Sunday Smatterings
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Hello, my dears, from the land of revision
Revising a book is the art of writing. It is also infuriating, frustrating, humbling, and trying. There are moments of bliss—”my God, did I write that? That’s very good.” And there are moments where you shake your head and start looking at job listings because you know in your heart that what you’ve written is utter, complete trash.
(Which is why I’m writing this at the moment, instead of editing. Ahem.)
Drafting a book and revising a book are such different beasts. They each have their moments of glory, but in the end, it’s the revision that I love so much. It’s hard, though, hard to take apart a story and mend it again. Sometimes it’s like sewing on buttons - straightforward and simple. There are hems to stitch, holes in the fabric, rips, tears. Sometimes you need to take it in at the waist, or let it out. Sometimes, even when you think it looks great in the mirror, someone close to you will pull you aside and say, “did you know you have a large stain on your bottom?”
But in the end, you cobble together 400 or so pages of words that tell a story, and send it into the ether, praying your people like it enough, or see enough merit in the story, to work with it. I have such faith in my editor. She is very, very good at her job, and has a doctorate in Ellison-style interpretive dance. Even when I’ve missed the mark, she seems to know what I’m attempting, and can always find a way to help me get where I’m trying to go. So fingers crossed when the book lands on her desk this week, she can see the forest for the trees.
Trust me when I say I am ready to write about a tropical beach next. I’ve had enough of storms for now.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, and Happy Mother’s Day to those who wanted to be moms, and Happy Mother’s Day to all those with fur babies. I know that while this is a joyous day, it’s also a difficult day for so many. So I’m sending you some love directly, in case it’s needed.
Onward...
THE LATEST ON THE INTERNET:
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Don’t forget: this Tuesday May 12 I’ll be chatting with Heather Gudenkauf, Lisa Unger, and Mary Kubica in honor of Heather’s new book THIS IS HOW I LIED. There will be prizes! Details here.
Books That Grab You. Great list!
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You Must See These Perfectly Timed Photos. Truly impressive!
I'm a little behind on Book of the Month selections. They all look so good! Which one should I read next?
What are you reading?
That’s it from me. Send a note to a mom you know, rearrange the furniture if you’re feeling stuck, take a deep breath of gratitude, and I’ll see you next week!
Peace and hugs,
J.T.
