It’s been a long while since I have written about my book—or Britain for that matter. Time to get back to it.

You may have missed this at the bottom of every blog:

It’s been up for a while. Let me tell you what I have been up to, behind the yellow neon:

I finished my own very close editing of Rain Dodging a few months ago. Next, chapter-by-chapter, I used the online tool, ProWriteAid, for fine-tuning technical aspects. Worth every penny. The publishing industry has completely changed since the last time I shopped a book. 

From March through July, I committed to Women in Publishing, a virtual 4-month class. Also, essential. 

All summer, three beta readers have been reading my book. A beta reader gives feedback on the finished manuscript. I instructed them to look for continuity and clarity—particularly when relating to the memoir flashbacks.

I evaluate their findings, make adjustments to the book, and only then do I send to a professional editor, in my case, I think a developmental editor. A developmental editor focuses on big picture elements, for instance, plot and character arcs, pacing, dialogue. Importantly, since there are 3 ‘strands’ interweaved in Rain Dodging, clarification and flow are significant. I may or may not have the book line-edited, as well. 

Finally, I will move into the publishing phase, of which there are three possible routes: Traditional, hybrid, or self. 

A huge decision to make. (I have my thoughts.)

I am still processing the overwhelming amount of information I learned from Women in Publishing school, through webinars, workshops, Q & A sessions, author ‘pods,’ and now as a member of the ongoing Women in Publishing program.

Concurrently, I have been learning how to navigate my virgin website, to begin an Instagram account, and I have a new FB author page. I start my days usually around 5:30 a.m. and work for about 5 hours before my two mile walk, important both physically and mentally.

Returning, I spend a bit of time on our deck overlooking the river. Sometimes I listen to an audio book or read but always a book related to my creative nonfiction genre: Looking for strong comp titles.

Sometimes I just listen to the river..

Then I return to work for any number of hours. It has been invigorating. I was afraid that I wouldn’t keep busy enough during retirement. Not enough hours in the day—and no commute!

Most evenings, I enjoy watching my boys of summer, the Cleveland INDIANS, on my laptop. Chief Wahoo forever. 

Secret pleasure: I discovered The Big Bang Theory

There is an infinite amount to learn as I wade through: How the new email service provider works, because the old one “wasn’t compatible,” familiarizing myself with how to add photos optimally to my media library, figuring out how to make a messaging sequence . . . in other words, the business of being a writer. 

Most of you know I have made plenty of mistakes. No-brainer to finally use a professional web-designer. 

You have stayed with me, though, and I thank you!

My working covers: Which do you prefer?

I will find a professional cover designer soon, someone who is willing to collaborate, to understand my artist’s vision, as did my web-designer, @TobyLynnDorr.