Feedback

So, along with asking friends to read my book, I've actually had an editor go through it and today I got the edits back.

Now-there's lots of typos (for those of you who've read it-you already know this) but there's been some punctuation fixes and other minor things along with some structural feedback-but most of the structural changes were the last edit.

Anyhoo-here's an exerpt from what she (a professional!) had to say:

Congratulations on writing a wonderful story! It’s rich, honest, colourful and inspiring. You’ve achieved the difficult task of creating complex reality on the page and, through that, delivering universal messages. Your readers – and I include those like me who are not personally acquainted with any of the real people in the story – will be able relate it to their own lives and learn. You’ve said many deep things about the human condition in an engaging way. What we have is a complete and careful picture of an interesting but so-called ‘ordinary’ group of people that is often dark, sometimes bitter, but leavened with plenty of humour and love. The characters are all people whom we wish we knew. The story is one we are glad to have been told.

...

And this:

I understand that this is a book about Dad, and the other characters are there to support and explain the central story about him and his life. You have achieved that.

There was lots more - suggestions and the like - but I'm just going to read the nice part.

Just thought I'd share

:)

Okay....

Instead of writing a gazillion reasons as to why I haven't been posting here, I'm going to ask a single question instead:

Who wants to read my book?

What I've been doing with my days....

Writing dating profiles....like the following:

My self-summary

Okay here goes: Maybe I'm just a romantic at heart, but I've always figured if I'm meant to be with someone, somehow it will just work out.
How naive. I guess I'm going to have to make more of an effort - which is why I'm here.
So what do you want to know about me? I don't know, I'm well-educated, I like bright people but don't believe that it's universities or schools that make people bright - it's more about who you are. I've travelled quite a lot - have lived outside of Canada for a while but missed the 'true north' and had to come back. That being said, I'd still like to see so many more places...Chile, Galapagos Islands, Northwest Territories - they're all on my wish list and yeah, they have nothing in common.
What else? I love animals - I have a cat named Monster, am thinking about a adopting a second one and calling it Maniac - though I'd really love to get a Newfoundlander and name it Puppy. Maybe I should have put that under things I spend a lot of time thinking about...
My summer weekends are spent up north as much as possible - I love the outdoors, campfires and swimming in those cold blackwater lakes. I like to be active and I'm training for a half-marathon - but if you're one of those people that can qualify for the Boston marathon - I will never be your running partner ;)
Well that's all I have for now...not sure if this is really a self-summary or a collection of random thoughts. Same thing maybe?

What I’m doing with my life

Not waiting for retirement to cross things off my bucket list.

I’m really good at

Moving. And yes, there's a story behind that...

The first things people usually notice about me

My sass... I've had people comment about my eyes and/or my smile, but that was just too easy.

Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food

My favourite book is Crow Lake - but I'll read just about anything - well, except for Science Fiction or anything that starts with the words "Fifty Shades..." I'm not a very good follower.
I love movies, shows, tv...entertainment really, but I also like to do things - not just watch. I love long dinners that include a glass or two or wine and interesting conversations among friends punctuated with lots of laughter....organic laughter is the best. That also kind of answers the question about food I'm guessing...

The six things I could never do without

Passport, the cottage, good friends, good wine, good conversations and lots of laughter.

I spend a lot of time thinking about

Different ways I can continue to avoid finishing the book I'm writing...I feel guilty if it's just inane activities so random courses or training for a half marathon seem like viable excuses.

On a typical Friday night I am

..doing something. I hope...

Texting

Texting - I've never been a big fan, but I'm beginning to hate it.

Why?  Well, I think it's overused and often misused - disguising people's bad behaviour.  My real problem with it is that texting is taking over phoning.  When did actually picking up the phone and phoning someone become so passe??

This past weekend, I had a little get together with some friends - and a number of people who had accepted, text to say they weren't coming.  So - okay - at least some text before the evening started, but not before I had planned for a certain number of people to actually be there.  I guess life happens, but why not just call?  It's far more polite. Seriously - are people afraid to pick up the phone and make contact?  Truthfully, I'm not that perturbed about it- I just find it annoying - but what's inspired my mini-rant is someone texting me the day AFTER the event.

Seriously?  I really think that's rude.

Pedantic?  I don't think so.  I would only text my apologies if I was trying to avoid someone - so not only is it rude, it's cowardly.

Oh - and by the way - despite my complaining about non-attenders (and only last minute, just before they were suppose to arrive, non-attenders) I had a really nice time with the group that did show.  I'll even consider doing something again.