![]() It’s done. I have completed a novel. Six months ago I wasn’t sure that I could do it. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to. I had lost confidence. It was requiring too much sacrifice. I had pushed away friends and family. I skipped events and family gatherings so I could work. My aging body was balking at the sedentary lifestyle writing required. I just wasn’t sure I had it in me. And, now, what is surprising me the most is that I am satisfied with the result. After all that time poring over those characters and those settings and those words, I am not tired of it. I am not eager to leave it behind. I find the book compelling. I enjoy reading it. It doesn’t make me cringe. It makes me happy. Oh, sure, I know it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do. I have written a story about my grandfather’s life, as best I could imagine it. I think I have told a good yarn that the reader will want to see through to the end. I have enjoyed crafting sentences that I hope will appeal to those who love words. And I believe I have created two characters who might just stick with you. I expect I’ve made Lyons a little more sympathetic than he actually was, but I had to give the reader a reason to care about him, even if he remains an enigma. The other surprise turned out to be Effie Mae, Lyons’ fourth wife and the other major character in the book. Everyone who has read any portion of the novel seems to love her. In the beginning, I had no intention of assuming her voice and writing from her point of view. She just came to me one beautiful day while I was sitting on my back patio reading a book about writing. But she is now the glue that holds it all together. Getting to know Effie Mae is a reason to read the book. Now, after a few days of breathing deeply, I begin the next phase. I have submitted the book to one independent publisher. I have met with one agent and have another meeting scheduled at the end of May. If none of those options pans out, I will begin the hard work of researching agents and trying to persuade one that my book will appeal to readers. Of course, I have an ace in the hole. I happen to run a little outfit called Murky Press that I know will be interested in publishing this novel. In fact, the sages at Murky Press seemed to portend the challenges, and the joys, of writing it: “We at Murky Press believe peering into our past may help untangle the present. Trouble is, the past can be mysterious. It can be, well, murky. It takes some effort and some patience to interpret what the past is trying to tell us. And we may still get it all wrong.” Perhaps it’s my good fortune that with fiction there is no right or wrong. It’s all make-believe—even when it relays the truth. So if I am able to transport the reader to a different place and time, and to inspire some empathy for people whose lives may be unlike ours, then I’m going to kick back and celebrate a job well done.
15 Comments
4/22/2019 07:46:48 pm
Congratulations, Sallie! What a wonderful accomplishment and I can't wait to read it and discover that opportunity to engage in empathy. Kudos to those Murky Press folks.
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Bob Mcwilliams
4/22/2019 08:46:00 pm
Congratulations. You have been one busy writer. I am very proud of you. Please keep me posted on your publication date. I can’t wait to read it.
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Barbara Fallis
4/22/2019 09:15:36 pm
Sallie, I never doubted for a moment that your book would come to fruition. I still remember that day we met for lunch in Dry Ridge and you told me about your grandfather and his "unusual" life before you had really researched all of his life (as best as that could ever be done). I was fascinated. I know you will let all of us know when the first book signing takes place. NPR should take note of you and your book! Best to you and your wonderful husband/photographer Rick.
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Rogers Barde
4/22/2019 10:52:01 pm
Congratulations! I knew you would do it, and I'm very glad that you are pleased with it. I'm looking forward to Effie Mae, and what a clever idea!
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Deborah Costenbader
4/23/2019 07:48:14 am
What a wonderful accomplishment, Sallie! I'm looking forward to reading your novel. Keep me informed about the publishing date. Now will you relax for a bit . . . ?
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Robert V Goodlett
4/23/2019 08:13:31 am
Looking forward to reading this one!
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Mac Goodlett
4/23/2019 11:13:20 am
Congratulations! Next Train Out is bound to be a hit! The text surely represents what must be a glorious journey with people that you spent weeks and months, perhaps years, attempting to look into their hearts and souls to see what motivated their choices in life. You deserve a great feast and long rest!
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myra
4/23/2019 12:46:25 pm
Way to go cuz !! I'm sure its good and I can't wait to read it.
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Lori Meadows
4/23/2019 02:53:44 pm
Fantastic Sallie! Having heard a bit of your grandfather's story from you I'm anxious to read your book. Congratulations, and best wishes to you on finding the perfect publisher!
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Fonda McWilliams
4/23/2019 09:28:22 pm
Hooray for you! What a labor of love to bring a whole novel to birth! Writing is some of the most difficult work, but if you have the call to do it, you must. I'm so glad you did! Can't wait to dive into the story and get to know those characters. I'm sure it will find its place in the world and make lots of friends. :) A big congratulations!
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Nancy Barnett
4/24/2019 01:15:38 pm
Sallie, Your voice is always a welcomed friend and I so look forward to reading your yarn, I know it will be good. Well done, I am so proud and amazed at your completed task.
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Marcy
4/24/2019 05:47:42 pm
Congratulations Sallie!! I can’t wait to read it!! Thanks for keeping me in the loop!
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Martha Goodlett
4/24/2019 08:13:55 pm
Sallie,
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Dudley
4/30/2019 12:48:35 pm
How exciting!
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Laura Linger
5/4/2019 02:44:31 pm
Congratulations, Sallie! I look forward to recommending it to my ladies' bookclub one day soon! Maybe, we'll have the author in attendance. Good luck with the publishers.
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