Making Progress

After yesterday's post, I need to share something positive. If I'm being transparent, I, who was dubbed "Little Mary Sunshine" by a rude, pessimistic co-worker, am finding it more difficult than usual to be positive. This weather, with the piles of snow everywhere, the freezing temperatures, and the biting wind suck the joy right out of me. It wouldn't be so bad if the Heavy-B and I could get out to walk, but the snow is deep, the weather is awful, and I don't go out anymore than I have to. Viewing the world through frosted glasses dulls my joy. However, the positive: I have finally sent my children's book off to the editor. 

For someone who genuinely enjoys writing, writing a rhyming children's book is extraordinarily challenging. I need to get out of my own way, stop thinking that every word I jot down is set in stone, and hack away at the rough draft. I had to walk away from the entire project for almost a year. Finally, I gained some clarity, looked at the editor's notes, viewed it with a fresh perspective, and just chopped, reworked, chopped again, and again, and again. I finally came up with something with a clear plot, enough of a twist to be interesting, yet still gentle, loving, and heartfelt, and it is a joy to read aloud.

I loved reading aloud to The Bean when she was little. I still enjoy reading aloud to her when she will permit it. As a teacher, I enjoyed reading aloud to my classes and sharing my love of stories. I miss reading aloud. I wish I could find a job where my only duty is to read aloud to children. That would be a dream job for me. My current gig isn't too bad, don't get me wrong...insert a wink. 

My book is narrowed to the appropriate word count for a children's book, my character is developed, the plot is solid, and my rhymes are pretty good; a few feel weak or forced. I am greatly looking forward to seeing what Sally, my editor, does with the book. She has offered to arrange an illustrator for me, but I have a very talented friend who captures my vision for this story. I'm very excited to see it all come together. 

My goal is to have the book ready and published for the fall. I was hoping for the spring, but that is really pushing everyone involved. After all, it has been almost a year; a few more months of productivity won't hurt anything. I plan to incorporate an autumnal theme into the book since autumn is my favorite time of year.  I hope it is as lovely as I envision. 

This year is going to be a good one, dear reader. It's going to be filled with change and lots of new ventures. A finished children's book is one of them. We are very early into the process, but we are moving forward. Of course, my little brain is going in a million different directions. I am thinking about how to market and promote my story. I already have new ideas for different books floating around in my little brain. I'm thinking about a Lester-themed soap and gift basket idea. There is a lot to think about. It's all things that I consider fun and they make me smile. Smiling is good. 

On this seasonal February day, stay safe, be smart, do things that make you smile, look forward to new ventures, and keep washing your hands.