Growing as a writer

Way back in 2002, I published my first book. I'd taken the classes. I'd learned everything I thought I needed to know. "Don't tell, show." So many things. I was so proud of myself for applying all the rules, learning all the lessons. I dived right into writing my second book all pumped up and ready to go.

Except I was a rookie. I got so many things wrong. 

Recently, I had a friend ask me what happened to my first book. It's no longer on my website, no longer available for sale. This is a process known as remaindering. The second book was also remaindered as hopelessly outdated and probably filled with more of those rookie mistakes. I don't think that book is redeemable. I didn't get a "good" editor until my third book. She took me the next step in my writing (shoutout to Kelly!). 

However, with the question about THE TREASURE OF ST. PAUL, I went back to review that first book and cringed with nearly every word. First off, it was written 22 years ago, at a time when the world was a different place. It was written over a period of years (first books are like that) when I was a different person. I tried to update it about 10 or so years ago, but it was still outdated and the problem was I tried to edit it rather than rewrite it. MISTAKE.

I'm between books now, and have been considering my next step, but with my friend asking about that first book, I decided to take one more look at it. The decision: Rewrite. Not just edit. It's an exercise more than anything else, but I have always loved the story, just not the rookie mistakes and the outdated thinking. I have time before I get edits back, and I'm not inclined to start a new project, so it fits nicely into the "in between" space. Will I republish it for reader consumption? Maybe. As I said, I've always loved the story. I have a much more critical eye now that I know what to look for, now that I've trained to do this job for 22 years. I have better tools to work with. 

With that being said, some books should be allowed to fade into the past. We live in a world where books are available forever. That's a long time, and a lot of cultural change to overcome. How many books withstand the test of time? I grew up reading Victoria Holt. Pretty sure I've read every one of her books, and often when I feel the need for a comfort read, I'll pull one off the shelf. Guess what? Her books have NOT withstood the test of time. The last time I selected one of her titles, it was an eye opener. The premise would NOT fly in today's world. Reading that book was also helpful in highlighting the issues with THE TREASURE OF ST. PAUL (my first book). Looking in the face of Ms. Holt's time capsule, I'm hoping I can overcome my own societal changes. If the story can't be redeemed, well, at least I'll have stayed in practice writing while I wait for my edits to come back. I should know whether it's worth pursuing by the time my editor is done with the latest Elspeth Barclay novel.

This is where I tell you DARK SHADOWS will be coming out next month. Who else is looking forward to reading it?

Anticipating an October release

While I wait for final comments on DARK SHADOWS, I'm preparing for its launch. Trailers. Graphics. Blurbs. Things like:

While I'm waiting, I'm attempting to get out into the world and addressing all those things that fall by the wayside when I'm hunkered down writing. 

Dear Husband and I went to a festival this past weekend with the intent of sampling a barbecue vendor he has had his eye on for some time. The vendor is in high demand, as evidenced by the fact he was the last booth to open for business (by at least 45 minutes) and still had a very long line. Yes, it was worth the wait. While we were cooling our heels, a chiropractor took the main stage beside the picnic tent and serenaded (maybe I should say "Longfellow Serenaded") us with Neil Diamond songs. Karaoke style. He had the right tone, a decent copycat. We also meandered the Riverwalk where they had craft booths set up for several blocks. Lots of interesting arts and crafts. I passed one booth hawking bookish t-shirts - I was wearing one my daughter made for me, so they figured I might be an easy sale. (I didn't buy any.) There were dog treats and baked goods and farm fresh produce and several Etsy booths selling silver jewelry and monogramed dish towels - free association moment: my mother used to make me dishtowels with crocheted tops to hang from the drawer pulls/oven handles.  I almost bought a couple of those, but knowing I already have more than I will use in the next ten years, I passed. It was a beautiful day to walk along the river with lots of fun things to admire. 

When I came home, I did more research for orthopedic doctors. After years of misdiagnoses and frustration, when I asked my PCP for a recommendation for a chronic condition that is flaring again, he gave me a name that I have zero confidence in based on my past experiences. For that reason, I've been delaying seeking care. I'm happy to report I stumbled upon a doc from the beginning of my orthopedic journey that I would revisit, so that is this week's task - making an appointment/seeing him. Fingers crossed.

Hoping to have copies of the new Elspeth Barclay book, DARK SHADOWS (even as ARCs) for my next in-person appearance on October 6 in Elgin, Illinois at the Gail Borden Public Library. If you're in the area, stop in to say hello!

The new book

Here's the cover! What's it about? Read on...

Elspeth Barclay is drawn into a web of haunted histories, mischievous shadows, and a ghost-hunting team that needs her skills. As she unravels family rifts echoing through time, Elle must confront both playful spirits and her own fears. Can Elle and the team find the relic that will help the spirits move on?

Coming next month!

I wrote what, now?

I'm busily going over the next Elspeth Barclay book, making sure it follows. Trying to rip out any errors/typos/mistakes--you know. I got through a pass of overused and filler words and started reading for continuity, making sure all the puzzle pieces fit together the way they were supposed to. Everything was going great. Until...

I wrote what, now?? (I wrote this:)

I laughed. “I never made that connection. Somehow, this is sticking out for me. He said he bought that player piano because it played Country Gardens, which was the tune her favorite music box used to play.”

“Why is that sticking out?”

I thought about it for a moment. Mr. Flanders said the antique music boxes on display were contributed by George’s children. In honor of their mother? I didn’t remember hearing any of the music boxes play, but if they were the children’s contributions to the Opera House, where was Sophia’s music box? “It’s probably no big deal. Her music box is probably in the family home, right? Or one of the kids has it. For some reason, it feels important to know.” I jotted it down as something to pursue.

Now, without reading the rest of the book, you're probably wondering why this is a problem. Let me help.

This is the only place in the book that talks about "Sophia's music box(es)." The old "I jotted it down as something to pursue?" Yeah. I never pursued that. Never explained it. It's a random reference to a random thing that never pops up again. More like the AUTHOR jotted it down as something to pursue and then completely forgot about it. A thread that never got pulled tight--frayed and ragged. So what do I do? Add in more music boxes? Show the one in question? It ties to the song, so how do I incorporate the relationship to the player piano? Do I cut it out altogether? I still have to account for the player piano, which was the tie-in to the missing music box. Oh, heavens. What was I thinking?

In the end, I rewrote that section without the music box. On the plus side, the rest of the book seems on track. I accounted for a couple other references I'd made a note to strengthen and am on to the proofreading stage. 

Newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive cover reveal, going out tomorrow (if you aren't signed up, you can sign up now and get the sneak peek!). I will share it with the rest of the world next week.

Back to work! Can't wait to share the new book with you!