Once Again, With Feeling

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