My First Manuscript!!!

It’s been a whirlwind of adventure. I went to a rodeo where I ran the most thrilling, yet slow barrel pattern. Then I came back home and finished the last chapter of my book. It will now go to my developmental editor (my daughter) for it’s first review. I am going to take the advice of other writers and step away from the book for about a month. This is so I can come back to it with fresh eyes.

I had it printed with my first draft for the cover. It seemed only fitting. During my time away, I will try to finish my second draft of the book cover. I also want to work on another piece of writing that I have a specific goal for.

My barrel pattern: A personal triumph after sustaining two concussions in two years (roller derby and car accident). Yes, I wore a helmet.

Enter the arena at a lope.. I think we got the correct lead.

Loping in the general direction of the first barrel . . .(No thoughts at all. Just overstimulation)

Stevie tries to slow her horse down for the barrel. Where are my hands? What are they doing? Why don’t I feel my horse’s face?

Stevie and her horse run past the first barrel to the fence. Oh my god! We went to the fence again!

Somehow they turn towards the second barrel Where are her feet? We are still loping? One-two- ask for a lead change and pray she doesn’t buck! Yes, we changed leads!

They approach the second barrel, the one closest to the crowd. The barrel is so sparkly! No don’t look at the sparkles on the barrel!

Stevie and her horse skid around the second barrel. Why is my left leg up on her back? Where are my hands? Should I grab the saddle horn to pull myself back in the saddle?

Stevie somehow finds her balance while she awkwardly made a motion to grab the saddle horn with her right hand but didn’t actually grab it. Her left hand is pointed towards the third barrel. My favorite barrel!

Stevie and her horse wrap around the third barrel lickity split. OK, let’s fly!

Stevie and her horse fly back in pure bliss reminding them of why they sign up for rodeos even though they are not fast. It’s just to feel this part.

Sooooo Close & Also so Far

I am on Chapter 19! I was keeping a pretty nice pace, and then I went to a fantastic writers group meeting. Someone gave a presentation about graphic design for book covers. He showed us a few really great and free software programs. Since then I have gone down a rabbit’s hole of designing a book cover in Inkscape. I fell in love with some fonts too. Chapter 19 still awaits.

I’ve also been working with my little mustang. I sat in the saddle on her for the first time recently. It was a moment of pride because I trimmed her hooves, modified the saddle to my liking, and got on her in a paddock surrounded by fencing I helped build and/or rebuilt myself.

Stevie Lou’s Author Updates

Website Launch

They say writers need to have a website. Here is mine.

This has been fun to work on in between writing. I am currently in the middle of Chapter 16 (of 20) of the first draft of my first book, Across the Fence. It is super exciting. An author on a podcast I was listening to said that while they are writing their first draft they feel envious of their future editing self and vice versa. I do feel that a bit. All I know is that I cannot wait to print out the first draft and be able to say, “Here is my manuscript.” Maybe I will walk around with it, and the wind will blow it away. And I’ll chase after the pages with glee. It’s 2025, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world to experience that classic moment.