Friday, December 04, 2009

Writing Journey: Got My Edit!

My current journey . . .

See Wednesday's and Thursday's posts for some of my other fun news for the week (a Christmas article, my winning essay, etc.). I was touched when my friend Alison Palmer even posted about my win. I had so many people e-mail me, comment on Facebook, and otherwise congratulate me. Yesterday was awesome. Thanks to everyone!

In other news, I officially have my edit for Band of Sisters. I got it earlier this week, and I'm supposed to give it back to Kirk, the editor of awesomeness, on Monday.

For previous books, such short of a timeline to go over an edit would have seriously freaked me out. This time, I'm okay with it, because the edit is quite light. I really think that by the time I got this one through my critique group, it was pretty darn clean. That, and I was able to write it at a pace that got it clean as I went, if that makes sense. Plus, it's contemporary, which required very little research beyond the military parts, yet I took as long to write it as my historicals, again, cleaning as I went. .

Or maybe I'm improving as a writer. I like to hope so. :)

When I got the edit, Kirk gave me some of the highest praise about this manuscript, better than I think I've ever received for any book even from a reviewer or a reader or anything. I've already printed out his e-mail and will be tacking it near my desk so I can read it on those days when I feel I'm an idiot for thinking I can write.

(Thanks, Kirk! You SO made my day!)

I'm still wigging that I actually get to keep the title I submitted the book with.

To be honest, I stink at coming up with titles. This time, I was brainstorming with my husband, and Band of Sisters was his idea, a play on "Band of Brothers," since the story is about women who come together and support one another while their husbands are deployed to Afghanistan.

And the journey goes on.


Next week, I'll either give a continuing update, or I'll answer some reader questions in the queue.

15 comments:

Lara Neves said...

I've always loved that title from the first moment you mentioned it was your working title. I think it's perfect, and I haven't even read the book. :)

Good luck with your edits this weekend. Nice they're so light during the holidays, eh?

Anonymous said...

That's awesome news about the edits! I'm glad Kirk said such wonderful things (all of which I'm certain are deserving). I like the title too. It feels just right.

Wonder Woman said...

I am so excited to read this book. I very easily could've been one of those women, and feel a kinship to them. Plus, by cousin is going for his 2nd tour in a few months, and I have two good friends who just left for the Middle East.

p.s. I saw that you're going to be in my neck o' the woods in a few weeks.....I just might stop by and say hi!

Unknown said...

So very cool! And I read your essay - I can totally see why it won!

I kind of like that there is a side of me that my kids only kind of understand. I hope this doesn't sound horrible, but I need a certain "difference" that helps me see myself without the labels.

My writing does that to a certain extent, but honestly, it's my music arranging and orchestrating that really is my private domain. They my hear it, even think it's "ok", but I know it's one thing that I do that they absolutely do not, will not, do.

I can't explain how that keeps me feeling "whole", but it does.

Congratulations on everything! Sounds like a good week for you!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I am just all kinds of excited for all the good things happening for you. Kind of sad about The Writing Journey being up to date now. I've thoroughly enjoyed the saga!

Rebecca Irvine said...

A kind word (especially from an editor) goes such a long way. Congrats on getting such good feedback!

Stephanie Black said...

Congrats on the great feedback!

Luisa Perkins said...

It's the perfect title; I've always thought so. Fantastic news!

Laminate that email from Kirk. It sounds amazing.

Sarah M Eden said...

Could I have a copy of that email to tack up by my desk (with your name whited-out and mine inserted)? That would help me out a TON!

Heather of the EO said...

I love the title!

And congrats on your writing contest win!

wendy said...

Great title for your book.
and I think it is so great when someone you admire and respect in the profession you are in----gives you such praise. It is because of encouraging people like that , that we are able to keep on keeping on.
so KEEP ON.

Jo said...

Congrats! It is really awesome to watch your books being "born".

Melanie Jacobson said...

How fun! I know whatever praise Kirk gave you was well-deserved. I'm jealous you got to keep your title. I loved mine but Covenant put out one with a similar title last month and I don't get to keep mine. Sniff.

I'm looking forward to the new book!

Josi said...

I'm doing galleys too! enjoy.

* said...

Kirk sounds like a keeper!!

Yes, the title is a great one. makes me intrigued to read it!

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