Grateful for a Book

The entire project took 3.5 years to complete. Most of the 1^st draft written in the library where I could be secluded. Away from the distractions of home. Surrounded by the work of other authors. Then each chapter was offered to my critique group for feedback, corrections, polishing and honing as the 2^nd draft appeared. Then beta readers with their totally objective critique. Multiple revisions as the 3^rd draft became reality.

Then I read the manuscript backwards. Yes, backwards. From the back of the book to the front, from right to left. A trick seasoned authors know often reveals hidden typos, grammatical issues, even incorrect characterizations. Found the mistakes. Created the 4^th draft.

The graphic artist began working on the cover. A few of my ideas. Plenty of her creativity. Not AI-generated. The final cover art decided. The back blurb written. The thumbnail saved for future marketing and as an image on this blog post.

One last check of the content. Sighed over the 5^th draft. Did you think writing was easy? Nay, nay.

The online version uploaded. The launch previewer viewed. The proof copy ordered, received, groaned over. More mistakes to be corrected. More typos discovered. Draft number 6.

Another upload. Another launch previewer. Another proof copy ordered, received. And this time — accepted.

Then a quick prayer that the book will make an impact on someone’s life. Because it is NOT just a coming-of-age novel about a young girl growing up in the 1960s-70s in Oklahoma. It is NOT just a reminder of how legalism can destroy authentic faith. It is NOT just memories blended with creative writing to introduce young readers into the history of a simpler time.

It is the heart and soul of a writer who has tried to explain the damage of legalism and the beauty of grace. It is hours of work and some sleepless nights, waking to write a sentence or jot down a thought. It is the village of critique members, beta readers, a talented graphic artist, prayers and support from patrons. It is the culmination of years of studying a craft, learning from other writers, developing my own voice, and believing that what began as the germ of an idea might become a real story. A real book.

It is dreaming that the writers whose works I have read and reviewed will reciprocate. It is hoping that families will read the book together. That parents will explain the faith parts to their children. That grandparents who grew up in Oklahoma will remember and share their own stories with the next generation. It is knowing with a certainty that when God births something, it brings forth life. That the final result impacts readers across the miles and around the globe.

It is the culmination of learning how to write fiction when my brain is usually wrapped in nonfiction. Of absorbing from my other novels how to structure plots and make characters come to life. It is the prayer of my heart that this novel — my last novel — will indeed make a difference.

It is a book.

And shameless promotion offers it to you. Seeking the Land of Grace. Now available on Amazon.

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