Finished.
The power of that word is knee rattling for me. It’s so potent and overwhelming I’ve been known to cry when I finally get to type the words “fin” at the end of a manuscript. There is a rush of adrenalin, fear, excitement and then….fear. A dash of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment and did I mention the fear?
What if it’s crap? I mean, this isn’t bad poetry I get to tuck in a journal somewhere and hide until it’s drum circle time….this is a BOOK. 1) People are going to read this. (If the publishing gods are kind.) 2) Critics are going to review this and rate this puppy. (For people to see and decide whether or not to read it. (See point 1.) 3) My husband is going to give me ‘that look’ that says “Okay, honey…can we get off welfare yet?” and 4) I’m going to have to sit behind this thing at book signings and pray that somebody picks one up and does more than ask me where the restrooms are located. (See point 1 again.)
This is the best and worst part of being a writer. Now, I hit send and the wheels of publishing turn. Edits are made and we’re rolling. Oh, man. Hear that? That’s the sound of a roller coaster moving up the track to that unavoidable peak where you can see all the possibilities…just before it plummets into a heart-stopping ride.
Complaining? No way! I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world. Bring it on! Because I know the secret that only my innermost soul let’s me whisper in the dark. I haven’t written my best book. Not by a long shot. So every book is one more step toward getting it right.
So maybe that’s the consolation. I’ll never be finished.
Not really. 
BUT I’m one more manuscript closer!! (whoooohoooo!)
Can I get an amen?
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Renee Bernard
What in the world is a retired Navy chaplain’s daughter doing writing scorching hot historical romances? Renee Bernard is applying a great education from traveling all over the world to story telling and doing her best to keep her father proud. Truthfully, her father is her number one fan, even though he has sworn never to read a single word of her books (a vow he has kept to this day!) Nothing stops him from telling everyone he knows that his daughter is now a USA Today Bestselling author [Read More]
Amen!
Congratulations Renee! I have every confidence it will all turn out fine. Who knows? This could be the book that starts you down a different writing path. I think I see dragons in your future.
Do let me know when it comes out so I can add it to my collection.
Hugs,
Erin
I will read it AND LOVE IT !!!! Just as I have all the other books in the series !!!!!
AMEN!!!
Hooray for finishing another super book! I am looking forward to the next book in the series. How amazing for you to be living your dream. We, your readers, read your books and see the passion and love you have in every word and it keeps us coming back more. So keep up the writing and we’ll all be here (especially me) waiting to read the next book that comes from the fabulous Renee Bernard! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read “Obsession Wears Opals”!
Amen! So happy for you that this one is also finished. Readers will love it!
AMEN! I know it’s going to be fabulous, girl. tell the doubt monster to take a hike.
Love ya!
A thousand Amens. Love you dearly!
Amen! You haven’t become a best selling author just because we love you! Have faith in yourself and your work and we readers will love it!
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I’m honored to have helped Ethel in any way. Please tell her I am here for her and thank you!