At the end of 2018, I entered the eighth decade of my life. Physically, it was just another day. Emotionally, it was a milestone, as well as a reminder of the things I still really wanted to do.
Production-wise, the year had its ups and downs. Editing jobs were fewer and farther between, and I didn't have the energy to pursue new ones. The reissuing of my updated first two novels continued to be plagued with the ramifications of two major computer crashes and resulting file losses. (It didn't help that the company that had created my backup software went out of business, and I was unable to get the necessary tech support to access the files saved on my external hard drive.) The goal to get at least one new novel out the door got pushed into 2019 so I could update the two that required extensive polish. Where does all this leave 2018 in the grand scheme of things? Adjustments were obviously the name of the game, but upon review I discovered some surprising positives.
My critique partner had saved PDF layouts of the two books in need of work. While this proved a literary lifesaver, it also was a setback due to coding issues that developed when they were converted to a format I could work in. Still, the foundation on which to rebuild had been laid; the alternative, a total new start, probably would not have happened had they not been retrieved. Unfortunately, the process far exceeded the anticipated few weeks, and months went by in the ongoing struggle with files that refused to be edited and updated. Work on new novels ceased while the older ones obstinately fought me every step of the way on almost all changes. In November, the task was finally completed, but that wasn't the end of the story. Health issues working behind the scene for some years sapped the last bit of my strength and sent me to the hospital in serious condition.
At that point, the two manuscripts had been updated and laid out for printing, and my critique partner, Sharon Randolph (a prolific writer herself), and her technical guru took over to get them out for me. Proofs were ordered, and both books are or will soon be available. They're also creating Kindle versions, which I seriously doubt I could have done. I cannot alone take credit for this accomplishment, huge as it was, and I am so grateful for the invaluable help I received. What a beautiful end to an otherwise frustrating year!
While 2018 could have been the final straw in my writing career, it has become a stepping stone to the next phase and more new novels. Thanks to others, adjustments were made. The year ended on a high note, and I am ready to forge ahead—although it may be more like the tortoise than the hare. :-)
Production-wise, the year had its ups and downs. Editing jobs were fewer and farther between, and I didn't have the energy to pursue new ones. The reissuing of my updated first two novels continued to be plagued with the ramifications of two major computer crashes and resulting file losses. (It didn't help that the company that had created my backup software went out of business, and I was unable to get the necessary tech support to access the files saved on my external hard drive.) The goal to get at least one new novel out the door got pushed into 2019 so I could update the two that required extensive polish. Where does all this leave 2018 in the grand scheme of things? Adjustments were obviously the name of the game, but upon review I discovered some surprising positives.
At that point, the two manuscripts had been updated and laid out for printing, and my critique partner, Sharon Randolph (a prolific writer herself), and her technical guru took over to get them out for me. Proofs were ordered, and both books are or will soon be available. They're also creating Kindle versions, which I seriously doubt I could have done. I cannot alone take credit for this accomplishment, huge as it was, and I am so grateful for the invaluable help I received. What a beautiful end to an otherwise frustrating year!
While 2018 could have been the final straw in my writing career, it has become a stepping stone to the next phase and more new novels. Thanks to others, adjustments were made. The year ended on a high note, and I am ready to forge ahead—although it may be more like the tortoise than the hare. :-)
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| Editor Linda Lane has returned to her first love—writing—while maintaining her editing work. Her novels fall into the literary category because they are character driven rather than plot driven, but their quick pace reminds the reader of genre fiction. They also contain elements of romance, mystery, and thriller. You can contact her at websites: LSLaneBooks.com and DenverEditor.com. |
As we say around our house, "Go Linda!" I'm past the halfway marker in my eighth decade and had a great writing year, continuing my record of releasing a new novel every year. This year it was the culmination of 15 years of research and 5 years of writing to produce my first work of historical fiction, Distant Sons.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work in 2019, and may the gods of technology be kinder to you.
--Larry Constantine (pen name, Lior Samson)
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Larry. The fact that you're still doing a novel a year is an inspiration. As for those technology gods, I'm hanging out my Do Not Disturb sign this year. Hopefully, they can read and will obey it. :-)
DeleteP.S I would really like to read Distant Sons. Is it available on Kindle?
I found the book and look forward to reading.
DeleteI'm not quite at that magic age yet, but I'm getting close. Creakiness along with aches and pains make some days less than fun, so it's harder to bop along on walks to the beat of "girls just want to have fun." Still, I'm writing, de-cluttering, cooking, and even sometimes, cleaning (or at least prepping for the housecleaning service). :D With luck, I'll have a new book submitted to my publisher by the end of the month...at least, that's the plan. Like you, I'm moving more at the turtle's pace...or perhaps even the snail's, but I'm grateful for what I have and what I can do.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until my anemia began to improve that I realized how bad I had felt for the last several years. Now, I have enough energy to notice those aches and pains you mentioned and even look for strategies to fight back. Like you, I'm so grateful for what I have and can do -- as well as for the strength to write again.
DeleteI can sympathize with you, Linda. I certainly hope your newfound energy continues, and I hope the problems of 2018 go the way of the year. Courage and hugs for 2019.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Polly. I hope so, too.
DeleteIt takes bravery to white knuckle past the health challenges and grit to overcome the aggravating technical obstacles. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteYes on both counts, Diana. Some days it seemed the white knuckles and grit were in short supply, but happily they came back.
DeleteHappy New Year Linda. So glad to hear that 2018 ended on an upward swing. So happy that you have a good friend to help get the books formatted and ready to go. I am so looking forward to the books.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maryann. Upswings are always welcome, and good friends are indeed treasures. :-)
DeleteLinda, I love this column. Thank you for sharing your year. I'm so happy it ended on a positive note and truly hope your health issues have been resolved.
ReplyDeleteMy years as an editor have brought me some truly remarkable friendships with people I never would have otherwise met. For this I am so grateful and so happy to be part of the writing community. Thank you for your kind words, Pat. :-)
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