Ever since I released One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake Up, it has baffled me why this book outsells my other two. The subject matter must be the reason because it’s not that it is a better-written manuscript. You’ve heard me admit several times, that I made the big mistake by not professionally editing the book before publishing.
Last year, I joined a writer’s critique group. I told the group, if they helped me rewrite my first book, I would join. Not only did the group agree, but they challenged me to finish the rewrite using their input. We began the process, but because of the virus, the library where we met shut down. We were only able to complete eight chapters. Utilizing the group’s guidance, I have now completed the manuscript.
I learned my lesson on the first edition; the second is now at my editors. I anticipate self-publishing it with Amazon with the release coming sometime in June. If the first one has continually sold, perhaps the second edition will sell better.
Below are a few reviews that illustrate why I took on the project of rewriting the manuscript. I can have the worse of the negative reviews removed, but I leave them up to remind myself of my errant ways.
I complained that my second book (What Did I Do?) was selling while my first (One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake UP) was. I revealed that with the first, I hadn’t used an editor. I had received negative reviews. Rather than send the book to an editor, I tried using editing software, specifically ProWritingAid.
Fast forward to 2019, where I joined a writer’s critique group. I was hesitant to join, but told the group, if they helped me rewrite my first book, I would join. Not only did the group agree, but they challenged me to finish the rewrite using their input.
When I joined the group, we would average four or five attendees. We could go over a chapter in two meetings. As months passed, the group expanded to where we had over ten individuals come. To allow everyone to present their material, we had to shorten our pages we shared to four or five. Now it was taking me two or more months to complete a chapter.
It’s now been fifteen months since I lost my husband. There were so many times I didn’t know how I would overcome my grief. What I learned was I have an instinct to survive and more inner strength than I realized. What I quickly learned was to use my friends when things got tough.
I’ve said it, you might have too, “If you need anything, let me know.” Or, “Call me if I can help.” When people said these things to me, I didn’t take them seriously. Oh yeah, they’re saying this to be polite. When after having a series of dark days, I picked up the phone and called one of my friends. I learned they were serious and gladly came to my rescue.
Sometimes all I needed was to have a conversation with someone other than my cat. Other times I needed companionship to get out of the house. I learned friends delight in helping. They didn’t know what to say or how to help. All they needed was for me to ask.
I got through that period of helplessness and indecisiveness. I learned grief wasn’t something I got over; I learned to live with it. I learned that grief brought meaning to my life and the ability to smile at the memories.
If when that someday comes you lose that special person in your life, remember me. Remember when everything seems out-of-balance, your emotional strength will put the world back into perspective. Life as you knew it changes, but you can accept it. Rely on your inner instinct and don’t forget your friends. This is a life journey we all make, but you will learn things about yourself you didn’t know before.
During the last few months, Sally Cronin has selected previously featured writer, bloggers and authors’ and featured something from their archives. This is week three of four where Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is featuring a blog post from my past.
Even when we have never met, Sally has become a friend and a supporter of my writing. Over the last few months I havn’t been active with my blogging and writing, yet Sally continued her caring support. Thank you,Sally, and HUGS.
During the last few months, Sally Cronin has selected previously featured writer, bloggers and authors’ and featured something from their archives. This is week two of four where Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine is featuring a blog post from my past.
Even when we have never met, Sally has become a friend and a supporter of my writing. Over the last few months I havn’t been active with my blogging and writing, yet Sally continued her caring support. Thank you,Sally, and HUGS.
I again have the honor of being featured on Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine. During the last few months, Sally has selected previously featured writer, bloggers and authors’ post from their archives. Over the next four weeks, Sally is featuring some of my previous post she has selected as worthwhile.
Even when we have never met, Sally has become a friend and a supporter of my writing. Even when over the last few months I havn’t been active with my blogging and writing, Sally continued her caring support. I again feel a debt of gratitude for her caring friendship. HUGS Sally.
Sally Cronin Cafe and Bookstore – Promoting My Writing
Sally Cronin is always promoting writers and bloggers. I can’t count the number of times she has promoted me. I always feel honored that she includes me with talented and professional writers. My book One Month, Twenty Days, and a Wake Upwas my first attempt at self-publishing. I will admit it is poorly written and never professionally edited. Someday I plan on rewriting this book and have it properly edited. The story is my attempt to share my experiences serving proudly in the military.
