Tag: Book

Book, Fear, Healing, Stress

Another Update

Deb M

I’m surprised to be back here so soon with another update, but here we are. On March 10th I will be meeting with my developmental editor to go over the first round of edits. I’m excited to be diving back into revisions with fresh focus and ideas. It’s a little scary to be working with someone new. When fear and uncertainty well up I remind myself of all the support I’ve acquired along the way. This writing journey has brought so many wonderful people into my life and I’m sure that will continue.

An email arrived this morning that stopped me in my tracks and made me stop and take a deep breath. The publishers print goal for my book is August 17, 2026. This is much sooner than I anticipated! It’s not bad but it is surprising and overwhelming to think about. The dark side of this is I’ve begun to worry about the church and the blow back I’m bound to receive. I’d love to say I’m healed and not worried about how they will react but that would be a lie. Their reaction is the ominous cloud that threatens to ruin my happiness and sense of accomplishment. I know I have the bravery to push through my worries, I just have to dig a little deeper.

That’s all I have for right now. I will keep sharing updates as I have them. If you’re not connected to me over on Substack please follow and subscribe. I can be found at Surviving Church and Childhood.

Book, Uncategorized

Final Girl Moves Ahead

Deb M

Whew, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. I don’t think anyone can accuse Atmosphere Press of moving slowly. I’m enjoying the quick pace. If you know me, you know I hate to wait, That being said, it’s a lot. I’ve met with an acquisitions editor, my project manager, and a book cover design team member. Any time now I should also be hearing from a developmental editor. I can’t wait to dive back into my memoir and gain some fresh perspective.

When working on the book cover I had to send ten examples of covers I like so they can get a sense of my aesthetic. Then they asked for excerpts from the book to give them a feel for the narrative. I also sent them a list of words I felt described the mood of the book. I can tell that this part of the process is going to be challenging for me. I want a cover that provides the reader with a good idea of what the book is about, but also a cover that isn’t too dark or depressing. Once I have some options I will create a poll so you can give me your input.

Along with Final Girl, I’m working on a new book. The working title is A Spiritual Home. It’s weird to be back at the beginning of a project again. I’m feeling energized by the challenge. I will continue to provide updates on both books here as I have them.

Book

I’m Publishing My Book

Deb M

It is finally happening and I’m so excited to share this great news with you. Last week was a big week for me. I signed with a hybrid publisher and now things are moving forward. It has been a journey of many years to get me to this place. I’m so grateful for all those along the way who have offered me support. I’ve got many big decisions coming my way and to be honest it feels a little overwhelming. I keep reminding myself that you can only do your best and hope that the team of people around you can help you out when things get tough. My next step is to meet with my book’s project manager and then the developmental editor. I will post updates here when I have them!

Book

I’ve Been Writing A Book

Deb M

I’ve been writing a book. Wow, it is scary just saying those words. It’s like speaking them makes them real. Those who are close to me are already aware of the work I’ve been doing, and I’m sure they’ve asked themselves when I’ll ever finish. Turns out writing a book is hard work. I always knew it would be, and I doubted myself plenty along the way. I didn’t anticipate how complicated the whole process would be. First, there are so many skills to learn, critiques to consider, and choices to make. What to include and what to keep back just for myself. My rough draft was finished last year, and I’ve spent a year working on revisions. Now that I’ve taken it as far as I can by myself, I’m ready to begin seeking an agent.

It dawned on me last fall that publication couldn’t be the measuring stick of my work. Of course, publication is a goal, but it is just one of many. I chose to measure my success based on whether or not I finished my book. This version of my book is complete, and I’ve been taking a breath to allow that accomplishment to sink in. I know that there will be more revisions to come once my manuscript reaches the hands of an agent and editor. I’m excited to see where that process takes my memoir, but that is for another day.

Another reason to take a pause is so that I can steel myself for the rejection to come. Yep, I’m sure there will be many rejections before I hear a yes. It could take a very long time to gain representation, and that is yet another hurdle on my journey. My heart is pretty tender, and my confidence isn’t always strong, so I’m sure this part of the process will be filled with emotional ups and downs. Once the memoir is out there, I know I will hear from people who do not like what I’ve written, and that will require even more strength, but that worry, too, is for another day.

It feels weird to not be working on revisions. Now my focus is on my book proposal, so the business end. It’s hard not to worry that I’m making it too long or too short, not professional enough, or maybe I’m not getting the right advice about what to include and what not to include. It’s like being ten months pregnant; I’m ready for this baby to be out of the oven, but the doctor has a few more forms for me to sign first.

Have you been through this process? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Do you have tricks of the trade to share? What worked and didn’t work?

Deb

Book, Healing, Update

Update

Deb M

Hello, long time no see. I’m hoping some of you have been following me over on Substack and TikTok; if not, here I am again. For the last couple of years, most of my energy has been spent working on my book. I’ve completed a two-year writing program and spent many hours in critique groups. It has been a wonderful time of self-discovery, and I’ve learned a lot about how to write a memoir. I appreciate how patient you’ve been with me as I’ve gone through this process. Currently, I’m putting the finishing touches on my book proposal so I can begin to send it out to agents. This is a scary and exhilarating time. Writing my memoir has been a gift, and I feel so privileged to have the time and resources to put into writing it. It has healed me in so many ways while also revealing new sore spots that need attention. As I move ahead, I can only hope I will be able to weather the tough publishing world. I may seem pretty durable and strong on the outside, but on the inside, I’m pretty soft. I plan to document my journey here more closely now that I’m done working on my manuscript.

One important piece of getting your book published is branding and having a platform. This is why you see me in so many places. I’m sure at times it seems like a lot, it feels that way to me, but it is what I must do to meet my goals. This is where you come in. I know some of you have been following me for a long time, and I really appreciate that. If you want to help me push my book over the finish line, please interact with my social media as much as possible. A like on FB, Substack, TikTok, and here can go a long way. It’s even better if you can comment and follow/subscribe. A platform can make or break a memoir writer.

On TikTok, I have been making videos about the church I grew up in and how they compare to the religious right, and what is happening politically now. I talk about race and class and how the church of my childhood handled those issues. My handle is @wicrow.

On Substack, I’ve been writing journal prompts for those who are thinking about or have left the UPC or other high-control groups. I’ve also written some about my experience of being a Mexican American in the current climate. You can follow me here: https://open.substack.com/pub/survivingchurchandchildhood/p/its-okay-to-like-yourself?r=3glw93&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

I haven’t made a new post on YouTube in a long time. Once I get that going again, I will let you know. 🙂 If you know of anyone who might want me on their podcast or YouTube channel please let me know.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Again, I appreciate your support so much and I hope one day you’ll have my book in your hands and we can celebrate together!

Debbie