in June of 2022 Charles and I completed our work on the “rough and messy draft”. it was a drum roll moment when I clicked on the “send” button which sent the manuscript for developmental editing. I sent over 100,000 words to Kate my editor. Her first request was to cut it back to 80,000 words. I knew it would be difficult but I was prepared to cut out some of my “darlings” as the professionals refer to the stories we love and want to include but must make the choice of what serves the story and eliminate those that are less necessary to the theme. The developmental edits took four months. It was summer and there were vacations and golf.
I love my fans from Bass Rocks Golf Club (BRGC). It started with Joan LePage when I told her I’m revising my first draft. She asked if I would give her a sneak preview. After reading it, she texted, “I want to read more.” I warned her that there will be a couple of revisions and she may want to wait. But she insisted every time we saw each other at the golf course. I obliged, and after each excerpt she would say, “What a story my friend. I want more.” After her last reading she texted, “I’m ready for another. I’m so proud of you Stella Bella.”
Word spread that Joan had read some of my manuscript and Andrea Berry asked and got an excerpt. Andrea texted, “I want to read more. I like your style and I am picky about that.”
Lauren McSheffrey jumped on the fan wagon and over the summer she kept asking, “When is the launch party? What about the book signing?” Lauren asked for an excerpt. “Come on when is the book signing?”
I am grateful for the encouragement and enthusiasm from my BRGC friends. Too many names to list here. But I can pass on some of their messages; good for you; at what stage is the book; can’t wait to read the book; what a story; We’ll have to plan a book signing.”
“Your story is pretty intriguing, and it should be told.” Helen Lambropoulos posted on Facebook.
And then there are the friends who have been there from the beginning encouraging me and brainstorming with me. That would be the Dimitrakopoulos family.
“Stella, over the years I have heard you share some of the adventurous events in your life. I cannot wait to read the rest of the details in your upcoming book.” Thanasis (Arthur Dimitrakopoulos)
“OMG …just read the symbolic handkerchief …Wow…Stella..Amazing..how the perspective flips and can touch the heart deeply! Bravo sou.” Teddy Dimitrakopoulos.
Thank you to all my friends on social media who are saying, “I can’t wait to read it.”
I admit I feel the same way. I can’t wait to read it. To hold it in my hands. It won’t be long.
Meanwhile my non BRGC fans may want to check out this North Shore gem.
https://www.bassrocksgolfclub.org