I was just asked if my memoir was any closer to being released, and I answered, “every day.” That’s being honest. I can’t say when or even if my memoir will be published, not with any certainty at least. I have all the faith in the world that it will be, but that’s not the same thing.
When I started writing, I thought the process would go something like: think of an idea, outline the idea, write the idea, edit the idea, PUBLISH! However, I’ve found that I missed a key ingredient – natural selection. I’ve read sections of my work and laughed or cried, depending on the emotional response I was going for, and then let the manuscript “simmer” for a bit. Until very recently I found that I have new ideas for detail and wording that have given the work far more flavor than it had in the beginning. I said this was true until very recently – now the manuscript is simmering and nothing is coming to mind. It’s like deep down I’ve arrived at the finish line, and it’s a weird feeling.
Now I have to find an agent and/or publisher. I am tempted to try to bypass the agent altogether, but then my head says an agent is the proper way to go. Hmm…as long as I get my book published the way I want I don’t think I should really care.