Isn’t that always? Literally and figuratively and sometimes religiously (depending on what you believe).
Last week I reached The End of The Last Bathing Beauty. Eighty-thousand words, two timelines. All out of order. What made me thinking typing the words The End really meant anything at all? Because if I hadn’t acknowledged the milestone, I may have fallen off into an “I can’t do this” cliff. So I had a little accomplishment party with a fancy font and a Facebook post, and I moved on.
And by the time I started receiving pats on the back and congratulatory messages, I spent a whole day integrating the timelines, had this printed out at my local Kinkos so I could revise the entire manuscript in two weeks and send it to my agent so she can mark any HUGE RED FLAGS I should take care of before my April 1 deadline.
So The End? I think not. But I’m excited about the revisions and about the book.
I started writing this — or conceiving the story — in the spring of 2016. THAT IS NOT A TYPO. By the time TLBB hits bookshelves it will be a 4-year-book-baby! That’s longer than it took to write The Glass Wives, though writing to publication took six years.
Anyway, that’s where I am and what I’m doing in addition to my writing clients.
Have any questions about the process or the novel? I’m happy to answer.
Oh heck, I just miss you all. Talk to me.
Amy xo
Ever want to know more about working with me on your novel or memoir?
Hi Amy: I just read The Glass Wives and really enjoyed it. What an interesting concept of the wife and ex-wife living and working through grief together. Your stories are much like my own: real people dealing with recognizable problems. I look forward to reading your new book when it comes out. And, yes, people don’t realize the length of time it takes to put out a book of quality. It’s hard and time-consuming work. In a way, it’s nice that you don’t ever get to say, The End. The book will always need your attention, just at a different phase of its life, much like a child.
You’re so right, Gillian!
Thank you for reading TGW, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Best,
Amy
Congratulations, Amy! I’m so happy for you! Such a huge milestone, typing, ‘The End.’ This book sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read it!
Oh, thank you, Lori. You introduced me to even the concept of Southwest Michigan. I was only a few hours away but I don’t know that I would have ever “found it” if it weren’t for you!
We have missed you too! I can’t wait for your newest to come out: my goal this year is to read at least one book of each Tall Poppies author – so you are helping me with that one; and since I have loved all your books in the past I have NO DOUBTS about this one!! ❤️ I miss seeing you in PA, but if you and any other Tall Poppies get the chance to come to Vero Beach, FL, we have a wonderful indie book store here that does bring in authors quite often…hint, hint. Hope you are well, my friend!
Enjoy Florida!!! Nothing good about winter in Philly!