Well, dear Finders, I thought it was high time for a howdy do. I hope you’ve all been happy and healthy and tearing up this thing called life. It’s been a while since I’ve written, which seems a tad ironic to me as lately it seems I’ve done nothing but write. In between being laid up with some pesky health issues, watching the entire library of shows on Netflix, and nagging poor Rusty almost to death, I’ve been click-clacking away on my trusty laptop.
Here’s the news: For those who have ragged on me for a second book, today is your lucky day. Instead of writing about myself, mostly because my life is in the running for the most tedious yawnfest in history, I decided to give fiction a go. So, I sat down and banged out about 81,000 words, also known as a novel. The initial draft of the manuscript is finished and sent off to a few elite readers for the first round of criticism.
The first review is in and it’s a doozy. “I loved, loved, loved it. It’s wonderful. I laughed, I cried, I couldn’t put it down. Thank you for writing it.” Not bad, right? Well, hold your horses. Given that it’s a book about a young woman and her sister who happens to be a psychiatrist, and that the review came from my sister, I’d say the bias is about as big as Donald Trump’s racist, woman-hating, full of shit, scary as hell arse. Still.
At any rate, there’s a long road to travel between a draft manuscript and a book that you can wrap as a Christmas gift for 50 of your closest friends (see what I did there?). I have to edit again based on reader feedback. I have to begin the arduous process of finding an agent. I have to eat and drink and wail through the repeated rejections. Then maybe, just maybe, open a bottle of champagne if some sucker decides to take a chance of the greatest piece of literature ever written. I had a marvellous time writing it and I hope someone out there gets a chance to read it someday.
At the very least I know you crowd will always find a few kind words of encouragement for me. And this is very important to me because now that a night with Sam Shepard is out of the question (RIP, beautiful man), having a published novel with my name on it has just rocketed to number one on my bucket list. A drunken dusk to dawn prowl on the town with Justin Trudeau is a close second, which is actually far more likely to happen than the new number one.
So, wish me luck as I venture into the muck of trying to become a novelist. Although… an obscure book gathering dust on the back shelf at Chapters or body shots and gender based policy debates with JT. Hmm, tricky, very tricky.
Fantastic to hear this! Can’t wait to read it. I’m about to head back to school in 2 weeks for a fellowship in global journalism. I think medicine and writing (fact or fiction…and who is to say what fact really is anyway…)are a great combo.
Congratulations again!
Bobbi, I have followed you along through all your travels..even when mine took me to Saskatoon from Halifax. My copy of “Finding Me in France” that you very kindly autographed is dog-eared and well read. It has been shared and always returned with accolades for the author.
I will most definitely look forward to reading this new venture when it hits the shelves.
Looking forward to your novel. I’m sure it’s going to be very interesting.
Welcome back Bobbi.
I hope your health issues are on the mend.
Congratulations on latest ventrure. I know lots of people who will buy you book (o.k. Maybe they are your Mother’s friends but that’s o.k.)
Wishing you the best of luck.! ???
HI Bobbi,
We here in your native province cannot wait for this new piece of hilarity (?), seriousness (?) or just good old riveting fiction. Keep at it, please! It occurs to me that you created – by doing them – ALL the events of “Finding Me In France”, right? So why not make up/create/expand on more events for us, only this time on paper for someone else to act out? I am sure you will ace it.
Cheers,
Bill E.
Welcome back Bobbi, I hope you are feeling much better. Look forward to your new book. On that note I think a glass of wine is in order. Cheers Pat
Un roman cette fois! Bravo! I was beginning to wonder what was keeping you away for so long, so I am very pleased to hear that health issues have not impeded your productivity. I’m cranking out a second curriculum resource for teachers of French, so I know the challenge of bringing a product to fruition. I will await your novel very patiently.
Well, a good news day! Bring it on!
So good to hear from you! My Kindle and I await your new book!!! (Also: JT is mine!)
This is the best news I’ve heard in some time! So many of us have been looking forward to your next adventure – whatever form it takes.
I hope you are well and we have missed you!
So happy to hear your news. Looking forward to reading your novel.
Bobbi
I look forward to reading your new novel
James
Can’t wait to read your new book, Bobbi. We have missed you big time!
You won’t believe this but I’ve been thinking of you
all day – in a nice way. We’re thinking of returning to Victoria next fall and naturally, maybe not that naturally but eventually you and Neil intruded into my thinking.
Have published my second novel; just came in second and
got 4.5 stars on Huffington Post.
Wish you all good things with yours and hope your health continues to be excellent
All the best to you both.
V
Beloved Author,
Fabulous, super-duper, wonderful news! (1) You are still out there and (2) a new book is in the wings. Oh happy day! A Snoopy joy dance is in order. Bravo! Your fan in Montreal, Lucy
Sounds great. Looking forward to it. Congrats. Sue
So happy to hear this news! What do sisters know? Everything!! Looking forward to this
new venture. Way to go, girl!!!
I’m so happy to know that you’re still writing.
The only good thing I can say about having health issues, as is also the case with me, is that there is more time to read and write. In November I’ll be working on my ninth novel as part of an annual international writing challenge and I’m hoping your success will inspire me to actively pursue publication for at least one of them. Up to now I’ve been writing only for myself and because the voices in my head make me.
Congratulations *high five* and all the best in finding a worthy publisher!
Hi Bobbi,
Good for you. Looking forward top know what it’s all about.
Still eager to translate into French if you think your humour can take it!!
Good to have news. In Burgundy, days,follow days and nights follow nights and Semur is still the same as the one you knew.
Keep in touch
YAY!! It was a pleasant surprise when I saw an email with notification of a post from you :)
I will be anxiously awaiting your new blook… I mean book.
Bobbi! This is fantastic news! I am sure your focus and enthusiasm has cranked out something really terrific… can’t wait to read it, and will try to be patient ;).
Damn health issues – I hope that is under control, now ??. I still miss your sunny face around here. All the best with the next stages of novel publishing!
Oh how wonderful! I am looking forward to seeing it in print and having it on my shelf!
I had wondered how you were doing, so glad things are moving in a good direction. It sure beats the alternative.
What delightful news that you’ve written another book! I read your first, read your blog, was delighted at one point to learn that you were just down the island from me in Victoia so I might actually get to meet you, and then was deflated when you chose the east over the west coat (though I have lived there too and understand it’s charms.) Clearly, I am a huge fan. I’m beaming you all positive energies and synchronicities about finding a publisher. Can’t wait to read it!
Well done. Keep going. I look forward to reading another great book. Soon.
Deep breath in….and out….
Missed ya Bobbi.
(Now don’t go and disappear again – – – )
Fingers crossed for a sensible pubisher who sees the potential early on. Even the Harry Potter books were rejected at first, many times, you know!
Bravo Bobbi! You were born to write (along with your medical talents and achievements).
Best ahead for moving forward with your new literary endeavours. . .
Your words are a gift for which we eagerly await!
Blessings to you for better health in the future. . . K
Great news !! Have no doubt it will be a great read. You go girl !!
This is fabulous. Certainly a time to celebrate
So wonderful to have you back with us fans! I was worried.?
I would happily wish you luck but I know that you do not need it. Wishing you a speedy book launch…can’t wait!
Hi Bobbi,
I just finished “Finding Me in France” about 5 minutes ago – Absolutely LOVED it!
So happy and excited to hear that you’ve got another book on the way. Can’t wait!! :)
Hi Bobbi,
What’s up?