DAY 24, JANUARY 25, 2023
Good Morning,
Today, I am working on finishing the revision of my first novel. I am very thankful I have a publisher who is patient with me. I am a hybrid author and am grateful to have found people from both spectrums of the independent/traditional publishing world who care about me. They listen to what I say, and at the same time, I listen to what they are saying. It is a two-sided coin.
It is not always easy getting me to see the tiny fragments that make up a story that might need to be clarified or come too soon for the reader. But I move further when they leave me alone to see it myself. I am smiling right now because usually, when they get to the point of living with my decision, my eyes open, and I see what they mean. This is why my editors are crucial for my writing, and I take writing classes, attend writing conferences, and meet up with other writers wherever possible.
I have said once or twice during this Challenge that no man is an island. I believe that wholeheartedly. This phrase comes from one of my favorite readings by John Donne. Most people think it is a poem, but it is a Meditation, contemplative words (here I go again with contemplation) that Donne wrote at an appropriate time in his life that fits exceptionally well in our lifetime.
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.”* (taken from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions Together with Death’s Duel by John Donne and is recorded as he originally wrote it)
I ended yesterday before my fireplace with a tasty cup of Sanddorn Tea. I wanted to show you how beautifully my fireplace burned as I daydreamed before it.
My list for this week includes the following:
- Revising the first 10K of my new novel. It usually takes me at least four to six days to fix 10K. I like to send her my final draft so that she understands the direction I’m moving in.
- A letter to write. I had decided to wait until after the Challenge, but my gut is telling me to do it now, which is what I will do.
- Answering emails and text messages, Daily
- Finishing the last revision of my first novel.
Have a lovely Wednesday.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia
I’d love to have an editor or a publisher to help me through the writing process, but the cost has limited me to editing programs. Reviews show me my weak spots. It’s taken me longer than most to get to the point where I’m happy the path my writing is taking. I’m like the hare, where slow and steady wins the race.
Hi, Susanne,
I don’t know how much your editing programs cost, but I can say that good editors are willing to work with you on a payment plan. As for your writing path, each person is different. I am an African American woman. How long do you think it has taken for people to notice me. A long time. We have to maintain our vision, no matter what. Don’t ever let anyone steal your dream.
Shalom aleichem
Hi Pat! I’m so glad you have people to help you with your writing. I think so many of us need someone to guide us with our storytelling – even if just a little bit. Your meditation and fire are both beautiful, but I must say, I don’t believe I’ve ever tried that tea before. Sorry I’ve gotten behind in my responses, it’s because I’ve spent so much time researching for my posts! Lol! : )
Best wishes,
Donna M. Atwood
D M Atwood
https://www.dmatwood.com
Hi, Pat! I love your fireplace and imagine how comforting it is to sit close to it with your cup of tea. Having a trusting relationship with your editor is vital. As Marian said, every time I read my work, those errors seem to “spring up like weeds.” A good editor will clean up the garden and make sure all the paths lead the reader smoothly through the story.
Blessings!
Patty
Pat, your fireplace is lovely, and your post is, too. I love those lines by Dunne and remember learning them in a class. I agree editors are so crucial and when you find good ones who value your voice it is like gold!
It is a beautiful fireplace, Pat! I’m glad you have found an editor who works with your style. That’s important!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
A beautiful meditation AND fire! I could feel the warmth!
Pat, your posts are like visits with a friend who catches me up on her week. Your list is getting shorter.
I am looking forward to your novel, Pat!
Hi Karen,
Thank you. I look forward to it too. It will be on the RRBC site because my publisher and I have agreed. It still needs some more time because it goes in the publishing process.
Shalom aleichem
“I am very thankful I have a publisher who is patient with me,” you say. Golly, I know exactly what you mean. It takes as long as it takes, and sometimes we get impatient with ourselves because the pace is slower than we’d like. Yesterday I pulled the trigger on sending files to my publisher. I had aimed for January 13, but that didn’t happen. In the meantime, I kept pulling out typos and other errors, which seem to spring up like weeds.
Your editing scenario sounds like you value developmental editing too with readers that spot inconsistencies and more. By the way, your daily list seems to be getting shorter. And only 6 days left in January. Peace and Joy, Pat!
Good Morning, Marian,
Thank you, but I don’t use Beta readers. My developmental editor is a real live coach, and my copy and line editor is a different person. I would have used the copy and line editor that I have for my short stories for my book, but I had already signed a contract, and this is a small publisher who trusts me. I gave him my word, and my word is important to me. However, using his editor is more work for me because I have to be very careful that everything sits just like I want it to. Therefore, between me and my writing are my developmental coach and my copy and line editor. They are both women whom I trust.
Shalom aleichem