A Novel Update

The legendary New York Times sports columnist Red Smith is often credited with one of the more famous quotes about writing: “Writing a column is easy,” Smith said. “You just sit at your typewriter until little drops of blood appear on your forehead.”

I sought out that quote in sharing a short update on my novel, Unwrapping, because I’m learning that the publishing process is not unlike writing itself. I felt those drops of blood while writing; I’m feeling them now in the pre-publishing stage.

First, let’s get something out of the way. The process of publication is not easy, and I’m down with that; it shouldn’t be easy to have a book published, fiction or non-fiction.

After originally seeking the “traditional” path to publication—persuading an agent to take a chance on a first-time novelist and having them try to sell it to a publisher—I went a different route.

I began to seek out small publishers, a more common path for first-timers. And I found success, with Grateful Steps, a small, non-profit foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina, that has been publishing a small number of books each of the past 20 years. After proceeding over six months through the initial editing process, a second, more detailed editing began, and then that work was delayed for more than two months when the publisher became ill.

I’m happy to report that my publisher is doing better and editing is proceeding again. We’re working hard to finish the second process, which will be followed by a copy editor’s review. If everything stays on track, Unwrapping should be ready in the first quarter of 2024.

I will let everyone know when the book is available for pre-order, and, of course, when it is officially for sale.

One of the fascinating things for me as a therapist was learning to let go—something I discuss with clients struggling to detach from an issue outside of their control. Somehow, I’ve been able to detach from my fears during this delay in the publishing process for Unwrapping.

How did I do this? You might think being a clinical mental health counselor gives me a good head start on letting go. That would not be true, however. What has helped me in this period is what got me here in the first place—writing.

I’m happy to share that I’ve completed the first draft of my second novel, a followup set two years after the tale of Unwrapping and featuring the same counselor as the primary character. More to come on the new book in the months ahead.