LaPalm Books

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. I’ve been busy – – writing! Of course I’ve done tons of other things since then, but I must say I’m terribly excited to have set a daily goal for this round of editing and, more importantly, I reached it!

This very fact is exciting for two reasons: 1) the finished edit means I can now leave it for a few weeks while I go on a fabulous vacation with my family. There should be no writing of dialogue in my sleep or worries over plot (at least I hope). and 2) the finished edit proves to myself that I can do this whole writing gig and be a good wife and mom. I was concerned over how much the first book stole in terms of time from family. And I was sincerely hoping this experiment would work so I could find the balance I forever seek.

Oh. There was another unexpected bonus to this! I was able to write again – every day!!! I missed it so…

Now there are no excuses. When I return from vacation, I intend to ruthlessly edit the new book, do some hard followup on the old book, and begin the query process with literary agents and independent publishers. And yet, with my ever-practical take on life, I see this latter exercise to be just that – a learning experience. I don’t carry grand thoughts of being published by an actual house nor do I expect this next book to do anything more than the last. I’ve realized not everyone cares, not everyone notices, and not everyone accepts my type of writing. But of greater importance here is that I understand and embrace it. I’m no longer fearful of rejection. I want it! Because – for me – it means someone has taken the time to read my work. I so look forward to the rejections and hope they come with suggestions on what I can do better.

Don’t get me wrong…an offer would be pretty sweet, too.

But of course, I do have a backup plan. The Choice Not Taken will be self-published, regardless, since I don’t intend to slave away at sculpting a nice little read only to have it sit in the file cabinet. Just the idea of creating the cover and interior for printing makes me giddy. And if all goes well, I should have another printed/on-line book in my repertoire just in time for back to school!

*Sigh* ~ I can’t wait to see what I learn this time around so I can do even better with book #3 (uh, did I just say that????)