After writing a blog for half a decade now, you’d think that the transition from blog to book would be effortless; and if not that, at least somewhat intuitive. You’d be wrong. It’s kind of like saying, hey, I walk my dog every day, I’m totally up for a triathlon.
Some of you have asked how it’s going or what it’s like. It’s not easy, but really, what good things in life are? I’m enjoying the process immensely. I’m Ralph Macchio currently getting edited by my very own Pat Morita. We are on our way! The first draft of (who knows how many versions of) All Dogs Go to Kevin is complete, and I’ve learned a lot along the way.
How to write a blog:
1. Get a WordPress account.
2. Write something.
3. Edit (optional)
4. Publish.
5. Repeat for 5 years or so.
How to write a book (Option 1):
1. Adopt a funny looking animal.
2. Join reddit.
How to write a book (Option 2):
1. Write a blog (optional but strongly recommended)
2. Write some stuff. Show it to an agent.
3. Trash what you wrote in Step 2. Repeat step 2 and 3, eight times.
4. Take a break and wallow in despair at your crummy writing skills.
5. Write some better stuff. Now you have a proposal. Agent shows it to a publisher.
6. Don’t forget to blog about steps 1-5
7. Publisher gives you a contract longer than your actual proposal, plus a deadline for an actual book consisting of a whole lot more words than you’ve ever strung together in your life.
8. Write some stuff. Show it to no one.
9. Write some more stuff. Panic a little. Read, a lot.
10. Attempt to edit, get paralyzed with inability to see beyond current sentence. Decide entire thing is a steaming pile of garbage but now it’s too late to turn back and all you have is a deadline and some roadkill.
11. Hand manuscript to editor with the same apologetic smile you use when you give a dirty diaper to the flight attendant.
12. Wait, breathlessly. Blog a little. Wallow some more in the certitude you are no Maya Angelou, no Stephen King, no Harper Lee.
13. Pick up 50 Shades of Grey and Snooki’s latest book, then feel better about Number 12. Maybe it’s doable after all.
14. Open up envelope with your first draft manuscript, neatly evaluated by an editor kind enough to use a pencil and not a big red crayon for the comments. You’re the before scene in an 80’s teen flick. All you need is some tough love and a montage to get into shape!
15. ??? That’s as far as I made it as of today. I’ve got one year to fill in the rest and then we can all pretend it was an effortless endeavor.
All that being said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t deliriously happy. I love every moment of the process.
Excited to see the results, keep up all the hard work, and thanks for showing us how much effort and time it takes!
It’s like vet school- exhausting and exhilirating all at the same time.
I’m in awe of all the things that you do. Excited to read your book, always love your blog. You know what people want to read about and no doubt your book will be just as good if not better. Take care of yourself and all your family human as well as furry while you are on your quest.
You’re so kind. Thank you so much! It’s been great- so lucky to have a supportive family!
I needed this today. I’m terrified my beta readers are going to hate my book and say something like, “It reads like a blog.”
Your readers will be your absolute biggest source of support 🙂
Could not love this more. Period. (So excited for you!!!)
Thank you! You’re going to be next in line for review, you know.
I was going through old photographs and came across one from an October 4th celebration in downtown San Diego in 2008. You were there, celebrating a happy day for me. Know that I am celebrating this along with you, smiling and knowing that although life (and not proximity) puts distance between us you can probably imagine just how overjoyed I am for you. No words are worthy of describing how much I think you rock. SOOOO cannot wait to read your book.
Aw, you are too sweet! We DO need to solve this distance issue, it’s silly that we’re so close and have never met up in 6 years.
Yes, please let’s do that. Once everything is okay in the community, please let’s toast to these beautiful lives we have. Thinking of you, your furbabies and family.
it’s a good feeling to have hard work make you feel happy despite being exhausted. So “good on you!”
I’m just amazed at any bit of writing. I tried to start a blog and it has been over a year and 1/2 since my last post and that was only #12…. oh well….. so, needless to say, I’m impressed with all your writing. look forward to the book!
Thank you so much!