In the next week or so, I will finally be holding an advance copy of my novel for 10-14 year olds, Get a Grip, Cooper Jones (published by Walker Books). And I am jiggling with excitement and nerves. And yes, this book is my third and final example of the three Ps of Publication. (Practice, Patience and Perseverance.)
This little baby has been my work in progress for the past six years. It has undergone so many rewrites that I couldn't even hazard a guess as to the number. It started out as one book, based on what I believed was a strong premise, and has ended up an entirely different book with that original premise thrown out the window. I have killed thousands of my "darlings", to coin a phrase from Stephen King's, On Writing, with some of my favourite scenes and funniest lines being mortally wounded by the delete key. In my last rewrite in January, I estimate I axed about 10 000 words and added about 15 000 new ones. (At this point, I'd like to add another P: PERSPIRATION! I have certainly put in the hard yards with this book.)
It has also gone through numerous name changes. It started out as Feral Feet (now totally irrelevant) and was To the Feral Tree up until about three or four months ago. Now it is Get a Grip, Cooper Jones and I think it is the perfect title for it.
So if ever there was a book that demonstrates that you shouldn't give up, this is it. It is due for release on August 1 and I can hardly wait!
What do you think of the cover? Pretty cool, isn't it?
More anon.
Sue, sounds fantastic and yes love the cover- Walker do great covers. Can't wait to read it either- your blog post is inspriational- maybe my fantasy novel might eventually roll out one of these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorraine. I am a tad excited about this one. And yes - never give up hope! Time has a way of both improving one's writing and also giving one's eyes clear sight.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Sue! The cover is great (the title, too!) and I love hearing these stories of perseverance (and slash and burn writing/editing - makes me feel like my own process may actually be a process of sorts rather than just a clumsy stumbling around in the dark). I will be hunting out a copy of Cooper as soon as I get back to your shores.
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous...can't wait to have a read.
ReplyDeleteVery cool title. x
Waiting for it to hit the shelves.
ReplyDeleteJeff