I HAVE FINISHED THE MANUSCRIPT!!!! Yes, I’m shouting. Six years of toil—blood, sweat and tears…
I’ve changed the title of my book from Wings of Rock to: DANCE OF THE ELECTRIC HUMMINGBIRD. (You’ll have to read it to see why I’ve chosen this title.)
This too, is subject to change at any time, as writing is a never-ending process. I’m told publishers often change the title anyway, unless they absolutely love it, so I’m prepared for that.
My editor is now checking the entire manuscript for punctuation and grammar, so this is the final writing stage before submission. She should be finished by the end of next week. After that, hopefully it will only take me a day or two to incorporate the changes.
I have also finished my query letter and am very pleased with it.
The next step is finding an agent. A professional author is giving me a recommendation to someone, so please send positive vibes my way. I have a really good feeling about this; I don’t know why!
I also now have a new endorsement. I’m so excited! Here it is:
"Pat Walker's memoir is a joy. It is Eat, Pray, Love for the common woman -- you know, the vast majority of us who can't travel the world because we're stuck at home, doing laundry and driving kids around. I laughed out loud, but I also discovered that serious transformation can occur when one is open to it. In other words, it gives me hope."
-- Laura Pritchett, winner of PEN/USA Award and Milkweed National Fiction Prize
I’m deeply honored to have this endorsement, as giving people hope is what I’ve worked tirelessly to accomplish with my book. I will put this blurb under the “Praise” tab here on “Voice of the Spirit.” However, please don’t get the impression that my book is for women only—it’s for everyone!
In related news, I am in contact with a graphic artist in New York, whom I’m considering hiring to do a short trailer for DANCE OF THE ELECTRIC HUMMINGBIRD. This won’t happen until sometime after the holidays, but I can’t wait to see what the two of us come up with! I promise it will be exciting!
Also, my Sufi friend Gayan, a world-renowned professional drummer, and I are working together on hosting a four-week (a few hours one day each week with a break between weeks two and three) seminar on MUSIC and MYSTICISM. Focus of the workshops will be on how MUSIC and MYSTICISM interrelate to teach us the secrets of life. In the seminar we will learn these concepts through playing music (don’t worry, no experience needed) some lecture, and a lot of hands-on activities such as meditation and audience participation. Gayan and I want this to be more than merely a source of entertainment—we want to provide people with practical tools they can take home with them to bring more joy and fulfillment into their lives.
I’m also in contact with Pamela Phifer, a lifestyle and weight management consultant who helps women find spiritual, mental, emotional and physical healing. I’m hoping to bring her organization, Back Into the Wild, into this workshop as well.
Please note: The MUSIC and MYSTICISM seminar will NOT be for women only—everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend!
More info. as it becomes available.
Your input is appreciated; following this post there’s a link to share your comments.
As you can see, I’ve been busy—as all of this is in addition to being a wife and mom, occasionally babysitting my grandson and also working 20-30 hours per week at my part time job.
Hugs and blessings to all of you for your support and encouragement—this includes you, Sammy!
I couldn’t have done this without any of you.
—Baja Rock Pat
I love the Hummingbird name for your book - I think Hummerws are such amazing creatures ....LIKE YOU !!!
best of luck with your book !
Colleen
Posted by: Redrockcandy | December 02, 2009 at 09:23 PM