Please indulge this announcement: this week we gave birth to a 212 page bouncing baby book! I say “we” here because it was a group effort–a team of editors, proofers, designers, reviewers, hand holders, tequila drinkers, and one crazy publisher–who wrapped this little bundle in an intriguing cover and presented her to the world. I’m a bit biased, but I think she’s beautiful. World, we present to you, Magic Fishing Panties!
This isn’t our first rodeo–we published I Was In Love With a Short Man Once back in November 2011, and a second edition (we spiffed her up just a bit for the 2nd outing) just came out this past June. When I think back on that first release and compare to the events of this week, there are some key differences, sort of like comparing child birth the first and second time around.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know. There’s a certain naïve thrill that comes with your first book. You have NO idea what to expect. Will it be painful? Will the world love and accept my new addition? Will anyone notice I’ve given birth? I certainly have a long way to go before I would ever consider myself any kind of writing expert. However, with this second book I know that my preferred genre is creative nonfiction, I know that my audience is women in midlife, and I know that for the most part I gravitate toward writing humor. These may seem to be pretty obvious insights. However, when “Short Man” was published I just put it out in the world with very little thought as to genre or audience or how and why I write. I was quite the rookie and I made lots of rookie mistakes.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/candacelowry/gurl-weve-all-been-there#.njoO8jgYO , NBC / Via randomrocker.co.uk
One is Like None and Two is Like Ten. Just because a shiny new second book has been released, doesn’t mean I can neglect the first. Nurturing and caring for two books takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it! I’m prepared to discuss the similarities and the differences between the two books. Just like children, they are unique individuals, but share some of the same traits. I love them both, but realize that they need different supports from me. Speaking of support…
Support, Support, Support. When the first book arrived, I had not adequately developed my support network. No Facebook tribe, no Twitterdom, I didn’t even have a website! No blog, no writers groups, nada. Boy, was that a huge learning curve. With the release of Magic Fishing Panties I’m much more connected to the writing world AND to my readers. Sort of like learning to change diapers, breastfeed, and deal with colic, I’ve spent the past three years engaged with wonderful groups such as The Virginia Writers Club, The Women of Facebook, Midlife Boulevard, and The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop who have all provided wonderful guidance, instruction, and friendship.
I’m a Better Mom. My writing skills have most definitely improved over the past three years. Writing a blog, and a humor column for Laker Magazine, have helped me develop my voice as well as improve and enhance my abilities. The old adage of practice, practice, practice, certainly is true. When we put “Short Man” through a new edit for the second edition, I was amazed by all the writing tics I’ve learned to spot and delete. These aren’t grammatical errors per say, but rather my overuse of some words such as “that” or “really” or “just.” A special shout out to editor and proofreader extraordinaire Andy Gibson who has saved my work—my children, on more than one occasion.
Image provide courtesy of http://gratisography.com/
I hope that many of you will read Magic Fishing Panties. If you do, I also hope it makes you laugh; if you snort out loud my work is done. Thank you, all of you, for growing with me and sharing in the journey. #galpalsforlife.
Is there something you do today, that you’re definitely better at compared to yesterday?
Cheers,
Kimba
lynne says
August 21, 2015 at 4:21 amThis is great. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your great books with us.
Carolann says
August 10, 2015 at 8:08 pmWhat an awesome accomplishment! Congrats and I wish you the best of success. I will look forward to reading it!
Kimba says
August 10, 2015 at 9:13 pmThx Carolann, please let me know what you think of MFP.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
August 10, 2015 at 4:15 pmWoo hoo! Big congrats to you — what a great feeling it must be to come out with not just one book, but two!
Kimba says
August 10, 2015 at 4:51 pmThanks Helene. If you ever want to review any of my books on your site – “Books Is Wonderful” – please just let me know!
Karen Austin says
August 10, 2015 at 2:55 pmCongrats on both books. That’s wonderful. All my best to you as a writer and for all the roles you play in your life.
Kimba says
August 10, 2015 at 3:32 pmWhy thank you Karen – & thx for stopping the Middle-Aged Cheap Seats.
Tamara Minton says
August 10, 2015 at 1:42 pmCongratulations! I so want to write an ebook, but I don’t even know where to start!
Kimba says
August 10, 2015 at 3:34 pmOH, ya just gotta start. Maybe begin with a robust outline and then get to writing. Others like to write stream of consciousness and them organize later. It requires on thing – butt in chair, and begin to write.
CAROL CASSARA says
August 10, 2015 at 1:41 pmI must say that the title is irresistible! And that is half the battle, isn’t it? Best of luck and warm wishes to you on the birth of your latest!
Kimba says
August 10, 2015 at 3:35 pmThx Carol, glad you like the title. I’m getting some fun and “interesting” reactions. You should see what happens when I include “magic fishing panties” is a tweet!
Suzie Cheel says
August 7, 2015 at 10:53 pmLove your new website and congrats on the book- yes I know that feeling when yu hold your book in your hands.
What do i do better today- allow life to not be a drama – like last night when the top op a glass casserole sent my glass water bottle flying onto the tiles floor- yes full of water and smashed into smitherines! In the past i would have yelled , screamed and told myself to be more careful- I calmly went about finishing what i was doing and Des cleaned up. i like this new me. xx
Kim Dalferes says
August 8, 2015 at 10:52 amI hear ya! I get much less worked up about things in midlife, compared to younger Kimba. Kudos to Des for moving in and helping to clean up from your mishap.
Marquita Herald says
August 7, 2015 at 3:09 pmCongratulations Kimba – the book is terrific and you deserve all the success and fulfillment I know that’s coming your way!
Kim Dalferes says
August 8, 2015 at 10:53 amThx a bunch Marty – and thx for posting a book review!!
Adela says
August 7, 2015 at 1:18 pmI have my novel finish, edited and waiting to be birthed. I understand what you mean about your editor “saving” you. Editors are the best; especially when we listen.
Kim Dalferes says
August 8, 2015 at 10:54 amOoohhh, congrats on the pending publication! If you have a chance, let us know the title and pending pub date.
Candace Allan says
August 7, 2015 at 12:34 pmLove your first baby/second baby – book first. I’ve published my 1st wee one and boy howdy have I learned a lot – mostly like you -about social media. Named mine Text Me, Love Mom. Excited to read yours!
Kim Dalferes says
August 8, 2015 at 10:55 am“Text Me, Love Mom” – GREAT title! Will definitely look up and mark to read!