I am so unbelieveably excited!
Those of you that have been reading my blog know that I have been trying to self-publish a book of poetry forย about a year now.
It was a labor of love and ready to go off to the printers the end of last summer, until an issue with the layout forced me to step away from the project. (For the safety of myself and my laptop ๐
When I went back, I decided the entire book was crap and I had to re-write it.
I never touched it after that.
Recently, at the encouragement of some fellow poets, I decided to give it another shot. I re-read, edited a bit and decided it wasn’t crap. The layout went so easy this time (thanks Michelle!) that I couldn’t believe I had the trouble I did.
The proof copy of the book arrived today.
I twirled, giggled and smiled so big when it arrived! My daughter carried in the small package as I tried to remember what I ordered (not expecting this until tomorrow).ย I was caught completely off-guard when I opened it and saw my title, my name.
A dream come true.
After sharing, giggling, running my hands over it I decided I should sit down and give it a final proof read. I had tea, I had chocolate, I had a big smile on my face.
Until I started reading.
My mind raced as I imagined the people that would read these poems.
Oh, I used that word. She won’t like that
Ugh, that is so personal, what if he takes it wrong.
I had the pencil out and then I stopped myself.
The voice in my head telling me to edit, wasn’t my own.
It was the voice of all the people in my life.
They were saying everything negative I thought they might say.
They were vocalizing every little fear I have about sharing this work with the world.
And I was listening.
For a moment anyway.
Then I decided to sit, and read the book as I would a diary.
I read the poems and marveled at my candor and the rough turn of phrase I used in some spots.
I smiled at the passionate parts and nodded a “hell yea” at the rougher parts.
I fixed typos (although I know I still will have some!)
It’s me.
I probably should stop editing that.
Until next time….
-Michele
Itโs me.
I probably should stop editing that.
If those aren’t words to live by, I don’t know what are ๐ Congratulations on your book!
Yes they are Lindsay-if only I can remember that lol ๐ Thanks for reading!