Final Draft

So, I finally got my final draft back, all corrected, from Mrs. Jacoby! I was able to see Tyrone one more time to get the graphics done, just right!

Writing a book is a lot of work and my ebook is much shorter than any novel I have ever read. I feel like this was a good test for me, although I don’t think I did so well with all the emotions that go along with such a hefty goal.

I was a little harsh last week with the students during tutoring last week in the library. I was becoming frustrated and I don’t usually get upset. I am sure I will have to keep my feelings more in check when taking on such a project as this.

I got to show Danika my book last night and I think she was more thrilled than even I am. I still have to add here, that if it wasn't for Danika, my book might not have ever been written.

Well, we will just have to see what the critics have to say. I mean it is my very first book. It is well written, if you ask me. I can’t wait! The launch is next month.

Wish me luck!!!

.Lily

Tutoring Again

So here I am once again in the library helping other students with their writing assignments. I am usually helping those with English Composition or Creative Writing, sometimes it is for another class.

As I had a few papers to finish up, I am noticing that my level of writing seems superior to the ones I am reading and correcting now. I have been writing since I was a little girl so maybe that’s why mine are so much better.

Some of these papers I have read look like a young kid wrote them. I am thinking to myself, I hope this guy passes this semester.

I remember back to the summer when I went with one of the guys to the Recreation Center and how he tutored young students. I feel like I am back there again.

I thought most people could write fairly well? Maybe I was wrong. Looks like I will be here for awhile and I have so much to do with my own workload and finishing my own book.

I can only help the students so much. Maybe if they took the time they needed instead of rushing through assignment and just writing anything down, they would see its importance and know what it is they are writing about.

I guess I will get to my book later tomorrow, it’s going to be a long night!

.Lily

Ugh...The Disappointment of the Day

I go into Creative Writing class, and I am in a Great Mood! I got the chance to work with Tyrone on graphics yesterday for my eBook, and my spirit has carried over into today! It was exciting to look at different ways we might go about choosing the graphics for my first eBook.

Mrs. Jacoby said she needed to speak with me after class, so I figured she must be done with editing. This is great! It’s all falling into place. Maybe editing a book wasn’t as bad as I expected it could be.

The bell rings and I can hardly wait to get to speak with Mrs. Jacoby, of course, today, other students have questions? No one ever has questions for Mrs. Jacoby? Finally, my turn! I can already see my eBook sitting on her desk… Red Marks are everywhere! How is this possible? I edit for a living! As I flip through the first few pages, I understand I have more work to do and possibly another rewrite for my future! She can tell from my expression this wasn’t what I expected; I am not sure what my face is saying, but I swallowed my heart and my pride! Mrs. Jacoby is trying to comfort me with words. I can only hear part of what she is saying “It’s fine. Only a few changes”….she says. “Thanks, Mrs. Jacoby, I do appreciate all your help!” is all I can manage to say before heading to my next class. I slip my eBook back into my bag.

Now I feel like the athlete guys when they lose a game. I was sure it was well written. Just like, I am sure, they were sure they had practiced enough. I will have to go over it tonight.

This will take longer than I thought.

.Lily

Editing and Graphic Design

I think I told you in an earlier post how I took Creative Writing this year. It was a wise decision! I just love my teacher Mrs. Jacoby. She reminds me a lot of my mother. I had written a short story when I was much younger and I wrote it on my blog several months ago. If you would like to read it, in case you missed it, it’s under blog post titled A Blast From My Past. Mr. Canezzle is his name and the main character in the short story. Anyways, my mom would always help me with my writings and “edit” my papers.

I was talking to Mrs. Jacoby at the end of the class and telling her how I was at the end of my book that I am writing and she said she would love to read it! Yes!! Of course she could read it, I would love that! I was thrilled even more when she offered to edit my book! I am really excited. Who better than an English teacher to edit my book!

As luck was obviously on my side today, I had the book with me and so I gave it to her. She said she would need a week or two to look it over and of course I said that was just fine. She had a lot of class work to go over for all her classes since it is the beginning of the new school year and I can absolutely understand that.

Then when I turn around to head over to the library...there is Tyrone, he has her class this period. Remember him from Danika’s get together? Remember the one where Danika and I actually introduced ourselves?

He must have overheard our conversation because he offered to help me with my graphics for my book!!! Of course, he is a graphics major. I did not know that!!

In one day I have found an editor and a graphics guy to help me with my book and it’s free!!!

Now I have to get over to the library to pick up my schedule for tutoring students who either take English Comp. or Creative Writing classes. It is on my way to the next class and if I don’t hurry I am going to be late!! I promised myself this year I would stick to my schedule. No more excuses for being late to class. I hate being late, don’t you?

A girl has to have a job to pay for all the extra stuff she needs!! It’s a perfect job for me to read other people’s work and you know how I love to read!!

Until next time!!

.Lily