Another post….I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. I am so eager to get started on this next project, probably as equally excited as I am to get my first one published. I actually just put my pen down. I’ve been working on it all evening and night up until now. That shouldn’t have happened, however, I am so enthralled. We have to get the word out. “What?” one may inquire. That, plus the subject, will be revealed of in due time.

I completed a tentative outline and have sent several emails regarding the project. We have so much to go on, personal testimony besides. We’re hoping to acquire more sources soon, mostly online. Tomorrow, actually, in a few hours – hoping to be blessed by more than double the amount of sleep (7 hours) than one of the book’s central characters – I plan on taking my daughter to school.. (It’s sort of a bummer that my inspired thoughts usually come in the middle of the night:) Hoping to read various articles I was given before an appointment in the morning. Good night, sweet dreams America.

I am as excited tonight as ever. After a delightful meeting today about the next project, I came home quite joyful. The mother seemed exhausted, but that’s another story. Actually, that is the story. The duties in that family are scarcely comparable to anything else. I can comment more at a later date. “Labor of Love” may be the title we use. I expect the work to be hard, but any project of this magnitude would be. This evening, I have finished sketching my first draft of the beginning chapter. I am jubilant how the words came to mind. We’ll see if it meets their approval.

I awakened this morning with renewed joy.  Not only are we four days into the copyediting process with Westbow, which they estimated would take seven to ten business days, I just received the greatest news. After my book gets published and distributed (“Till Death Do Us Part: Dealing With Brain Injury and Physical Aggression”), a dear friend is having me write her (her family’s) story. Though we’ve been staying in touch by email, this afternoon we will have our initial meeting.  I hope to get a clearer focus of our direction. It will be a long process, no doubt, but there is no rush. We just have to get the word out. . .more details to follow. LettuceWrite.

Did some research tonight on a particular topic I may have the joy to write about in the future. All I can say is we don’t know how good we have it. So that’s my two cents tonight. Be grateful. Be compassionate. Look around. You have it all. Eyes to see, ears to hear, fingers to touch, hands to hold, feet to walk, minds to think. And to be made in the image of God. . ..we are so blessed! Walk in love.

Daddy’s Got a Headache/What’s Wrong With Dad?
Sight to the Blind/Seeing is Believing/Miracles to See/Witness/See to Believe
A Ray of Hope/A Mother’s Heart/He Never Knew/Reflections of his father
Swing it Easy/No One Knew/Hole in One/Par for the Course
(Potential titles of various stories we’re envisioning)

Again, not much went down today as far as writing goes. The Lord led me to consider other writing projects. Had the chance to do some yardwork: mowing, pruning, preparing for golf. I’m in the classroom next week. It’s my turn to do the parent partner thing. Our boys are still loving school, though it’s a little challenging keeping everyone on task Tuesdays and Thursdays. We’re getting it, however. Dana usually has to clean up shop when she gets home.

So the copyeditor is examining my book now for copyright issues and whatever else. Thankful for that, and also for Miss Erica at Westbow, for finally getting me all set up. She even called me several days back. I was surprised what a cordial conversation we had. Talked to my website designer and it sounds like things are coming together. When we get the book cover designed, I think we’ll put its image online. Thankful to be at this point and not have to be glued to the laptop anymore, or continually thinking about things. Now, I’ll get to spend quality time with my family.
It seems the book production may take awhile, though. I briefly looked at the schedule of events, and it may not be out until April. We’ll see.

Oh, I guess that’s after the golf tournament I’m playing in tomorrow. I’ll be going cold-turkey. I haven’t practiced or played in a long time, maybe since July 19, when we golfed with the pastors: Dr. Powell and Pastor Rob. Oh well. . .I hope to get there early to warm up:)

My lady from Westbow Press just called and said we’re all set. She said she just forwarded the manuscript for the content review (7-10 days). Again, Praise the Lord! “Be still, and know that I am God”….forget where that is. Isaiah 40.31 also comes to mind.

Great day, in hindsight. Some other things were on my agenda this morning while I waited around for Miss Erica, my Westbow publishing consultant, to touch base with me. I read a quick, final email in the meantime from my editor addressing some issues. Finally, I called the Westbow office to see if they knew what could be done, why I hadn’t heard from my lady. Just then, an email popped up, saying how busy she was, on and on, and that she’d get back to me sometime. In the afternoon, I received my document back from Westbow to confirm I am ready to go. I did, though per my editor’s recent suggestion, I kept the prologue section intact and combined the intro with the preface. He had never seen all three sections in the same book. I sent it back to Miss Erica, Westbow, around 6 p.m. this evening, saying to go ahead and pass it on to the “Design” team. Can’t wait to see what God will do. Ready, willing, and available, but trying to do my best.

So excited for the day, and week, to begin. Can’t wait to hear from my publisher and answered prayer, one way or another. That God would be glorified, that’s all. It’ll be exciting. I’ll just sit tight at the moment. May call the gal soon.

I did call, she wasn’t in the office yet.  They were going to have her call me. No news is good news? We’ll see.