A week ago, I picked up the first complete printed copy of my manuscript at Kinkos. I stopped myself as soon as I started to feel silly for getting a thrill from the moment. Why shouldn’t I get a kick out of holding the first printed copy in my hands? It was one of those “I couldn’t stop smiling if I tried” moments.
This weekend, I treated myself to revising in bed with my secretary, Thomas. As you can see, Thomas had the weekend off and was enjoying it by sleeping in. I did not sleep very much, but I was excited to finish up the latest round of revisions. It was delightful to read the manuscript from start to finish and mark it up with pen and paper. There’s something about editing on paper that works much better for me. Plus no computer equals no email, twitter, or Facebook (although I did have my iPhone at my side at all times, let’s be reasonable).
My wise writer friends and beloved bloggers say time and time again, it’s a LONG process from idea to bookshelf and you don’t know if you’ll get there. EVER! Right now, my manuscript is about five years old (in people years). She’s going to her first day of school and it’s kind of scary and kind of exciting. Later, she’ll go to Middle School, the worst place ever created. I’m sure that I’ll cringe and want to go to the library to eat my lunch (I did that a lot) many times during this round of revisions. I would continue with this analogy, but you get the point. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, maybe I’m not, but that’s another thing about creative writing, you lose perspective.
I went to my writer’s group last night and it was fantastic. Writer’s group is a great place to regain perspective. The comment that made me the happiest was that people wanted to read more! Phew. There were also questions and suggestions that will strengthen my book in the future. For now, I’m in a funny place. I’m using this time to take a break from my work-in-progress and think about other stories I might like to tell. I’m filling up new notebooks and talking nonstop with Steve about the next adventure we might take (he’s the other half of my brain).
Thank god for green juice (to make up for massive amounts of coffee), D3 (to combat a lack of sunshine), and yoga (circulation anyone?) or I may have turned into a vampire. Speaking of which, anyone going to New Moon? Yes, I did buy my tickets in advance. And no, I’m not ashamed.
I found my center, my purpose, and my heart through writing and I’m here to help you do the same. I work with entrepreneurs, authors, academics, and other driven individuals to help them find their voice on the page. 
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This is so exciting!! I’m so impressed by your commitment! I want it on bookshelves now so I can read it!
I bought my new moon tickets in advance too! I’m seeing it Sunday, but I totally would have gone friday. It’s killing me to wait!
Thanks, Lauren:) Hopefully it will be on your bookshelf someday! It’ll be a signed copy too! We’ll have to start a discussion about New Moon at myCSL next week. Kris and I are going together, we saw Twilight together too! xo
You should feel happy about that. It’s one thing to see your words on the screen. It’s something else entirely to see a stack of your pages.
Allie- Yes! Thank you so much for your constant support. If anyone hasn’t checked out Allie’s blog, go now: http://allielarkin.blogspot.com/
That is SO exciting! You should be smiling ear to ear and telling everyone so we all can smile ear to ear, too! Congratulations over and over and over again!!!!