I am FINISHED!
On Saturday evening, I finished my manuscript.
Writers everywhere will understand when I say, it is the best feeling in the world!
This is the first one I’ve written after it was contracted. My first three were all written before I signed on the dotted line. This fourth one was contracted when it was nothing more than a short blurb of an idea. And that, my friends, is an entirely different intimidating ballgame.
In December, I chatted with my editor and we decided on which book I would write.
Since I needed to have it turned in by mid April, I commenced brainstorming immediately. So many amazing writer friends helped me figure the story out. Seriously, the plot, or lack thereof, was giving me hives. But figure it out, we did. I started fast-drafting on January 1st. Finished the rough draft in mid February. And oh boy, was it a hot mess with a capital H.
I don’t think people believe me when I explain how absolutely awful my rough drafts are. I promise you, I am not exaggerating. And this one was a doozie.
The edits were overwhelming, to say the least.
But I kept plugging away. Chapter by chapter.
I had some meltdowns. (I’m not sure any book is made without them.)
There were plenty of distractions and days with zero motivation.
My husband was a trooper.
This past weekend, he took our little guy to Wisconsin so I could finish up.
And on Saturday night, I finished the big edits, formatted the book, and sent it to my Kindle for one final read through. Any changed I make now will be minor ones. Until my editor gets her brilliant hands on it, that is.
For now, though, this feels GOOD. This feels VICTORIOUS.
God met me every step of the way. His provision was astounding. His grace, never failing. His mercies, new every morning.
I sure hope the story blesses you when it releases next February.
So now what?
Now I work on edits for my Year of Weddings novella, An October Bride.
And I get ready for the release of A Broken Kind of Beautiful, which hits bookstores ONE WEEK from tomorrow. Holy buckets of gravy. Cue nerves and excitement.
How do I plan to celebrate the release?
With a Facebook webcast party on Monday, April 21st at 6 pm, CST! There will be lots of prizes, a fun chat room where party attenders can interact, two author guests, and did I mention prizes? The best part? You can participate from the comfort of your very own home. You can even wear your pj’s if you want. Nobody will know. I’d love it if you’d hop on over and RSPV. Please feel free to share the invite with friends! The more the merrier.
There will also be an in-person celebration on Saturday, April 26th from 1-3 pm at Books-A-Million in Davenport. If you live nearby, I would love to see you there! There will be free truffles and lots of hugs.
Until then, why don’t we get the celebration started another Monday blog giveaway?
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Giveaway Time!
Every Monday, from now until its release on April 15, I’m giving away an autographed copy of A Broken Kind of Beautiful. Congratulations to last week’s winner, Connie from Florida! This week’s giveaway will end at midnight on Saturday and the winner will be emailed on Sunday, so please keep an eye on your inbox. Be sure to click Already Follow or Already Like to maximize your entries . This giveaway is open to everyone, international friends included!
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
To pre-order A Broken Kind of Beautiful, scroll down to the buy links at the bottom of this page.
Way to go, Katie! So proud of you! And so happy about “Broken Kind of Beautiful”. Can’t wait to read it!
Cheers,
Sue
Yes, Katie!!
Congratulations, Katie!
Bravo!
Treat yourself to chocolate!
Congratulations, Katie!! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing the journey with us. 🙂
Congrats on finishing your manuscript, Katie! Whoo hoo! I’m looking forward to reading ABKOB, and this new one too!. 🙂
YaY! YaY! YaY! Can hardly wait for this new novel!! Thanks. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
YAY for finishing!!! I’m hoping to have that feeling myself in a few weeks. Can’t wait to read another Katie Ganshert novel! 🙂
Congratulations, Katie! It is fascinating to follow your writing journey.
I was hoping to finally meet you in person at BAM in Davenport on the 26th but my high school senior has a big event that day. Bummer! Hopefully soon.
Oh, and your link to RSVP for the FB party seems to be broken.
Congratulations, Katie! And thanks for the giveaway!
You are right! Just fixed it! Thanks for the heads up, girl! And hopefully soon, indeed!
Congratulations Katie for finishing the manuscript for the book you are writing. I can’t wait to read A Broken Kind of Beautiful. It looks really good. I hope to make it to your book chat.
I’ve had the privilege of reading A Broken Kind of Beautiful and it is one of those books that your readers are going to love. I also believe it’s one that will become a classic. It carries an important message in its pages. Congratulations on this story, Katie.
Yah! Congrats, Katie!!! So excited for you:)
Congratulations, Katie! Yay!! I have no doubt it will be another incredible story. Even more so once Shannon has had her way with it 😉