Last Monday, I received the email I've been waiting on for a few months. The finished galley of my new book The Mulligan. The publisher gave me ten days to scour the work and find any errors in punctuation or spacing that might have occurred during the layout.
At first, I didn't want to open the attachment. I mean, here it is. My work in print form. Do I really want to read my whole book again and maybe find errors I can't change?
No one warned me what this stage in publication might be like. It's scary but exciting all at the same time. So I took a deep breath and opened it.
And probably like every other writer who has their first book coming out, I gasped as I read a sentence I couldn't change. Really? Did I really use that form of verb? Did I really mean to say it that way?
Of course, as I continued to read and email all my friends who already have been published with books, I calmed down. What is. . . is. I had to remember that my book has undergone major editing by others than me.
So I read on. And yes, I'll admit, I cried in two different places. Not because I hated the writing but because of the story. Dumb maybe but it gave me peace.
It's taken me seven years to get to this stage of my dream. But I'm here and learning as I go. That's what being a writer is all about. The celebrations and the discouragements.
Are you pushing on in your walk as a writer? What are you celebrating today?
11 comments:
I often feel like I am pushing through. Sometimes it's just because I have so many other things going on and have to find time and energy to buckle down and write, or fix what I've written. I dislike that - when you see something in your writing you cannot change. It's interesting too, to read back over things I'd written years ago and see how much my writing has grown. I am sure it will all work out for you. Excited for you! :)
I am so happy for you, Terri, that your dream has come true! Hooray and Hallelujah!
I don't think we ever get used to our mistakes; we just learn to laugh and say, "Oh, I did that on purpose to make the rest of you feel not so alone when you mess up!"
I'm so excited for you. Congratualtions. Isn't that just how we are? We focus on our mistakes and don't honor the hard work, determination, and skill it took to write the entire draft. You created a book that made it to this stage. Celebrate that! The other small mistakes really don't matter.
GREAT to have a new friend. One who has already walked where I know God is leading me and can help me to navigate the murky waters up ahead...kat
I so appreciate your transparency! I can't wait to read your book. I know you labored long and hard over it and shared with us every step of the way. It's inspiring, and as I look forward to traveling the road myself, I so appreciate the insights you provide ;D
Susan
I gave up on marketing my books but tonight while teaching a class about writing your life story, i sold a few books and met some enthused students!
I am definitely pushing on AND celebrating. I still love the writing I'm doing. I still have SO much to learn - and I am enjoying the process! (Most of the time, anyway LOL).
HUGE congrats to you, Terri. Super excited for ya!
Today I'm celebrating you and your dream....and your beautiful re-worked blog. Very pretty! Blessings!
That is so cool, that you've reached the galley stage! Congrats and WOOHOO! :) Yes, I am definitely pushing on as a writer. Climbing over those bumps in the road!
love the new header and wow. That's great about your book. I'm excited for you Terri. Your dream is becoming reality. Love that you never gave up on it.
I think that's why many writers never read their work again once it's published. There's no changing it now! ;)
Congrats on reaching this next stage. I'm so excited for you.
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