I finished my final draft of Simply Outrageous on July 19th while on a writers' retreat in Ft. Bragg, California. That very day I sent it off to my developmental editor in New York.
On August 21st, she sent back her edit and comments. Summer vacations and getting her daughter ready for college resulted in some delay. But she is so good I am willing to wait.
I did some minor rewriting and added a chapter at her suggestion. On August 30th, it went back to her for final review. Her comments on September 2nd, "LOVE the revisions--the new conflict there in chapter 25 works perfectly, and is foreshadowed well. Works great, timing wise, and really fits their characters."
On September 7th, I sent the manuscript to my line editor. She has been traveling and visiting with family so I don't yet have her comments back.
I have contacted my cover designer and I expect to have her designs back by the time I am ready to format my book for release.
It took me nine months to write the book, and it appears three months or more of edits. With any luck, I will be able to begin formatting by mid-October – I will be traveling during the first week of the month. I will have my laptop with me, so I may squeeze in some time to work as well.
Meanwhile, I have begun writing a fantasy novel. I have never written in this genre, but I am enjoying it immensely. I can let my imagination run wild. The title of the new book is A Year and a Day. I am hopeful that I will be able to release this new book in the spring.
It is amazing how life and travel get in the way of my writing schedule. But that's a writer's life.
Until next time,
Sharon
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
—Ernest Hemingway