That’s a Wrap! / Editing Is Hard Work

  Yes I cried.

But happy tears, because I was thrilled! I had worked so hard to revise my manuscript for AFTER THE FIRE, that when I typed the last words into my computer today for the new and improved book, I couldn’t contain my emotions. This has been my baby since November 2015. When you work that long on something, it becomes a part of you. 

This afternoon, I contacted my editor, Jen, and said I had finally finished with the revision. She gave me some hard facts about the original manuscript regarding genre and how we were going to market the book, that I literally had to tear the story apart and redo a lot of it. It was daunting and I admit, at first I was overwhelmed. But once I got into it, I loved the story even more.

The story hasn’t changed. It’s still the hunky excavating operator that comes to Lake County after the Valley Fire, and falls in love with not only the community, but with a local girl as well. It’s just that now, we get to hear everything from our country girl, Sarah McKinney’s point of view too. I think it made it way more interesting and it gives you more of the whole story.

Above is my dorky, poor quality picture, but I was alone when I completed my long awaited task and I had to record the occasion, regardless of the fact that I hadn’t showered or done my make up. Writing is all that’s been on my mind until I finished. My house has been neglected (husband somewhat as well), and now I feel so accomplished, I will actually spend time tomorrow cleaning and being a domestic goddess once more… ok that’s a stretch but I will mop my floors.

What’s next Patti, you might be asking. Well, I spoke with my editor today briefly and she said by the end of the month, (and that’s just a rough idea), she should have my book back to me with grammatical corrections and suggested changes, should she still find issues. I’m truly hoping I fixed any plot or timeline issues already, so it shouldn’t be too awfully long from now that I will be querying the agent who showed interest in my book back at the San Francisco Writers Conference in February. Fingers crossed folks!

 But today,

I’m celebrating this hurdle. I am closer than I’ve ever been before to actually publishing a book. THIS book, is very personal not only to me, but to so many friends and community members that I am hoping I don’t let anyone down. It is my intention to bring all who have ever experienced tragedy through either fire, or the loss of love, a happily ever after.

If you want to read the first scene of After The Fire, I previously posted it in my blog and you can click here to read. Once my editor decides she likes what I’ve done, I will post another scene to get y’all hooked before the book is published and you are able to hold the real article your hands.

Once again, thank you for all your support. I am getting closer and closer. I wish you all a relaxing and fun remainder of your summer. Make memories with your family and live, laugh, and love with all your hearts.

Cheers!