Thursday 19 May 2011

It's all becoming so real ...

Yesterday I received layout proofs of String Bridge from my publisher to review. I'm buzzing inside! Check out this awesome title page! Isn't it just so 'me'? Thanks, Janice!


This is all becoming so real now that I can see my book designed. I can't believe this book--this book I've persisted with for the last FIVE years--is finally going to venture out into the world. A book which an agent once said this about: "I have thirty seconds to pitch a book to an editor and I can't even think of enticing words to pitch it in one minute." I cried and cried and cried. I was in a state for over two weeks. I was about to ditch it. But that's when I realised I should query small presses. Thank goodness I did!

Anyhoo, let's get back on track here. My list of 'things to-do' seems to be growing as I cross things off, but that's to be expected I suppose. I have tons--TONS--to do. But the stress is beginning to dwindle as I get everything under control. I seem to have more going on than I did last week when I was in a panic, but I think my brain has become accustomed to the dizziness. Writing a list certainly helped. Thanks, Leigh, for pushing me to make one! I seriously wouldn't have expected it to help. Never have been a list person. Leigh, you might have created a monster ... dun dun ...

Here's the current state of my 'String Bridge' to-do list (yeah, I have others. I have WordsWorth Camp, Twisted Velvet Chains, Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop and Misc, and they are all in addition to my day job: SQUEEK!). Oh, and see those words in CAPITALS in the list? Well, that's kinda freaking me out a bit because I really need them ...



So that's the state of String Bridge at present in a nut shell. I'm so excited for you all to be able to read it!!!

So, um ... who wants to volunteer as my assistant? And are you good at making lists? ;o)


30 comments:

  1. Well done and I wsh you all the success with your book. I will get a copy when availiable that's to be sure.

    Yvonne.

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  2. I'm NOT good with lists, but I've got to work on this. I'm impressed with yours. And SO excited for you. It's getting SO close! If it's any consolation, it basically took me over 20 years to get my memoir to publication. You're going to make it, girl!!
    Ann Best, Memoir Author

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  3. Awesome title page.

    And about making lists, great to hear it's helping you out so well. I'll have to put that on my list of things to do.

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  4. I've been using lists since high school. I'm hyper organized and eager to learn. Let me know if you need any assistance.

    But, I'm glad to hear you stepped out of your comfort zone and used a list to your benefit. What an amazing process putting a book together must be, and it's exciting to experience it with you. Thank you for sharing your roller coaster book adventure with us. I can't wait to hear what happens next!

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  5. Yikes Jess! What a to-do list! I feel for you. I can't stand things on my list. I want to slay those tasks for you!

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  6. You are moving right along. Lists are a great help. I have been a lists person for as long as I can remember. I even have lists of my lists. They give one the impression of being in control.

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  7. I need an assistant myself, but I do have a bunch of lists I put together for ARC distribution, reviews, etc. when Max and Menna came out. A lot of it is regional, and thereby not applicable, but some of it may help and I am happy to share!

    There is NOTHING I have experienced yet that comes near to the feeling of when you hold your book in your hands and it finally becomes real! I can't wait to see a smiling photo of you holding String Bridge!

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  8. So exciting!!

    Wish I could help, but I can barely keep up with my own schedule. :)

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  9. I'm so excited for you! I love the title page. :]

    Your to-do list is crazy, but I'm sure you'll get through it all fine. Good luck!

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  10. Love the title page! What fabulous design!

    I am super excited about the soundtrack CD companionto go along with your book. A lot of work, but such an amazing idea.

    Here's hoping that your post will reach someone close to Elvis Costello's permissions lackeys.

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  11. I love that title page. Congratulations :)

    While I'm not sure I want to be an actual assistant *shifty* I'd be more than happy to help for ARC reviews and/or the chart rush. Just let me know what I can do to help.

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  12. oh, that is so sh!tty! WHO said that to you? I want to kick their butt!

    In other news, that title page is AWESOME. LOVE it, and I know you're so excited... I'm excited and I've only known about it a year! :D

    And Hey! The list! It works, right? You hold it in your hand, AND you get that great sense of "Jessica the Conqueror!" when you cross the items off~ *snort*

    Take THAT list--LOL!!! :D

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  13. That looks freaking awesome Jess! I love the stark simplicity.

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  14. Oh goodness, that is quite the to-do list, but it's still so amazing! You should feel very proud of yourself!!

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  15. (= How cool!

    I'm a list freak!

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  16. Congrats on the proof! How exciting.

    The only way I can stay organised is through lists. I love 'em!

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  17. "But that's when I realised I should query small presses."

    AMEN.

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  18. That is so awesome. What a wonderful feeling. Good luck tackling your to-do list!

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  19. hi miss jessica! you know id be youre most best helper just real fast if i lived by you. but cause i dont im just gonna be your cheer leader. go go go go go!!!!! you can do it!!! :)
    ...big hugs from lenny

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  20. and I thought I was busy- LOL as someone once told me- take things one item at a time instead of looking at them all at once. That's one of the things I enjoy about lists, I can pick one and get it done. Congrats to you- the page looks great!

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  21. The title page is incredible Jess.

    ALL THE BEST! Like you we are excited to see the final!

    Lists are something I generally don't do. I'm a "wing it" kind of guy, but they are necessary at times .... especially when food shopping. LOL.

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  22. That's one intriguing title page.

    Wishing you the best.

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  23. title page just as awesome as the cover. whoever did your art/layout is fantabulous!! AWE---SOME! congrats, jb.

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  24. Congrats Jessica. It must be rewarding beyond words to see all of your hard work pay off.

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  25. Congrats!!! It's looking damn faboo :D

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  26. I love the video and song!! Congratulations on the book coming out! How thrilling!

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  27. Wow.

    I've done my preliminary lists for the publisher who's doing mine. The book goes to print in July, so I know I'm about to get another list of to do's.

    Good luck with everything!!

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  28. I LOVE it!

    And I can't believe the agent said that. Wow. But given where you are, it is inspiring that just because one person doesn't like something, doesn't mean another person won't love it. :)

    Best of luck with your lists!

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  29. I love the simple graphical look to the page.

    WOW, your list. It's amazing there is so much to do after you get the actually book done!

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  30. Love, love, love the page!

    Not a list person, but can see how you need to write them. Gosh you are busy.

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