There is a weird space when a book has come to an end. You finish that last edit, on the last page. You double check. Export it as a print ready PDF. And there it is. It’s this… something. Something that took you several months to write and put together is officially complete.
It’s a little awkward. As an author, you want to high-five someone. Pop a bottle of something. Celebrate on a balcony, with a glass of wine, or at have friends join in a type of after-party. But, life isn’t a movie montage. Instead, it’s just you, in your office, or somewhere. Alone. With this very surreal moment of finishing something.
Admin jobs happen afterwards, of uploading, covers that need to be made, ISBN’s that need to be created and back-cover blurbs. It’s very un-glorious. But at least you know, you’ve achieved a goal that is a different kind of satisfaction and happiness that fireworks and crowd’s cheering would give. It’s a soul fulfilling happiness that you’ve been true to your creative energy and made something worthy of sharing.
Even though you know, or at least I know, it will probably be another year or two before a complete stranger buys the book, it’s OK. We are on the path. The readers will come.
So, Second Earth, which, to date, is my favourite book I’ve written (I feel that way about every book I finish) is currently being printed and a proof copy will be sent. Once that is done and dusted, last checks are done, any small changes made, it will be available for sale on Lulu.com, then a little while later, Amazon.
An ebook will then be done as well.
In the meantime, while we wait, I’ve been starting the process of putting together my next book. For the last month, the story has been swirling in my mind and I’ve been getting to know the characters. Magnolia will be my hero. For the first time, I’m going to get behind a younger character, who is feisty. This book will also be a little different from my others, as we’ll be exploring emotions more and and the connection between souls.
There is also a little kind of Alice in Wonderland feel to it, as we’ll be jumping into different lives and different realms.
Currently, the Echoes of Emberwoods is set to be several books. But how many, to be exact, is unknown. I’m fooling around with the idea of four, which will be the longest saga I’ve done. I’m a little nervous about it, so I don’t want to fully commit. If I knock out three good ones, I’ll be happy.
If you are reading this, I hope you join me in my plight. I’ll keep you updated here.
Fireborn Press 