Dec 11, 2018 ~ we celebrate my late sister, Dr. Betty Jean Jones. She would’ve turned 69 today. She remains my inspiration and is proud, I’m sure, to see this milestone:
After 12+ years, at last Peach Seed Monkey is a novel manuscript in search of an agent.
Omygoodness. The reality hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s been too long since I didn’t have to make my way to my computer or laptop to work on pages, like a dutiful duckling, instinctively following her mother’s call.
Feeling like the girl who cried wolf a few times. Not because I like to play tricks, but because I had no idea writing a novel would take this long. The creative process takes as long as it takes.
I believe in celebrating every milestone and always have to thank my editor, the erudite novelist, A.J. Verdelle. We started working together in 2012 after something I stumbled upon sent me looking for A.J. — this quote from Nikki Finney: “A.J. Verdelle teaches revision as an art.” I could not have arrived at this juncture without her.
I’m onto the daunting journey of finding an agent and welcome any tips/advice/ideas/referrals/CONTRACTS… Meanwhile, I’ll be over here at my desk, drafting query letters, collecting rejections and drinking Strauss chocolate milk.
13 responses to “The End is the Beginning is the…”
juditheloisehooper
December 11th, 2018 at 09:13
I am smiling at your arrival at a monumental milestone and applaud your drive and persistence and must tell you how proud I am of you and all your accomplishments that have led you to this point. BRAVO!!!!!!!
Anita Gail Jones
December 11th, 2018 at 11:11
Thank you, Judith. Brings tears to my eyes since today is also would’ve been Betty’s 69th Birthday…
Sharon Eide
December 11th, 2018 at 09:43
Hooray!
Lori Grey
December 11th, 2018 at 10:37
Congratulations! What an accomplishment. Bravo!
Cheryl McLaughlin
December 11th, 2018 at 11:16
Yea! Loving it! Celebrate it. And then onto the next leg of this journey!
Tura Franzen
December 11th, 2018 at 12:52
Congratulations!!!
I love Sounds True ~ I have a friend (Terri Tate) ~ her book “A Crooked Smile” was published by them – she says they’re awesome to work with 🌺🌸
I cannot wait read to read your novel♥️👊🏽🎈
Anita Gail Jones
December 11th, 2018 at 13:21
I didn’t know you know Terri! She and I go way back, writing group together when she was just beginning the writing on this book which is fantastic. Thanks for the tip!
Miranda Roehrick
December 11th, 2018 at 16:05
Congratulations, Mama!
Karen Lynch
December 11th, 2018 at 18:01
Hi Anita! If you have a query letter to send me I will be happy to forward it to some agents, and writer friends. Best wishes, Karen
Sent from my iPhone
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Anita Gail Jones
December 11th, 2018 at 19:03
Thanks Karen! I’ll jump over to email and work on that.
joanwc
December 12th, 2018 at 10:48
Wonderful news. Looking forward to reading it! Joan Cuadra
Shirley
December 14th, 2018 at 15:47
Congrats Gail, I am sure your parents would be so proud.
Alette Roberts
December 16th, 2018 at 00:45
Congratulations Anita! Can’t wait to read it.