Good Morning.
I’m still trying to comprehend and understand how this all came about. It’s been17 years since I started writing this book and what I’m trying to wrap my head around is what constitutes a writer? Why would someone with only a grade seven even attempt to write a book, someone who was terrible in English class. I knew I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, so I started taking writing courses. And 10 years later while trying to finish my courses,and at the same time continue to write my story I never gave up, I never thought of publishing it way back then, I was just driven to tell it for my four children and 9 grandchildren! Eventually I ended up finishing the book…558 pages to that point!
Then I was told I would have to re-write the whole thing over up to 3 or four times! I whittled it down to 400 pages; Editing out repeats etc. then sent it of to publishers… After 5 rejections I was told I would have to find an editor! That it needed professional Editing! After finding an Editor at 40.00 dollars and hour (regular price is 45 to 50 dollars) and a whole year of intense work, I let the whole thing sit in a drawer for another year!
By chance ,a friend sent an address through e-mail to send the manuscript to this Publisher! I knew and was told during my courses that no one ever sent a complete manuscript to a Publisher, but I did, I sent the whole thing, and went about preparing my property for the summer. I was shovelling gravel when the call came from Dundurn in Toronto,,,,and the rest is history, So now I’m thinking, nothing was by chance, whatever drove me to write this book, is now irrelevant, and it was just meant to be. I will never know what constitutes a writer or why writers write, they just do…So if you want to write your story,,,just write it…Thank you my readers for your kindness and support. .I am one grateful lady!!! Hugs
Josie Penny — Author of “SO FEW ON EARTH” available in book stores everywhere.
Wendy wrote: "Loved your book Josie, can’t wait for the next one!!!!!"
Dee wrote: "Your book is excellent Josie!!!!!"
Hazel wrote: "Your photos are beautiful Josie. I haven’t seen a copy of your book yet, but hope to before too long."
Morning Josie – I was so proud of you Mon. night! I am proud to tell others that you are a friend! Your book is such an insight to your life & it makes me feel VERY GRATEFUL for the life I have had!!! Sure wish you had come to the cottage with us!
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I want my daughter to come & hear you too! She has thoughts of writing a book one day about her journey through depression! She is anxious to meet you! When you talked about shovelling gravel – I know you & I have a lot in common!!