This is my third book and so far, the read through had always brought changes. First time, I played a lot with the cover itself. Second time, I was smarter with that, but still picked enough issues in the text. I also figured that no header means more space and less pages to print.
With my third book, my editing process was very organized. I have finally built a system that hopefully works. Proof will be in the proof copy read! To print the text and read it through on paper is an old trick that really works (and guarantees lots of printer-related frustration), but interestingly, the book print shows what even the A4 paper format print missed. Something about a real, physical book makes the little mistakes jump out of the page more. Because they don't belong in a book! Also, any blunder in formatting shows up nicely.
Reaching the end of bringing my third book out to the world reminded me that life is indeed going around in circles. Bigger, smaller, lapsing, stand-alone circles. Time is something that flows round and round, it doesn't travel in a line. Seasons, years, occasions, even fashion come and go. Year ago, I was winning NaNoWriMo with Star, working on the story every day, then I carried on through December, finished the first draft and while doing that, I had my first proof copy of Bodies to read through (I used so many sticky notes to mark issues with the text!). Once Bodies was polished and finished, it was published and I began editing Star. And now I have Star in my hands, going through the final stage of this project. Another cycle is reaching its completion.
One thing I have to say is: I will miss my characters. I like all of my books, they are very much influenced by what I have learnt, seen, and experienced, but somehow, Star and the other people from her story are very dear to me. Do I have a favourite? It feels unfair, like asking a parent which child they like the most. Impossible, but with an inner twinge. It will probably change once I start living in an inner dialogue with my new characters, but at the moment, I am a little sad. Maybe I will return to Star and her story. Why not?
I finished the first draft at Christmas and the feeling of accomplishmet was very much subdued by a feeling of loss. After so many early morning with Star and the others, I was lost. Besides, we are meant to be with our nearest and dearest at Christmas, so why were these characters over? Maybe I will have a finished, polished book by this Christmas. Hopefully, I will take the separation more easily, being a little more used to it. Besides, I will be ready to send them all out to the world, endlessly proud.
Writing all of this feels good. Three books finished. I am a real writer. Unknown, rubish at marketing, but real. I am making a very slow progress, but honestly, that is the story of my life. Things take time. I've learnt that much at least. Besides, number three has something about it that pushes me forward. Of course, three books bring much more confidence with them. We all could put together the one story we believe we have in us and publish it. Self publishing makes it possible. Two books are better, but still, it might just be an ego boost. Three books mean business. By the end of the second book, we writers (the self published kind) know how much work goes into the story. Writing a draft is only the beginning. Finishing the third book means that I am here to stay. Quiet and shy, very much on the outside of the amazing writing community, but here, claiming my place. And plotting my next book, of course!
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