I am a work in progress. That’s on a good day. On a not-so-good day, irritation with my modus operandi settles in. The mean girl in my head sets up shop and hounds me for being disorganized, dissatisfied, restless and scattered. I get stuck in revision mode trying to find that perfect place.
ENDLESS QUOTE BOOK REVISIONS
Take my quote book for example. When I began posting on FB, quotes seemed the perfect way to communicate with my friends and Aging Abundantly followers and I began to collect them in earnest. It was only natural that I should turn them into a book of some sort. It’s was 2011 when I first published Aging Abundantly, A Little Book of Quotes through Lulu.com.
PHASE TWO
When Amazon and Kindle came on the publishing scene I knew it was time for a revision and a re-release. It just didn’t seem like “enough” anyway, so I went to work and my revisions expanded the scope of the book. It now included more and better organized content and re-released as Finding Hope, Inspiration for the Midlife Journey in 2014.
I wasn’t satisfied. There was something “just not right” about it, and I never promoted it. Once again I expanded, revised, and re- titled and am now ready to release it again. It still feels like a work in progress and yet, this time I have promised myself to let it go for good.
NOT A LIFE’S WORK
If I could say that this book is a reflection of my lifetime work as a writer, then it might make sense to keep at it. But, it isn’t! In some ways it is my ongoing effort to put order to the chaos of life — or maybe my life, but this isn’t it. I have a second book I’m re-writing for the third time that is closer – the truth is, my writing and publishing efforts are sum total a reflection of me as a work in progress! How I envy people who just let it flow — like Caroline Myss. Each time she released a book it was the “best book ever” – complete in and of itself. It didn’t matter that her body of work evolved and changed with each successive book. As I’ve worked my way through her complete work I can see the evolution that she herself was not privy to during the process. None of us do. It didn’t bother her at the time. It bothers me endlessly!
I am reminded of Dr. Estes ~ who I identify with more when it comes to writing ~ and her oft referred to “working manuscript” that after 20 plus years became Women Who Run with the Wolves. Now this is a life’s work worth waiting for! I dare say as a late-blooming writer I will never achieve such a pinnacle of thought, but my process is more akin to hers, than Caroline Myss.
AND. . . HERE IT IS!
It gives me some sort of comfort, and a modicum of self-awareness and self-acceptance to view myself thus ~ a work in progress. And. . . that’s okay. It has to be. What other choice do I have?
As I timidly release my never-to-be-perfect quote book, now under the title Not Just Quotes, Inspiration for the Woman in Transition, I ask for your patience and understanding. Of course I hope you’ll buy a copy, even now that you know it’s not perfect. It might just have something in it of value for you. If not, perhaps you could pass it on to a friend.
I’m not going to pretend this is the best book ever, one that you can’t live without. But, I’ve packed as much inspiration and insight as I could muster given the scope and every time I read through it, something inspires me anew. Truth is truth after all ~ no matter who delivers it or how.
Ultimately, as a writer, I see myself only as someone who delivers a message designed just for you. I don’t know what that message is, but you will know it when you hear it.
If you do buy a copy when it’s available for purchase, I will appreciate your feedback. And, you’re welcome to point out any mistakes you find. I’m a no-budget writer!
♥ Dorothy
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It’s a wonderful book! Quotes from across the ages and around the world as well as you own thoughts. It’s a collection of great quotes all grown up. This book (for the more mature woman) has something for every day and every mood.
And it wouldn’t exist without you! Thank you!!!
Yes, I do want to buy a copy of your book when it’s available for purchase. I can identify with your phrase “putting order to the chaos of life.” Just now my schedule is over-crowded and I’m figuring out a way to get out of this fix, perhaps by easing up on appointments and not adding more to-do items.
I think I’ll refer to my memoir drafts as “working manuscripts.” I like the sound of that!.Thanks, Dorothy!
Oh, definitely true for a memoir! Organizing my thoughts from a philosophical standpoint seems much easier than trying to organize my life into a memoir! Though one day, I’d like to do that. Simplify. It’s the only way out. Less is more. I can’t do near what I could do, but still have trouble admitting it to myself!
I’m sure it’s a beautiful book Dorothy. I read your other book, probably before you put it through 2 more revisions, lol, and I loved the original.
Us writers are hard on ourselves. often our own worst critics. You have to know when it’s time to stop because we can revise our lives away as other ideas will always crop up. But good for you, and I wish you much success with the new book too. The cover is lovely. 🙂 Oh, and I give you kudos for being able to put out a book while trying to keep concentration in these trying times. 🙂
Thanks for the vote of confidence Debby. I’ve been watching you churn out books faster than I can whistle Dixie! What continues to drive me crazy is that I’m behind myself! So yes, it’s time to “press send” as my son tells me. I have too much more to get down on paper – um, computer?? And yes, these are very trying times that are sapping all of our energy. I keep trying to turn my anger and frustration into productivity on a small scale. Otherwise, I feel helpless and hopeless. I appreciate your support more than you know. And we will get through all of this!
Yes we will Dorothy. The wheels are in progress now. We shall celebrate in November. 🙂
I feel deprived of the privilege and pleasure to read your books. I have to appreciate and admire your work through the site which has added pleasure into my life. Thank your for your efforts and I wish you good luck with everything you undertake.
I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you Xanthoula through the community. You bring a richness of emotion and expression that is sorely needed in this world. Email or message me your address and I will send you a copy of Not Just Quotes when it’s in stock. I got the proof copies today!