Writing and publishing a book is like a pregnancy. From its conception, it is a nurturing process, and the closer it gets to completion, the more excited I become, with a longing for the whole thing to be over and the product, the “baby” to be in my hands.
It starts with the concept (conception), and in the case of a book, must be stated in 25 words or less. Here’s my keynote for this new book, due in a month or so after a maturation of over a year. “From Embers to Whispering Woods invites fascinating characters to begin life anew, like the Phoenix, after 9.11 at a Victorian Berkshire resort-retreat center.”
Then, the chapters begin to take shape, with a predetermined framework, in this case, verses from Proverbs indicating the theme for each one. Then, the characters, the DNA of the creation, begin to mold the dialogue, the descriptions, the actions, and the very story itself. Just as in life, they take on their own identities, and I as the author am along for the ride, just wondering how each one will affect the others, and how the story will unfold.
Then, I need to summarize the story, sort of like the journal we moms keep noting each part of the pregnancy. This is called the book blurb. Here’s this one: “September 11, 2001. Devastation leading to a new destination for the Baxters. Phil Baxter, a successful young architect and his wife Catherine Vander-Zee- Goddard, Vice-President of a go-to advertising agency and public relations firm, suffered disastrous professional and personal loss. No business offices, no penthouse condo, catastrophe. In a serendipitous presentation on the eve of the attack, Phil sees a lifestyle change, not even recognizing its necessity was imminent. From Embers to Whispering Woods invites fascinating characters to begin life anew, like the Phoenix, after 9.11. Follow the story of their vision, and the exciting task of the purchase, renovating, and staffing of a Victorian retreat-resort in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.. Vicariously join them as they prepare to welcome guests and begin a new life at the Grand Lady Mansion Inn, the Wedding Barn, and ski slopes, their new destination. This is the inaugural of a planned series.” And so the cover blurb takes shape.
What will this baby look like? Through 25 chapters, the characters are described, they talk through lively dialogue, they interact with each other, they become strong personalities, just like raising a child. The creative process surprises even me.
The name, ah, the name. Titles are tricky. They can’t be too vague: Devastation to Destination, was one. They can’t be too complicated: Embers to Whispering Woods. They can’t be too long: From Embers to Whispering Woods, or reveal too much of the mystery of the story. How about just Whispering Woods? Sure. So after much consideration, it comes to this.
There are errors and corrections along the way. The writing needs discipline, just as a child does. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so it takes others to bring a project like this together. The publisher, LifeRich Publishing, a division of Reader’s Digest, takes the lead here. They’re like my child’s school. They provide direction, rules, deadlines, and hopefully, when all requirements are met, present the final product with the same pride shown at graduation ceremonies. Before that, the editing and proofreading, done faithfully by my friend and mentor in writing, Emily Pippin. Attention to detail phase. Then, we need to make it look pretty. Sarah Chimento, a talented young artist has provided ten beautiful pen and ink sketches to help frame the story.
And then, there’s the cover, the dressing so to speak. Just as moms pick out the cutest outfit for the baby’s homecoming or baptism or first trip to grandma’s, so the writer must choose from hundreds of images, the very best one to highlight the beauty of the created product. Should it be colorful? Should it be black and white like the illustrations within? Should it be simple so the title is the most important item? Should it be eye-catching and riveting? The one I finally chose is a fall scene of a beautiful forest with a pathway. It just seems perfect, so the baby will be clothed in the gold of royalty.
And so, as the details are completed, this new creation will be available for all to see very soon. And this proud mama-author will present it to, hopefully, an admiring public who will enjoy getting to know the Baxters and their life journey.
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