Columbus Day

Ironically, since Columbus Day is Monday, I just finished my book on the discovery of America. It was a work-for-hire non-fiction project which, in equal parts, pit the an ancient tribe of paleo-Indians against Leif Eriksson and the Vikings; and Christopher Columbus. The punchline question is "Who won the race to discover America?"

I've been immersed in this stuff for 2 months. The "winners" of the race were, of course, the ancient Americans. They were here thousands of years before any Europeans. Well, duh. Right?

Imagine my chagrin, when my 5-year-old daughter comes home from school singing a song about how Christopher Columbus discovered America.

Go figure. Just wait 'til the book comes out...

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Finished! Hurray!

I just heard from my editor - she's accepting the final draft! The consultant liked what I did with the revisions -and that's it! My first book!

I won't see it again until it's in the final layout - probably having been trimmed a bit (I was a wee bit over my word count). I can't wait to see what it looks like at the end.

It's been a really great process. I've learned a lot about the subject. I hope I've learned a bit about the process - and that I'll be on the list to have more assignments.

I still can't believe it - does this mean I can return all my library books?

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Finished?

Thank you to everyone who has proofread, and those who have sent kudos. It's been so helpful to get your feedback, and positive thoughts.

I think I'm finished. My editor has tentatively accepted the text, and we're just waiting to hear back one last time from the consultant on the details. The next time I see it, it will look a lot more like a book! I can't believe it's done! I really can't wait to see the end result, but it may be a couple of months.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated!

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3rd Draft

I'm really happy with the response from the editor - she was very happy with the sections on the Vikings and Columbus. I don't feel like quite the imposter I did at the beginning.

Unfortunately, I have to rewrite the entire text of the Paleo-Indians, or rather ancient Americans. We're talking coastal route, rather than land bridge. I've got some great suggestions from our consultant, though, and I think it will be fine in the end.

It's actually due back to the editor on Columbus Day. How ironic. Hmm.

I so hope that there will be other assignments after this - I am having fun!

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