Worth the Wait

Book Launches and Preorders Edson Public Library and Taleblazers

Worth the Wait

Suzy, from the Edson Public Library, was kind enough to post a message on Facebook, saying she couldn't wait to meet me this Saturday. The feeling is entirely mutual. Not only will I get to hang with the effervescent Suzy (who has organized the day), I'll get to present four, 40 minute workshops on writing and chat with likeminded writers, or those interested in learning more about the craft. How lovely. Indeed, I can't wait.

There's a lot of waiting in an author's life so I should be used to it. You have to wait for agents to fall in love with your work, wait for revisions from your editor, chew your nails off waiting for production details, early reviews, and the anticipation of the publication date / book launch party.

But before all that good stuff – the actual writing of your book. This is possibly the most rewarding wait of all – the time it takes for you and your muse to make it to The End. Could be a few months, could be a few years. I've started a bit of a game with myself, to keep the wait bearable, to see progress along the way – to FEEL it in my hands. I've created something I refer to as the WEIGHT TEST. I'm sure other authors do it, come on, fess up. I can't be alone in this simple pleasure. (Um…it's not as dirty as it sounds…lol…)

While writing a first draft I print my manuscript just four times before the final draft is complete. Each time I print the WIP, I read what I've got and make changes, sure – but what I'm really doing is the Weight Test. I put a black bulldog clip on the pages and lift the manuscript….testing the weight and bulk of it. Initially, it's not much. But by the fourth printing…oh boy, that mother is substantial.