First Draft of the Second Book
First draft half way complete! This marks my second collection, described as visceral and impactful,
Down to Your Hell and Back Again...
THE SECOND PROJECT
Choosing a project for my second book is all about what my gut feeling is telling me. When the gut speaks, I don’t question it. I came back from a long vacation only to find out that among all the projects lined up, a new theme has been trying so hard to emerge to the surface. It bothered me for weeks as I was well set to work on a draft that I’ve been excited about for years. Coming from a dark place, the first draft flows easily on the pages.
Moving On to a New Project
It was an amazing experience wrapping up a project and jumping on a new one with so many lessons learned to guide me on this next book. It has been months already that I've been working on this next project simultaneously finalizing the publishing side(edits, cover design, formatting with my amazing editor and book designer) of the book "In the Light, We breathe Out". I am not promoting it yet as I am waiting for the hard copies to be released within a few weeks.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF FINDING TIME FOR YOUR PASSION
At last, finality has taken the shape of a book! How do I feel? Immensely grateful to God and to the incredible people who helped bring this project to fruition. Gone are the late nights and early morning editing sessions. The e-book is now live on an online platform, awaiting the readers' judgment and, hopefully, their love.
PROOF COPIES ARRIVED FINALLY!
Finally, I hurried home after my lunch break. My workplace is just a few minutes’ drive from my house. Of course, I’m excited, but the editing isn’t quite done yet. I immediately dove into the final reading and tweaking of the book (yes, it’s now a book—one I can flip the pages, hold, and carry around!). On June 20, I completed the final editing and promptly sent it to my editor for proofreading and editorial assessment. I rescheduled my cover design project for next Friday, hoping this final proofreading will be finished before Wednesday. Almost there…
Her Poetry
I died for beauty, but was scarce
OK! Don't Get Too Excited Now...
I ordered my proof copies, and they are on their way! I still hesitate to say that I've written a book; instead, I keep calling it a manuscript or proof copies until the real book is done. It only takes a few seconds for insecurity to set in, and it sucks. But I am still grateful because I am doing what is real for me, and I am MOVING FORWARD. I will keep embracing every bit of joy that tries to overcome my doubt. But when will it ever go away? Doubt, aren't you tired of me?
Vacation in the Mediterranian
From Julius Cæsar in Rome, to the Sagrada Familia's strange architecture and down to Palermo,Sicilia bombarded with Il Padrino, the Godfather Don Corleone memorabilias. To end an awe inspiring historical rendezvous and end the trip in Mafia style humor is so amusing, its like in deep solace with God to the laughing Buddha kind of thing.
Ready, Set, Proofread!
So excited! KC my editor will proofread the manuscript. I trust her skills :) It is a 100 page manuscript and might be more than that when author's note and the copyright will be added later. I still can't believe it, reality can be surreal at times. Now lets deal with the format and the cover.
The Bukowsky Effect
Re-reading the first draft of a poem I wrote months ago for a collection I am working on, and a sigh of regret before 9 a.m. Sometimes, I wonder why I write poems that punch me in the gut. Am I too cowardly, thinking maybe words are safer than physically hurting one's self? I don't know, definitely not what I was thinking when I was writing it.
Saturday with Bukowsky
It's not really helping my mood to be totally off-limits from the manuscript. :( It's like half of me is somewhere else, and I can't function that well.
April 18, 2024
In our time, the world is riddled with war. There is terror in Israel, bombing in Palestine, and retaliation by Iran for Palestine. This is happening while the Ukraine war is still far from being resolved. So many people are killing each other. They're animals in suits, representing the sad truth about civilized man. This generation is growing in a landscape of chaos; the future seems uncertain. But we have tomorrow, a week to choose whether we fight or embody peace. I don't believe in war anymore.
April 11. 2024
Today, the manuscript is all ready for a proofread. Another run of a weekend editing and on sunday if all works well, it will be sent to my proofreader. I am more excited with the cover design which is on hold, waiting for the proofread copy.
April 6, 2024
The editing process is never-ending, but it's time to get to the core of all this endless rewriting: the editorial assessment. Let us find out what is truly wrong with the entire manuscript. 😄 Yes, let's not focus on what is good; let the positives remain silent. Instead, let us pound, hammer, and burn away whatever is wrong with it.
Am I ready for another colossal butchering?! LOL! Maybe. I can never truly be ready for this.
Mindset: This is the worst manuscript my editor has ever read!
March 26, 2024
Embracing constructive criticism and viewing it as valuable guidance is a mindset that can truly propel growth and development.
1. Embrace Humility: Recognize that every writer, no matter how experienced, has room to grow. Being open to learning from others, especially your copy editor, is key to honing your craft.
2. Value Feedback:Each piece of advice from your copy editor offers an opportunity for refinement and enhancement. Treat each suggestion with respect and consideration, even if it challenges your initial instincts.
3. Continuous Improvement: View writing as a journey rather than a destination. Continuously seek to improve and evolve your skills with each project you undertake.
4. Apply Lessons Learned: Actively apply the feedback you receive to your future writing endeavors. Incorporate what you've learned into your writing process to continually elevate the quality of your work.
5. Maintain Perspective: Remember that feedback is not a reflection of your worth as a writer but rather an opportunity for improvement. Separate your personal identity from your writing, allowing yourself to grow without letting critiques affect your self-esteem.