the contest over. The book was done. Er...well, the first draft was done. It was a coherent story with a plot arc and all that, but it defintely wasn't ready to mail off. I write pretty close to final draft the first time through, so at this point its really just a matter of tidying up. This means going back over it ninety times, editing, having others read it, more editing, getting contest feedback, doing some more editing, then finally, its done. (With a little more editing added in for good measure.)I don’t know that a book is ever really done. I think an author either gives up, or the editor sends it to press and tells them to go work on something else. I probably wrote this book about 4 times with all the changes I made and it ended up nothing like the story I originally came up with in 2006. (Yes, it took me that long.) Back then, all I had was a scribbled note that said "girl ghost hunters." Fortunately, it turned out way better than I’d expected. Unfortunately, this just raises my hopes for a greatness few ever achieve.
But today, my friends, Ghost of a Chance is done. DONE! I’m not touching this book again unless an editor tells me to! It was printed at Kinkos last night and is making its way to New York City as we speak.
I feel like a load of bricks has been lifted off my shoulders. Of course, the weight will be replaced with the next project and the anxiety of hearing back on it, but for now, for today, I’m going to revel in the joy of it.
What are you excited about today?
(We know why Lynn is excited - Teeter Totters for everyone - Lynn WON the Presents Contest! That is awesome! Congratulations! Go over to Lynn's blog and help her celebrate!)
SP
Circle of 5 Status:
1 Agent Query Pending
2 Agent Partials Still Pending
1 Agent Full Pending (in the mail, baby!)
2 Contest Entries Submitted to Lauries (final round status announced March 31st)
3 Short Stories & 4 Short Features Submitted to Trues, 2 Sales so far!
16 comments:
I'm excited for you. And since I've read the book, I can vouch for its awesomeness!
What a thrilling moment and such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I'm proud of you for sticking to your circle of 5.
Today I'm off to see Horton Hears a Who! with my grandkids visiting from St. Louis...if I can shovel out of the 12-15 inches of snow falling right now.
Congratulations, SP! I love this book and know good things are going to happen.
Instigator
Congrats!!! My editor tells me my biggest problem is letting go of my work. so, yay, you!
Congratulations on finishing and getting the book out the door, SP! And for sticking to your goals of the Circle of 5. You've done a fabulous job of that!
I am indeed excited today, but I don't want to hijack your blog. Please come visit me and found out what's got me so thrilled. :)
Hijack away, Lynn! Everyone - Lynn WON the Presents Contest! That's crazy. Congratulations, Lynn, that's awesome.
Congratulations to everyone! Awesome accomplishments from you both.
What has me excited today? That I made it through the night with the darned cold. I'm coughing and sneezing and snotty and just generally miserable. And I was just beginning to hit my stride again after the surgery. This too shall pass.
PM
Oh man, you guys are so wonderful to me! I didn't want to take over your blog with my news. I am excited and shocked and so many things all at once. Thank you for the party! :)
SQUEEEEEE!! I'm so excited for you, Lynn.
Instigator
Late post but just wanted to say Congratulations on getting that baby in the mail! Hope you did a Happy Dance at the post office. I would have.
Happy Easter,
Sherry W.
What a great day! The baby is in the mail, and Lynn won big. Congrats all around. Pass me a teeter totter. :-)
As to when something is completely entirely finished? Never. It does have to be let go eventually, though, so we do what we have to do.
LJ
Good news is inspring to the muse! I rode the wave and finished my novella for Nocturne. Whew! Should be easier to edit it since its shorter. Then, off in the email it goes!
Congratulations!!
Congrats, SP! Way to go. You're doing a great job sticking to your goals!
Shout out to Lynn! Yeah, baby!
Hope you feel better soon, PM!
Awesome cover, Instigator!
Gosh, I feel like I've been stuck on the moon or something. I'm gone nearly a week and look what happens. Sigh.
Woo hoo, Lynn! Sorry I'm late chiming in, but it's been one of THOSE days. Y'all know the kind.
Anyway -- congratulations! This is so cool.
Thanks, everyone! I've been celebrating. Or maybe recovering from all the Teeter Totters flowing around here. *gg*
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