I've written the book, done my final edits and I'm awaiting feedback from my beta readers. Anathema is getting so very close to publication and I can't wait to announce a date!
In the meantime I still have a billion things to do. One of the final pieces I've been most excited to write are the acknowledgments. A book doesn't happen on its own, and if it does, then, um, perhaps you ought to let a couple people read it before you put it out there.
I began writing Anathema in January of 2009. It's been touched by many, many different people and I want to thank every one of them. It's a good thing I started a list of who helped when I began writing the novel. Yes, I am a creative person, but I'm also very organized.
Writing can be a very solitary profession, but if you reach out and connect with other writers you'll find not only your writing enriched, but also your life. There's nothing like having colleagues to whine to when the writing's tough. No one understands your literary ups and downs more than people who are riding the roller coaster with you.
So, no matter where you are in your writing process, keep track of those who've helped you along the way. I've made some amazing friendships and strengthened others through my writing. That, in itself, is a fantastic award.
Peace,
Megg
It's funny--a couple of weeks ago, Rachelle Gardner asked people if they thought "it takes a village to make a book." There was an implication that indie authors seem to think they can do it all alone.
ReplyDeleteUh, NO! Sheesh. There's no way I could do this alone! I just choose to select my village carefully, on my terms. But heavens--I needed a book cover designer, beta readers, editors, e-publishing guides, etc. I definitely had a village!
BTW, with "Silver Thaw," my novella, the formatting took a morning or so of prep. But, it was short--less than 30K words--and that includes registering for ISBNs and copyright. Once I hit the "publish" button, it was live on Smashwords the same day. It took about 36 hours (maybe a bit more) on Amazon and about 24 hours on B&N. Amazon was definitely the longest, though.
Good luck with your final prep! I'm doing the same thing right now--it's agonizing, exciting, and breathtaking all at once! :)
Amy
Wow Megg! I am so excited for you! Congrats on the upcoming release!
ReplyDeleteAngeline Kace
Amy, I absolutely agree!! I have so much to learn right now too and if I didn't have my tribe, I'd be so lost!!!!
ReplyDeleteAngeline, thanks! :-) I can't wait to hear more from you too about your writing!!!