True confession: a year ago, I was guilty of profiling and almost refused to work with a new novelist. But I'm so glad I gave him a shot. Have I got a story for you!
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raise your words
not voice
it is rain that grows flowers
not thunder
-- Rumi
Musings
Last year, I got a message from a prospective writing coaching client. I had recently decided that I was at capacity and wasn't taking on any new clients for the foreseeable future. But Joe came to me on the recommendation of a former client—and I'm a sucker for referrals.
However, I saw what I thought were so. many. red flags:
He was a former Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine, I know... I know). I questioned how well he would take suggestions and advice from a civilian like me.
His manuscript was finished and he had found someone on Fiverr to edit it. [Fun fact: upon reading the submission, it became clear that it was far from finished, let alone edited.] I wondered how open he would be to making the sweeping changes the project required.
His book was men's fiction—and while I enjoy reading the occasional Clive Cussler or David Baldacci as much as the next person, I suspected that there was a disconnect between the story he wanted to tell and the story I'd want to work on.
So... I nearly said no.
And yet, I didn't.
Instead, I offered my frank assessment of what it would take to make the project a book that he would be proud to publish. And (slightly against my better judgment) offered to work with him.
I am so glad I did.
Firstly, let me say that my profiling skills suck. So many of the things I thought were red flags were actually green ones. Joe is a grade-A model client!
Turns out, ex-Marines are working machines. I've rarely had a client so focused and so diligently consistent. He took my advice and ran with it, working and reworking various elements until their prose gleamed.
Once he saw the shortcomings of the initial draft, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Whole chapters went by the wayside. Story lines shifted and characters grew. Every single week the revision made progress.
And, ultimately, the story took shape. It's true to the story he envisioned from the start. And I daresay it's good.
Today is our last consult. We've been working together for nearly a year. The book is now ready to move forward in its publishing journey. Next stop, the proofreader. Then design. Then: the world.
I've told Joe several times that I nearly said "no" to working with him, and we've discussed the dangers of profiling. Because truth be told: instead of seeing red flags now, I just wish there were more like him.
(Did you ever nearly miss out on a great experience because of a poor preconceived notion? I'd love to know what happened.)
MuseNews
Aziraphale and Crowley, the two newest chicks, have assimilated well into the flock. It was touch and go at first, as a few of the larger hens didn't think they needed to share a world with the fledglings. But it's a great big world and there is plenty of room for everyone.
The baby ducklings are outside during the day, when they paddle about in their little pool made from a roasting pan and gobble up every bug in their little pen. But it's still too cold at night for them, so they come inside, where they meep and yeep until the lights go out, when they settle down and go to sleep. Ducklings are the cutest things ever, y'all. I could watch them all day.
Book Report
Since April is National Poetry Month, and because one can never have too much poetry in one's life, I read The Spiritual Poems of Rumi, translated by Rumi expert Nader Khalili.
To begin with, the book itself is gorgeous. It is so beautifully designed that each page is frameable. Rumi was a mystic and a scholar born in 1207. His poetry appears simplistic and accessible at first, but his poetry invites deeper and deeper reading for even greater understanding.
One of my favorites:
don't seek fame
as long as you are not
secure in yourself
first wash your face
from fears
then show
your face
Another favorite:
all that you think is rain
is not
behind the veil
angels sometimes weep
Next Week:
Tales from the red carpet at the Ritz-Carlton (and of being profoundly sick while stuck in terrible Toronto traffic). Oh the glamorous life of a writer. Have I got a story for you!
Till next week,
May you never judge a book or a person by the cover. And may every chance you take on someone be well worth it.
I love you all!
Ami
