We’re going to make this one kind of short and sort of sweet.
Finished book.
I’ve tweeted, facebooked, blogged and vlogged that news to death.
Don’t want to talk about that anymore, because everyone in God’s green earth knows at this point.
Sat around twiddling thumbs after said book was done, and literally said out loud, “What do I do now?”
Stared at flashing cursor on blank Word document during three episodes of The Golden Girls and one episode of Teen Mom 2.
Happened to look up at the Teen Mom 2 episode and wonder what in the Hello Kitty is wrong with Chelsea Houska’s hair.
Looked back at flashing cursor.
Asked again, “What do I do now?”
Picked up my old and ragged copy of Stephen King’s “On Writing”.
Read Steve’s advice.
This is what I gathered.
Stephen says I should put the book away and not look at it, read it, or talk about it for at least six weeks.
Forty two days.
Then I’m supposed to go back to it with “fresh” eyes and make revisions.
Alot of revisions, even though I think it’s so golden that it could magically cure Chelsea Houska’s hair.
Then I’m supposed to prepare to be rejected by every publisher in a tri-country radius.
I said country, not county.
Then I’m supposed to find just the right people, the right editor, the right agent, the right publisher, and prepare to be rejected some more.
That’s the not-so-fun part.
Then, maybe if I’m lucky, it will make me millions of dollars.
That’s the fun part.
Or maybe not.
Another not so fun part. (Although, I totally didn’t write this book just for money, but it’d be nice.)
Oh, and Stephen King says that while I’m waiting out these 42 days and all of this rejection time, that I’m supposed to write as much as possible.
This includes short stories and blogging.
Yeah, blogging.
So, Stephen King is telling me that I should blog as much as possible to get my mind off of my book and continue to grow creatively.
So, I’m going to be blogging.
Alot.
Because when Stephen King tells you to do something, by God, you do it.
Ol’ Stevie Kingster has some solid advice. You just accomplished a major milestone. No matter what happens with it, you did it. And besides, if all else fails, there’s always self-publishing. So no matter what, your book will be published, right? Congratulations.
Right! Right?
I found King’s book very inspiring, but I am DREADFUL at following his advice. Good luck not touching your manuscript!
Thanks, I need it!
I love Stephen King’s “On Writing” but man, oh, man is it hard to follow his advice. It’s awesome you’ve got a completed manuscript and I really do hope the process goes as painlessly as possible!
Thanks a bunch! I do too.
Serious congrats on finishing your book! What an amazing feeling (and I am dying to read it by the way). After I finished my first book I put it on the shelf for two months. Inspiration hit on New Year’s Eve when we were on vacation in Boston. I got out my phone and furiously began typing notes. When I got home, I rewrote half the book. Best thing I ever did. First version was utter crap. It may be hard, but you let that book sit, girl. Your book will be better for it, and bonus! We get to enjoy more of your bloggy blogging!
Heart you, SG!
Is it time to start making WWSKD? bracelets?
They probably already have those…on Pinterest.
I wish I had waited that long and took another look at my ebook before I published it…I would have edited the HECK out of it and it would read completely differently. Next time I suppose. Write away girl! Write away!! 🙂 That sounds like really excellent advice…as hard as it may be to let it go.
Awesome! Where can I find your published work, Chris Carter?!?
Congrats on that completed manuscript, missy. That is quite the accomplishment. I agree with Mr. King and with your commenters. Leave it alone for at least a month, look at it with “fresh” eyes. What the hell does that mean anyway, fresh eyes. Double entendres everywhere. I just read your last 3 posts, and as usual loved them all. Pink bowling balls, white trash and 700 pounders in the Airborne aisles at Walmart… wow. I’m not sure if I’d like to come visit or stay the hell away. I’m certain I cannot stay away from your blogs and vlogs, though, as they are utterly entertaining and awesomely well written. Merry Christmas!
I love your comments. You always build me up, lady. Heart you for that! Thank you.