I’ve completed and printed the first draft of my book. It’s 55 pages of 8X10 sheets of paper and 23 196 words. Memoirs should be 30 000 to 50 000 words so I have some embellishing to do but I’m very pleased. I didn’t fall into the trap of making all the chapters the same length either. There is a very wide range. Now I need to find a good editor. I’ve been given the name of a (fairly) local company.
Writing a book can be challenging but I certainly was familiar with my subject matter since it’s about my daughter, Justine’s life from birth to her death at aged 29. Justine had bipolar disorder and there are many stories to tell about her search for help and acceptance in a world that likes to sweep mental illness under the carpet. My goal is to bring some of the stigma into the limelight in order to create change. My husband and daughter will read it first and will offer feedback. I certainly didn’t want to sugarcoat the issues but at the same time I had to protect Justine’s dignity. It was a fine line.
I’m calling the book, “Not My Story To Tell” for that reason. Justine was very honest and public about her life because she knew her disease was just as deserving as any other, but society doesn’t accept mental illness as easily as others such as cancer or diabetes. I always thought she might talk about her life in an open forum since she did have public speaking talent. She was killed last year in a car accident. Now it’s up to me to carry on her legacy.
Congrats! That’s a huge accomplishment! I can’t wait to read it one day when it is on many shelves 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome! I think it’s great that Justine’s story will be heard 🙂
LikeLike
Congratulations Cathy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ramida.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so excited for you Cathy and so very glad I saw this NOW, NOT HOURS OR DAYS LATER.
I’ll write more later. Love you, Sarah
LikeLike
Thank you Sarah.
LikeLike
That’s fantastic news! Keep us updated!
LikeLike
Thank you Meg.
LikeLike
That is so wonderful! Congratulations Cathy!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Congratulations Cathy!
LikeLike
Wow, Cathy that’s so great! Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Congratulations Cathy!
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
Congrats Cathy ❤
LikeLike
Thanks Nadine
LikeLike
Congrats Cathy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Congratulations Cathy. I am sure once you start re-reading your draft you will find the rest of the words to make your goal of 50,000 words. Look forward to reading it once it hits the bookshelves. Let us know on the progress you make with it. – Tania
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tania!
LikeLike
Congratulations Cathy! Writing anything of that length is a great achievement but to write it about something so personal…just wow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Cathy I too am VERY interested in your daughter’s story. I admire you so much for your strength and to not allow your daughter’s struggle remain hidden but to share it so that others will know that they are not alone. May god continue to bless you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much for your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats Cathy. I cannot wait to read your book. You are the strongest woman on earth! Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well with the publishing! XXOXOXO!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Catherine!
LikeLike
You know the old saying, “You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”.
LikeLike
Congrats on finishing. What an accomplishment! Look forward to reading it when it gets on the shelves.
LikeLike
Thanks Cindy.
LikeLike
Writing a book is a huge accomplishment; writing about something that touches you so deeply is a bigger one. I am sure she would have been proud of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Anand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on hitting a big milestone, all the best in the publishing journey ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done and congratulations on completing your first draft of your book, hope it all goes well with editors, publishing etc 🙂
I’ve nominated you for an award – you can read my nomination post here: https://fishing4soup.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/encouraging-thunder-award/
Best Wishes, Colette 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you very much Colette..
LikeLike
Congratulations, Cathy! What a wonderful accomplishment! You’re amazing! 😀
LikeLike
Thanks very much Audrey.
LikeLike
Congrats!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person