My novel is complete. It’s been sent for editing – the lovely Karen Sanders removed a million extraneous commas – and I’ve looked over the notes, and now it’s done. Completely and utterly done!
Next, I have to decide what I want to do with it. I’d like to submit it, either to an agent or to some small presses – but I’m also aware, from a career point-of-view, that it’s been almost two years since my last book was published. Some of my author friends publish more than one book a year, so I feel like I’m slacking. Although, I know I wouldn’t be able to work quicker – this book, at fifteen months and with the premise in my head for many years before that, is the quickest I’ve ever written!
I realise I’ve been pretty secretive over the whole thing. It’s a superstition thing – if I share too much, it’ll all go very wrong. So, here it is…
SMALL FORGOTTEN MOMENTS
Suffering from amnesia, artist Jo Mckye flees to her childhood home to escape her nightmares. Instead, she’s faced with a tragedy that occurred when she was younger and a stark choice.
What do you think?
So, technically, my Novel in a Year adventure has ended. Thank you for sharing it with me. I probably won’t bore you with the endless submission process, but I might mention it occasionally. And you’ll be the first to hear when and where you’ll be able to buy it 🙂
Annalisa Crawford - Blogging with My Fountain Pen 
Congratulations on finishing your novel! The idea sounds like a good one, but right now you just finished one and might be called on to edit it when it’s accepted by a publisher, so this would be the time to do your brainstorming and character development. Which you would likely need to do, anyway…
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Oh yes, I know there will be further work, but right now I’m thinking about the queries. I have lists to make! 🙂
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That’s awesome!
It’s been a long time since I had a release and there was a year and half in between my books anyway. Send it out to some publishers and see what happens.
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Thanks, Alex – I’ve been making lists today!
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Congrats! It’s all a process and doesn’t matter how long it takes.
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Sooner’s always better than later though, isn’t it? 😉
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Hi Annalisa – how satisfying to have finished the book … well done and the scenario sounds interesting … the stark choice has me wondering. Good luck with whichever direction you take – cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary – I’m looking at everything at the moment… I’m very confused 🙂
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Congratulations on finishing, Annalisa. Enjoy the feeling and then decide what your next step is. It sounds like an interesting story so I look forward to reading it . Do keep us posted on the submission process, I know what a lonely experience it can be sometimes but for now celebrate!
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I’ve still got a lot of chocolate to celebrate with 🙂 Thanks Suzanne
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YAY!!! Congratulations! How awesome. I’m a snail writer so I think you’re doing great. We all go at our own pace that fits us. I can’t understand how writer’s can publish more than 2 books a year. Wishing you much luck in your querying prospects. And we love to hear about your journey!
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Thanks Cathrina, I probably will keep you updated – it makes a great record for me, too 🙂
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Yay and hurrah and cheers. Good job. This is all quite exciting and I for one am happy to read about the submittal process. Not boring. We are all rooting for you through thick and thin. I bet it’s damn good and someone will bite. Fingers crossed. Meanwhile – do a workout, eat chocolate, and talk to your kids! and husband!
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Thanks Joanne. Kids and husband??? Ooh yeah, now where did I put them, again? 🙂
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Congrats, Annalisa! I feel the same way: some people are so prolific! But it’s quality, not quantity–right? Yes! Good luck with the next steps.
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For me, the quality would definitely suffer if I went too fast. I’ve got to do this my way 🙂
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Well done! Congratulations!
Speaking as someone who takes way longer to write anything beyond a short story, you are NOT a slacker. 🙂
Good luck with the submission process – fingers crossed for you!
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Thanks Madeline, it’s so good to know I’m not alone in my slow lane 🙂
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Congratulations, Annalisa! 🙂
The story sounds awesome…. just the kind of story I love to read!
I’m also a very slow writer. But I’m comfortable with it.
Good luck with the submission process and please let us know what happens.
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Thanks Michelle, I will 🙂
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Congratulations on reaching THE END!
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Thank you 🙂
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Congrats on finishing! We’re in the same boat. I’ve currently in submission hell. Ugh … I also need to get a new project underway. Otherwise, my waistline and sanity will both become run away from me. Good luck on your book!
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Thank you! I’m trying to figure out a new project, but I think it’ll have to be a different one than I’d planned. It’s hard to settle into something new after the euphoria and panic of finishing and querying, but once you get started it’ll fly. At least, that’s what I’m hoping 🙂
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Congratulations!
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Thank you 🙂
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