I just finished revising my 12th book and sent it to my editor at 3 a.m. this morning. I wish I could say that along with this achievement, there’s fireworks and cake. (Well, okay, there is strawberry rhubarb pie. Yay!) But it mostly comes with exhaustion, and an eye directed to my next projects. I always think about weeding my flower beds, go figure. But it’s been hot, so I just might not.
Some people are genuinely happy for me. Some people, I never hear from anymore, and maybe they have their excuses, like not going on FB ever, etc. That’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve struggled with in this industry; being genuinely happy for others’ successes, so I can’t fault others. But it’s okay. What matters is that I had set a goal and worked super hard to achieve it.
Drafting this book in 5 days was an interesting experiment. Revising it in 6 has been a relief. By the time I am publishing book 12, I think a certain expectation is laid down. That I could be better / quicker / more profitable. Nos. 1 and 2…check. No. 3… we’ll see with this book.
Revising it was both joyful and alarming. Joyful because some parts read well and revising scenes was easier as I had a better grip on my characters. Alarming because I had to cut fluff scenes, cheese, and rolled my eyes so much. But in the end, the book represents my best effort at this stage of my writing career.
Anyhoo…Book Baby 12 is revised! Woo-hoo! Come celebrate with me and have a slice of pie!