Day 144: Not a gross day after all

Clara - a fine canine specimen who doesn't get enough attention in my blog

            I’ve felt pretty gross for a few days, not just with a cold, but with a sinking, systemic discouragement about my book. I drag myself out of bed, unenthused at the prospect of more impotent wanderings and futility. Another quotation without a citation, no idea of the source. Paralysis-stricken over how to proceed and prioritize.
            HOWEVER – first thing this morning, I found the quote’s source!
            Then, I reached out to my copyeditor in NYC about tracking my edits to sync with hers. At the end of the call, unsolicited, she said, “by the way. I have to tell you…” (oh no!) “…I am really enjoying your book” (really??!). She went on to talk about the “gut punch” of the ending, how beautiful my letters are, how well paced the unfolding.
            I almost wept with gratitude; I could hardly speak. Damn. Positive reinforcement is a real thing. I sure needed that. 
            She also said my despair was right on target for this stage of the publication journey. Yay, I’m normal!
            Thank you, Molly Lindley Pisani.
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 144: 174 words, TOTAL = 23,459; 36,541 remaining