Thursday, July 12, 2012

I Finished a Book!

Okay, after that last post I wouldn't blame you if you wondered what kind of book and so what? But I have finally finished writing a novel to the best of my abilities and have asked for readers. This is a first folks -- a novel. Not a short book. We're talking to the tune of sixty-five thousand words, and the right ones, I hope! My daughter has first dibs on the copy I've printed for myself. She said she'll put it on her summer reading chart and list it as: to be published! I've also received offers from my writing friends and I am so grateful for their time and effort. I've critiqued several novels now, so it is a strange feeling to give your book baby to someone else. It's just not the same when it's your heart that is exposed on the page.

But I wouldn't be at this stage without my writing partner Jen Heger, who literally waited for the next chapter, and because she was waiting, I would write. Some days the writing was very hard, but I did it for her. And Nancy Butts, my ICL instructor, was beyond compare. I sent her first drafts with the greatest trepidation because I knew they weren't good enough, but she not only guided me but said that it was a "luminous story." I know I should not quote private correspondence, so to balance luminous I give you: "Huh?" "Cut," "Show me!" But that word 'luminous' buoyed me. 

This is how I feel like now. Free. Euphoric.

And sleepy! I'm going to catch up on some zzzz's.





Thanks be to God for everything! And to my family and friends, who have each, in their own way, given me a boost.
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14 comments:

Faith E. Hough said...

This post makes me want to sing some sort of congratulatory song, or maybe dance around wildly. :)
I'm so happy for you and proud of you. Finishing a novel--finishing revisions, especially, takes more blood, sweat and tears than most people imagine. Have a wonderful rest--you deserve it!

Bish Denham said...

YEAH! I'm looking forward to reading it, Vijaya.

Mirka Breen said...

This is *GIGABIG* Vijaya. A huge pat on the back.
Will you tell us who don't get to read it in advance a little bit about it? A tiny hint? A riddle?

Marcia said...

Yay! And now you enjoy some well-earned play. :)

Vijaya said...

Faith, oh yes, please do sing and dance with the little girls! I'm thinking an Alleluia in two parts!

Bish, I am excited ... right now D is reading, and finding typos.

Marcia, yes, rest and play, and housework!

Mirka, thank you for asking and celebrating. Here's a teaser from my query just for you:

When the dark river snaking beneath this finally overflows, and Rebecca discovers the truth of what happened the day she was burned, will she be able to keep her head above the flood of emotions and decide what is the right thing to do? Join Rebecca as she struggles to hold onto her dreams while wrestling with questions about life, love, and responsibility.

Vijaya said...

testing

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

That's WONDERFUL, Vijaya! Congratulations!! So excited for you! Rest well, you deserve it!

Ruth Schiffmann said...

This is fabulous, Vijaya! So happy for you. =)

Donna said...

I am soooooooooo proud of you! YAYAY, VIJAYA! You deserve TWO pina coladas! :) You know I'm game for reading it if you need some extra eyes, girlie! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!

Evelyn said...

Hooray! Hooray!! I'm so happy for you, dear friend. I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment you must be feeling. Enjoy this special time to the fullest. Blessings, Ev

Vijaya said...

Ruth, Donna and Ev, thank you. It is a wonderful place to be at. And Donna, I have enough readers now, but I might want another fresh set of eyes so I will definitely keep you in mind.

Mirka Breen said...

"When the dark river snaking beneath this finally overflows, and Rebecca discovers the truth of what happened the day she was burned, will she be able to keep her head above the flood of emotions and decide what is the right thing to do? Join Rebecca as she struggles to hold onto her dreams while wrestling with questions about life, love, and responsibility."


Thank you for the dip/tease. I look forward to wading!

Angela Ackerman said...

Congrats, Vijaya! I am so happy for you. That first big novel is a huge deal! I hope you get great feedback!

Vijaya said...

Mirka, my husband is drowning. It's been great to have the family give me their opinions. Some are very helpful.

Angela, thank you. I'm so thankful to be able to share the milestones.