Writing, Friends, Editing, and Cover Reveal
Many authors like to talk about their work in progress, especially when the book comes closer to being published, but I haven’t been too vocal about my latest WIP or shared much about it with anyone except a few close writing friends. So what’s so top secret about it? Why wouldn’t I want to announce to the world the upcoming birth of my new baby? Possibly because it was confusing for me to write? Possibly because by the time it went off to the editor I still couldn’t peg the subtitle, which in turn held me up with my cover artist to even begin the cover process because I need the cover to represent the essence of the book, and I still hadn’t captured the essence of my book.
Writing is definitely a solo activity. Yes, I know, of course it’s solo, unless of course we’re co-authoring with another writer. But nobody else can tell our story, so ultimately, it’s only us who writes it. But it’s after the writing that we must invite others into a look at our story. After we get that first draft written and the re-writing process begins, so does the self-doubt. As a memoir writer it can be a little more intimidating to bring our work into the world because we are opening our soul and our personal lives to the universe. In doing so we have to make sure our work is truthful, it engages readers, and it leaves a message or lessons behind for the reader to take with it. But how do we know our book will do all these things? We don’t. And that’s where getting others involved in our writing is important.
If we write a book and send it off into the world without any input, that increases the odds of our questioning our own work. Sure, it’s important to edit our work, but unless we’re going to pay for a costly developmental edit as well as copy/line edits, how are we to know how our story resonates with others before we publish? Two words: Beta readers. It’s so important to send our manuscripts off to various readers for feedback. This isn’t quite the editing stage, although the story should have gone through a round or two of our own edits before going to a beta reader (something I didn’t do properly with my latest upcoming book). Beta reading isn’t about finding typos and punctuation errors, but more about how the story resonates with the reader, where there are plot holes, continuity issues, repeated phrases, and so on. These are some of the things a beta reader should and will let us know where our story is falling short so we can fix our stories before the final editing stage begins.
When I sent my latest WIP to my beta readers, I felt stuck with some of my stories. I wasn’t sure if I could publicly own some of the things I wrote about, so I skirted around some issues, hoping to get feedback on those passages in particular. And boy, did I ever. By the time I got my MS back from those readers I actually asked myself how on earth I could have sent it out in the state it was in. It seemed I was still in my own mind looking at my work without looking at it objectively, something us writers are quite good at doing. This is kind of like when we try to edit our own work, we overlook things because we know our story, we know what we expect to read so we miss some of the glaring errors along the way. Perhaps my MS was still a bit raw in thought when I sent it out, but I learned a lot from the feedback, and it took me another 3 re-writes to get it into better shape before it would go to the editor. And still, some parts plagued me. I questioned myself on TMI, or not enough? I tortured myself for weeks with a fitting subtitle to indicate to readers what they could expect to find by reading the book without giving too much away, or more importantly, without misleading them with an inaccurate subtitle. Then the month I spent racking my brain out with a journal full of possible subtitles and throwing those ideas up to numerous writing friends in private messages, finally helped me come up with the appropriate title. Of course the delay in my subtitle held me back with my cover artist because I needed the image on the cover to relate to the book too, to give readers a feel for what the book is about.
Often in writing memoir, the title of the book doesn’t give readers a good indication of what the genre is and because of this, many memoirs are subtitled. For example, my first book – Conflicted Hearts – A Daughter’s Quest for Solace from Emotional Guilt. Do you see? If the book was only titled Conflicted Hearts, that alone doesn’t denote what kind of book it is. It could mean a love story ending in a broken heart, or anything really. But the subtitle tells the reader what they’ll be in for.
My newest book is titled Twenty Years: After “I Do”. That’s the title. If it were only titled Twenty Years, that could mean anything right? The colon and additional title adds the thought that this book may be about what happens in the 20 years after we marry. But that doesn’t capture the essence of my stories enough, so I finally came up with the subtitle, Reflections on Love and Changes Through Aging. I felt that the subtitle now indicates better to a reader what they can expect to read about in the book. Sounds simple enough, but trust me, this subtitle was the most difficult to come up with out of all my books. And maybe that was because I wasn’t sure what direction that book was taking. I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to write it in a novel-like manner, or in a self-help manner, and eventually the writing took on a life of its own and ended up being written in the true D.G. Kaye style that all my books seem to do, like I’m telling stories about my own life experiences with a friend. It’s me, all me, talking just as I’d do in real life, only the pages are polished without the ‘ums’ and all those other little wordy things we say when we’re speaking live.
The first doubt that always comes to my mind when I begin writing a new story is – so who cares? Who will care? Why will they care? I used to think that only famous people wrote memoirs. Why? Because they’re famous and people always want to know about the life of famous people. So, in the beginning of writing my first book, besides the fears of publishing an intimate story, I wondered why anybody would care about what I had to say.
A writer endures a lot of self-doubt, believe me – even the famous writers. But when writing is our passion we somehow gain the courage to keep writing. And with the help of writing friends, we can get a different perspective, one that’s often difficult to attain when we’re too involved with our own story.
~ ~ ~
I’d like to thank many of my writing friends for their coming to my call of confusing moments throughout the editing stages of my new and upcoming book. Thank you for the suggestions, for pointing out the wonky things, for brainstorming with me, and most importantly, for the encouragement and the humor you’ve offered to lighten those grueling moments. I’d like to thank a few in particular for their suggestions: Sally Cronin, Tina Frisco, Colleen Chesebro, Marjorie Mallon, and Belinda Miller.
I’m happy to announce my Twenty Years: After “I Do” will be published by the end of November!
And now, without further ado, introducing my cover reveal and blurb!
Blurb:
May/December memoirs.
In this personal accounting, D.G. Kaye shares the insights and wisdom she has accrued through twenty years of keeping her marriage strong and thriving despite the everyday changes and challenges of aging. Kaye reveals how a little creative planning, acceptance, and unconditional love can create a bond no obstacle will break. Kaye’s stories are informative, inspiring, and a testament to love eclipsing all when two people understand, respect, and honor their vows. She adds that a daily sprinkling of laughter is a staple in nourishing a healthy marriage.
Twenty years began with a promise. As Kaye recounts what transpired within that time, she shows that true love has no limits, even when one spouse ages ahead of the other.
DGKayewriter.com 
Lovely cover, Debby!
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Thank you so much Sue. ❤
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I’ve set it up to reblog later ❤
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Oh thanks so much Sue. You’re a doll! ❤
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Small, I am, but not that small 😉 ❤
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Congrats on your upcoming book, Debbie. Sounds like a long time coming but here you are! Book is almost here 🙂 Have to agree with you there is so many bits and pieces when it comes to putting a book together. Agree with Beta readers – they might be able to see your words and thoughts from another perspective. For me, I’ve always been shy about showing my work to others because sometimes I don’t like criticism, but I do know that is what makes my writing stronger. Writing is mainly a solitary activity but with any form of art, it takes a team to bring it all home 🙂 Best of luck with the book 🙂
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Thanks Mabel. Most writers are apprehensive about showing their work, kind of like going to a doctor’s and having to get undressed – you can’t find the problems without looking under the hood!. We grow from critiques, not criticism. And sometimes we cannot be objective when we’re lost in our own work.
Thanks for the well wishes. 🙂 xx
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I like that doctor analogy. ‘We grow from critiques, not criticism.’ What a beautiful line, so well said. Sometimes a different perspective gives our world a whole new different meaning 🙂 xxx
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Thank you Mabel. Absolutely, we need to step away from a situation to look in objectively. It may sound like an old cliche but it works! 😉 xxx
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Whatever works for your writing, works. We all have our own processes. Wishing you lots of luck again with the new publication x
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Thanks again Mabel. 🙂
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Fantastic! Even if I didn’t know you, I would pick up the book because the title and book cover are compelling. I am still in the beta reading stage and often question myself (on many levels) as you mention here. Like you have admitted about your own work, I am still struggling with the book’s title, but today I plan to push the chapter names up a notch. Best wishes on your launch. Congratulations, Debby! So proud of you!
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Thank you so much Marian for your applause and for your lovely compliments. I’m glad my process resonated with you because I know your angst when it comes to writing memoir. Somehow, it doesn’t matter if it’s our first book or our 14th, the anxiety is just part of the process – the second-guessing, the doubt and getting that title and cover just right to convey the exact essence of the book. Every day is a step. You can’t force yourself to be creative when so much pressure is on. Often, it’s the days I step away from my book writing that new ideas pop up. ❤
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This is a wonderful post, Debby. I love learning about your process, and you express the emotional elements of the journey so beautifully and tenderly. The cover is awesome, the topic is one that will resonate.
And Yay for having awesome beta readers. It sounds like you got quality constructive criticism and that is the absolute best! Congratulations and I can’t wait to read this book!
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Thanks so much Diana for your support and enthusiasm. This book had me on the fence with several of the chapters. It’s always intimidating to reveal parts of our private lives publicly, and I managed to get used to it with every book until this one that shares a lot of my marriage, a little different from the mother issues I’ve written about before. I really hope my stories will be helpful for others to navigate their own relationships with a little insight from me. 🙂 ❤
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I can imagine how that would be difficult. It’s funny how memoirs are about the author, but because of shared experiences, they are also about the reader. It’s an intimate experience that way. I’m looking forward to the read. ❤
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Thank you so much Diana, for your comments and your interest. 🙂 xx
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Congratulations, Deb! You made it through all the layers and lengthy processes, and have your book to show for it. Great blurb, and an absolutely beautiful cover! Best of luck with this one! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much Marcia. This book was a grueling process. Glad to have reached the labor pain stage and can’t wait to give it birth LOL. ❤ xx
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Beautiful new cover and title, D.G.!
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Hi Ash. Thank you so much. 🙂
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It’s beautiful ???? congratulations Debby I love love love the colours and the softness to the cover and overall feel ?
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Oh thank you soooooooooo much Sach. That means so much coming from Eagle Eye Sacha Black! Hugs my friend. I’m almost breathing again. ❤ 🙂 ❤
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Great cover, blurb, and hook. My marriage is strong–I’d love to have you explain that to me. I kind of think it just is. I’ll bet there’s a lot more to it.
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Thanks so much Jacqui. As always, I hope that my readers can take cues from my stories. I don’t profess to be the gospel on relationships, but I’ve studied people my whole life, and through my own experience through adversity have learned how to keep the positivity going and how to climb over hurdles. I hope I can express this in my book about keeping things together despite the storms that come our way. Just remember above all, it is WORDS that matter most, how we speak, when we speak, what we speak, and compassion for others. It’s a recipe that works for all relationships.
And P.S. I deleted your repeat comments. Sorry you had problems and thanks for persevering. 🙂
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Love it!
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Thank you so much Uvi. 🙂
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Gorgeous cover! ? So worth the wait! Congratulations!
Ah… TMI or not enough? That must be extraordinarily difficult with memoir. And you are so right about the subtitle. It might sound like a romance or something (with the title you used as an example). Cover and subtitles are crucial. Also, yes, betas. I have a post written about that… They are so important. Anyway, congrats, again! Lovely to have this ‘out there’ for everyone to see and anticipate! 🙂
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Thanks so much Sarah! I’m so excited about the lovely and positive feedback I’m receiving. It really is validating after the long gruel!!!!! 🙂 ❤ xx
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Congrats! Happy to see you’re moving on the next stage of your life. I look forward to this one after the snippets of the challenges you’ve included here and there. Great cover, BTW.
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HI John. Thanks for your kudos, and thrilled you like the cover. I do hope you enjoy it. 🙂 Hugs!
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Too quick on the mouse! Forgot to mention how many agreeable things you noted about the writing game–TMI and all. Been there and continuing to do that. LOL.
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Lol, Quick Draw McGraw! Thanks for taking the time to add the balance of your comment. You know it! TMI comes with memoir writing, but limits are always questionable. They say don’t write in fear of what some people we know in our lives may think, that’s the hardest part – that was part of ‘skirting’ what I wanted to say. But in the end, it is what it is. I don’t force people to read my work. Sometimes the TMI parts are necessary to round off the point of the chapter. Keep that in mind when you read the chapter on Sex and Love. 🙂
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A labor of love, but sometimes I think delivering a book is more difficult! I’m looking forward to buying your book when it’s ready. You’ve put in all the hard work required and that cover is lovely!
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Oh, thank you so much Charli. I’m humbled. 🙂 x
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Excellent post, Deb! Your new baby’s cover is gorgeous, and the blurb captures the essence. I’ll be celebrating its release with you, girlfriend ❤
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Thank you so much for the compliment, for your generous offer to celebrate my launch, and for putting up with me. LOL. Hugs xoxo ❤
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Always, Deb ❤
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Beautiful cover Deb, so happy for you after all you’ve been through to get to this point. I read your post nodding furiously, thinking omg, I’ve been going through this for sooooo long. I’ve had to put my memoir away since the summer with so much else going on, and despaired for too long about ever finishing it. Yet even through the processing of it when not actually writing, I think I’m finally finding that true essence of what it’s really about. It has to come to us doesn’t it? We can’t force it, even when up against editing deadlines lol! I’m hoping to reach the beta reading stage soon. Thank you for your encouragement and reminder of this every important stage. So proud of you my friend, I look forward to spreading the word on what I know will be a moving and beautifully written memoir 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Thank you so much Sher. And lovely to see you here, coming back out into the blogging world after the year you’ve had! Seems we’re 2 peas in a pod LOL. So glad you’re settling in. And glad this post struck a chord with you. We have to step aside often from our work. Pressure upon ourselves doesn’t make anything go more smoothly. Eventually, when it’s time, it will all come together. Thanks for your generous offer to share my launch. I’m hoping another 2 weeks. I’ll keep you posted. ❤ xoxo 🙂
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Yes, it’s a struggle but sometimes as you say, we need to lay our writing down and stop pressuring ourselves. But it’s lovely to be back here Deb, albeit in short bursts, but better than nothing lol. And it’s my pleasure, just let me know when you launch my sweet friend….love & hugs 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo
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Hi Sher! Nice to see you popping in! I hope your getting comfy in your new digs. Thanks so much for your lovely offer. I’m hoping to launch next week!!!! ❤ xxx
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Hi Deb! Ha…this must be the longest ever between replies. Oh this week has kicked my butt so hard that not only my head but everything’s spinning out of control! Hope all is well your neck of the woods my dear friend…I will spread the word next week of your launch, keep me posted and have a wonderful weekend until then! Much love and huge hugs ❤ 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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HI Sher. Don’t even get me started about this week! It’s definitely another book. And speaking of books, my new one is live! 🙂 ❤ xxx
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Hi again Deb! Oh I’m sorry to hear that, hope you’re okay. And I definitely know what you mean, I think I could write a book or three about this entire year…but maybe not. Why relive the pain lol?! Help!!! I can’t keep up no way no how. I’ve never had such a long lapse with writing and blogging, but moving house and the aftermath and trying to manage ‘normal’ life is all consuming. I have had a few meltdowns along the just from the sheer overwhelm of it all. But…we’re getting comfy at last, settling in and also working on making Christmas happen, ha! Having the kids here will make it all worth it…and then, here’s to a whole fresh start into the New Year, I do hope and pray because there has to be only one way to go from here and that’s UP, right? 😉 And yay, you did it! Congratulations my dear friend, I will be right over… ❤ ❤ ❤ xoxoxo
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Thanks so much Sher. Stop stressing and enjoy the rest of the year in your new home with family. Next year you can start fresh. Enjoy every day my friend ❤ ❤ xoxoxo
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That’s exactly what I want to do Deb 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤ xoxoxo
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❤ ❤ xxxx
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Congratulations Debby! The cover is beautiful and the memoir sounds amazing. I’ll definitely have to check it out.
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Hi EC. Thank you so much for dropping and and leaving some love behind. 🙂 xx
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Love the cover, Debby! I will share your news! When you have it all ready with links I can post it on my blog! Congrats and best wishes for much success! I am sure it will be a winner like all your wonderful books! Hugs xx
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Aw, thanks so much Janice, you’re a doll! And what are you doing around here while still on vacay? LOL. Thanks again for your beautiful comments. Hugs ❤ xx
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Congratulations, Sis! The cover is spectacular and the subtitle perfect. I can’t wait to read this book. I wish you all the best and will happy to help you spread the news of your newest book. Hugs and love! ❤
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Aw thanks so much Sis. I’m thrilled you like it, and honored to have you help me spread the word. Thanks for your input! 🙂 ❤ xx
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You are so welcome. ❤
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???
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Wow! Congratulations Deb. 🙂 I love the beautiful, soft cover and the subtitle…you are so right, it gives an idea about what to expect in the book. I am looking forward to the release of your new book but would be travelling from this weekend till mid December. Wishing you great success and would be a part of the promotion. 🙂
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Thanks so much B for your congrats. So glad everyone is getting the same feeling from the cover and blurb. It’s validating. And good for your traveling around. No worries, the book will be published by end of November, and it’s not going anywhere! 🙂 Hugs x
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wow, I love the cover, love it, Debby. xxx
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Yay, thanks so much my sister of the Fey! I’m thrilled by the feedback it’s receiving. ❤ xo
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Oh Debby, I love everything about this post! Everything. Congratulations on another amazing achievement. Bravo. And I just adore the cover. It’s so inviting and soothing. You nailed it! Cheers to you! XO
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Oh thanks so much Natalie for your warm compliments. I’m so pleased with the feedback I’m getting on the cover reveal, especially after a long gruel trying to get it right. ❤ HUgs xo
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Hi Debbie,
Let me echo the congratulations on the new book. Since I have read two of your’s so far, I look forward to this one also. I agree that the cover, title and subtitle do work together well. I’m well three-quarters into my next manuscript and I have no tittle. I don’t have a clue yet. Just as the other ones, it will hit me one day like a bolt of lightning. I wish you well on this one and look forward to watching its success. HUGS
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Hi Chuck. Thank you so much for your lovely compliments. And interesting to hear we’re taking the same journey with our recent books. We both know, it will come when it’s ready and trying to beat ourselves up about a title is not productive because we’ll change it again anyway. Thanks again Chuck. Hugs back! 🙂 x
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Way to go, Deb! The cover is inviting and reminding me of a wedding day. Celebrating your EVERY success!
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Thanks sister! I’m glad you got that from the cover – not quite ‘a wedding day’ per se, but many of them that follow. ❤
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Many congratulations Debby. The cover is gorgeous and your post also very very interesting. May you have another 20 years of marriage – and all success with this book.
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Thank you so much Susan for your most lovely compliments. 🙂 x
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The cover is beautiful, Deb. Congrats. It will be on my December Kindle list…can’t wait to read it. Your writing is so poignant and honest…I’d not worry about TMI if I were you.
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Oh thank you so much Van for both your lovely encouraging words and your interest in my book. I’m humbled. ❤
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good stuff Debby and best of luck
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Thanks so much Geoff. 🙂
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Congrats Debby. This is a wonderful post in so many ways. How driven writers are to show what they want to hide. How honest is everything you say here. I wish you the very best. I can’t wait to read and you better come by the dudes with this. Consider yourself invited and I will be in touch soon. xxxxxx
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Aw thanks so much my sister weapon. Your words are very kind. Thanks for the lovely wishes, and I would be delighted to visit your lovely blog. I shall bring an extra copy of the book in case the little dudes get hungry! Oh, and no dartboards k? LOL. Thanks so much Shey 🙂 xxxxxxxxxx
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Congrats on the launch of your next book, Debby! It really looks good and relevant to many folks!
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Thanks so much Terri. I do hope people can take something from this book. I’ll find out soon! 🙂 x
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Congratulations, Debby! You made it through the God-awful re-writing and beta reader process. That’s got to feel good. I’m sure, like your other books, this will be an inspiring and memorable read. And just in time for holiday reading. Again, congrats!
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Thanks again Ann. You said it – the re-writes are the gruel. I’ll be relieved to release and hope it resonates with many. 🙂
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Yeah!!!!!!! ?? Congratulations, Debby!!!! ?? I’m so excited to learn about your latest book…the cover is divine..so beautiful. The tag is just perfect and an excellent, clear blurb that pulls the reader in,wishing to read more.
Wow! How funny that we have been on the same journey these past few months. It’s interesting and actually slightly reassuring to learn that many of your concerns are ones I have felt/am feeling..l wasn’t sure if it was just because I am new to publishing.
How wonderful to have such great support from your beta readers and a deserved shout out to them. When I come to close to final edits of my main novel I intend to ask for beta reader support and comments – and no doubt will feel likewise – how could I send out such raw material but ultimately it is their input that helps with the final creative process!
Looking forward to the launch of your book and reading about your experience and advice – I’ve been married for nearly eighteen years…the fastest years in my life! How much will be familiar,what tips can I learn…all with your sparkly humour and refreshing take on life! ?❤️
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Thanks bunches Annika. Yes, I was surprised when I read you’re getting ready to publish too. It seems you and I both haven’t said a whole lot about our new babies. And everything you’re feeling may feel overwhelming because it’s your first publishing journey, but it comes with the territory with every book (from my perspective, anyway).
I too look forward to reading your work. And coincidentally, I’m married 18 years too. How exciting for both of us!!! ❤ 🙂
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You go , Girl! Your cover looks great, and congratulations on the new book. I love my beta readers! They are GOLD! Thanks also for the great advice, which is timely, as I am finally screwing up the courage to write a kind of memoir think about raising Carys. Hugs to you! Xxx
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Thanks so much Ali. And don’t be afraid. You have an amazing story to share about your beautiful Carys. So many parents need to know your journey together and how you make life work out, how you know her strengths and what you do to enrich her life, which in turn reflects on what a great mom you are. See there, I’ve given you an outline, lol. 🙂 ❤
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Thanks for sharing your process, Debby. It’s not always as easy as it looks, is it? The title, the cover and the blurb are all superb. Now how’s that for a rhyme?
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Thanks so much Norah. And a sublime rhyme! Lol, how was that? 🙂
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Very clever! Of a rhyming response I’m unable to think. Wink Wink. (Sorry, that was pretty bad. Now I feel sad.)
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LOL Norah. Good try – now goodbye. LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL 🙂
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🙂 Lol!
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Congrats, Debby! On the book, the title, and getting to this stage. It sounds like a very interesting topic. The cover is absolutely lovely. Well done!
I understand about the moments of uncertainty along the way, including getting the subtitle right. So much of writing is the sheer agonizing that comes with certain stages. I think I’m much worse than you in this department, girlfriend! Right now I’m grappling with Myrtle the Purple Turtle’s new name in French and kicking myself for agonizing, instead of just choosing and moving on.
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Thanks so much Cynthia for chiming in here. It seems that all our fretting comes with the territory no matter how many books, or the genre.
Now, you have a major task it seems, converting your title French and rhyming? Whoa, good luck! 🙂
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Can’t wait to read it!
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Thanks so much for the enthusiasm Stevie. So rewarding! 🙂 x
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Well, you came up with a great title and subtitle. I love your book cover, it’s gorgeous and goes perfectly with the theme of your book. Great post. Congratulations on your new book!??
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Thank you again Vashti. You are too kind. I found 2 comments here from you, so I’m going to guess you thought the first one didn’t come through. Thank you for trying again, and now I have 2 lovelies from you. ❤
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Hi Debby! Well, in the end you picked a great title and subtitle for your book. The book cover is gorgeous. Congratulations on your new book! Great post.??
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Thank you so much Vashti. I’m so glad to receive such wonderful feedback from fellow writers, it really helps quash the uncertainties. 🙂 ❤
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Fantastic post Debby, you have given me everything I love about your writing: the analytical mind that never sacrifices the deep emotional intensity of your writing; the willingness to put your vulnerability out there on the page but never in a selfish way. Rather, in a way that speaks to each of us on a personal level because we share the same uncertainties, no only as people but also as writers.
The stage your are talking about where you are putting out essentially the finished draft (at that stage) to beta readers is probably the most nerve-wracking for an author, because you have been through all the blood, sweat and tears of the writing, and rewriting and editing and more rewriting and you hope you have finished. You also hope your initial idea was not flawed and as you said, you have written something people will want to read.
But you only have your own gut feeling to go on and you don’t really know. In your heart you are certain there is something missing, though you cant say what. Plus while you are exhausted from the huge effort, lasting months if not more, you have to steel yourself to start the process again incorporating the beta readers suggestions and opinions.
You captured all this anguish beautifully and in a way that deeply resonates with your peers: your fellow authors.
A great read Px
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Oh my gosh Paul, we’re you just inside my head? Lol, fantastic lowdown of my exact process. I need to snatch you up for the next book for the voice of reason, lol. Thank you so kindly for your wonderful explanation and succinct rendition of the process. Almost sounds like you’ve been that route, lol. Hugs 🙂 x
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Your new book sounds very interesting, Debby. I have been with my husband for nearly 20 years too. We have been married for nearly 16 of those years. Things do change a lot over that period of time.
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Yes, they do Robbie, especially when you marry someone older. 🙂
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Wonderful! The cover is lovely. Congratulations, Debby!
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Thank you so much Jennie. 🙂
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My pleasure, Debby! ?
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I love the title you decided on and the cover is simple yet alluring, Debby!! You’re right about self-doubt – it creeps into our minds as a writer for sure ~ Proud of you and excited for the launch coming up soon ♥
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Thank you so much for your lovely compliment Christy. I’m just thrilled at the feedback on the cover. I don’t know where I’d be without my writing community of friends. ❤
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I love the cover, title, sub-title and the picture, Debby. Thanks for sharing your journey with us on writing this book. It just goes to show that for those of us who say very little about their next book, it does not mean that we’re having an easy journey with it. Some people choose to constantly shout about it to everyone but, for me, I find your way far better. Do people want to be constantly reminded by someone that writing and self-publishing a book is a stressful experience? Maybe that’s why I always preferred to work behind the scenes at the annual school play.
Please feel free to write a guest post about the book, which i will gladly publish on my blog. However, you know you’re welcome to be one of my guests anytime. ?
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Oh, my friend Hugh, isn’t it uncanny just how you and I are often on the same page about many issues? As one who does like to share information, it’s funny about my writing, I never tend to write about what I’m writing as I go through the stages, rather, I’ll share with some writing friends, when I come across stumbling blocks or self-doubt, for a different perspective. Feedback is important to us as writers but sharing my work with the world before it’s baked to perfection is not how I operate, lol.
Thank you so much for your lovely invitation to share my book on your blog Hugh. You know the invitation is reciprocated to you as well. And as soon as I get through the last steps to publication, I will write some introductions to my labor of love and will be thrilled to share on your blog. Thank you. ❤ I'll email you when I get things organized from chaos LOL. ❤ xoxo
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Debby, you are amazing! I am so happy to hear that you have another book coming out. I love the cover. I love the title. I love the subtitle. Looking forward to reading it! 🙂
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OH thanks so much Carol. I’m thrilled all the elements appeal to you, and that you’re always eager to read my newest books, just as I enjoy all of your books. Which reminds me, I should be coming to yours in the next few weeks on my Kindle. ❤
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Same here, Debby. I seldom write about my writing process. I have asked for some help with it, but I’m one of those people that does not like asking. Yet, I can often be heard to say “if you’d been in my shoes, you’d have wanted me to ask for help, wouldn’t you?’ ?
I look forward to your guest post and promoting you and the new book. No rush, because you’ll have a lot on your plate with publishing day coming up. Good luck with it all. ?
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Thanks again Hugh. But never be afraid to ask, that’s how we learn, just like how you seek out help from those ‘happiness engineers’.
Thanks for the good wishes my friend. ❤
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Incredible, Debby! From beginning to end, you did it. I am so impressed and I totally understand what a long and sometimes difficult process it must have been. But, so awesome, you found the perfect subtitle and inspired a wonderful cover as well. And, you have developed your own style throughout the years, creating yet another memoir that is totally you. Well done, my friend!!! I hope I can follow in your footsteps next year. I find telling my stories in person much easier than writing them down in a compelling way!
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Thanks so much for the kudos Liesbet. I’m glad you found my process interesting. Of course, there’s much more involved between the lines, and hopefully next year you will find out! In memoir, you just have to find your voice with tone and delivery. 🙂 x
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