It's done, finished, finito, over. I have long doubted this day would ever come, but it finally has. I have edited my book for the last time, and it is now in the very safe hands of my friend Audrey.
We authors all rely on our friends' generous input and support while writing our books, but I feel Audrey deserves a special mention. Not only has she tirelessly re-edited my book (my editor Lindsay did a great job, but I couldn't stop changing it, even after she'd proofread it), she has been my technology expert to boot. To date she has helped me set up my Facebook page, web page and new email account, to mention just a few items.
I am in awe of Audrey's talents, but perhaps her greatest attributes are her positive outlook and enthusiasm, both of which have been sorely tested and not found wanting.
I have learned a lot during the writing of my memoir, but the maxim I will carry into the future is 'surround yourself with enthusiastic people.' Although most friends and family have been very supportive, a few friends have shown little interest in reading the first( free) chapter. Some who read it couldn't be bothered to tell me their opinion of it, while a close family member initially 'read it for half an hour then went off to do something else', before eventually finishing it.
I'm not so egocentric as to imagine my memoir has the same priority in friends and relatives' lives as it does in mine, but come on! At least feign some interest in a project that has been the most important thing in my life for more than a year. You're supposed to care about me. Also, writing a memoir is by nature very personal. I have put my life (and my family's) out there, and am feeling pretty vulnerable and sensitive about that. I would value your support.
That's why Audrey is so special to me. I asked her to read the whole book and comment on any errors, changes required, etc. Not only did she respond to the request with excitement and enthusiasm, but she read it in a couple of hours. She emailed me back immediately on its completion.
'The grammar ninja (my name for her) will make some comments later, but for now this is just a rave review.'
Her comments made my day.
My memoir is finished, and with Audrey's formatting skills, it will be published on Amazon very soon. However my work is far from over. I now have to market it and I will be kept pretty busy with that project. Audrey has already contributed to this task, and I know I can rely on her continued support and interest. She might struggle to always adhere to Ghandi's motto of, 'Do it with joy or don't do it at all', especially when dealing with my lack of compter savvy but, happily for me, she makes a pretty convincing attempt.
We authors all rely on our friends' generous input and support while writing our books, but I feel Audrey deserves a special mention. Not only has she tirelessly re-edited my book (my editor Lindsay did a great job, but I couldn't stop changing it, even after she'd proofread it), she has been my technology expert to boot. To date she has helped me set up my Facebook page, web page and new email account, to mention just a few items.
I am in awe of Audrey's talents, but perhaps her greatest attributes are her positive outlook and enthusiasm, both of which have been sorely tested and not found wanting.
I have learned a lot during the writing of my memoir, but the maxim I will carry into the future is 'surround yourself with enthusiastic people.' Although most friends and family have been very supportive, a few friends have shown little interest in reading the first( free) chapter. Some who read it couldn't be bothered to tell me their opinion of it, while a close family member initially 'read it for half an hour then went off to do something else', before eventually finishing it.
I'm not so egocentric as to imagine my memoir has the same priority in friends and relatives' lives as it does in mine, but come on! At least feign some interest in a project that has been the most important thing in my life for more than a year. You're supposed to care about me. Also, writing a memoir is by nature very personal. I have put my life (and my family's) out there, and am feeling pretty vulnerable and sensitive about that. I would value your support.
That's why Audrey is so special to me. I asked her to read the whole book and comment on any errors, changes required, etc. Not only did she respond to the request with excitement and enthusiasm, but she read it in a couple of hours. She emailed me back immediately on its completion.
'The grammar ninja (my name for her) will make some comments later, but for now this is just a rave review.'
Her comments made my day.
My memoir is finished, and with Audrey's formatting skills, it will be published on Amazon very soon. However my work is far from over. I now have to market it and I will be kept pretty busy with that project. Audrey has already contributed to this task, and I know I can rely on her continued support and interest. She might struggle to always adhere to Ghandi's motto of, 'Do it with joy or don't do it at all', especially when dealing with my lack of compter savvy but, happily for me, she makes a pretty convincing attempt.