MAXDOG rollout

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

ONLY SIX WEEKS TO GO!!!

The clock is ticking towards the launch of my dream...

"MAXDOG".

I'm beginning to forget what it's like to have a good night's sleep. For the past 'however many' weeks, I've been involved in the painstaking final editing of the manuscript.   I have been totally immersed in my task and my editor has been absolutely amazing!  I am sure that her involvement in this manuscript has something to do with Divine intervention. I couldn't have asked for anyone better.

Thank you, Joan, for your patience, hard work and incredible talent!

  I've hardly listened to the news lately and I've not picked up  another book either.  I've been TOTALLY focussed on MAXDOG - ensuring that every word in the manuscript is correct and that the final product will meet with your  - my special readers' - approval.

The good news..

MAXDOG's EDITING IS COMPLETE!

 Finally!

On Monday, the manuscript goes to the layout artist - to shape the text into an eye-pleasing and attractive presentation.   I also have to make final decisions surrounding which photographs are to be included in the book.  I am limited to 3 leaves - meaning 12 photographs. 

 Please tell me, how does one select 12 photographs from over 4000??? 

These decisions may appear small and unimportant, but they are eternal decisions - like that last brush-stroke on a masterpiece. This is make or break time!

It all means that for the last while, I have also been running on adrenalin. I've hardly noticed the world out there - my life feels like it has been put on hold.  Everything at the moment has had something to do with MAXDOG.  I, eat, drink, sleep, walk and constantly think about the story.  I could probably recite every sentence in the book if I tried.  Phew, its been a mammoth task! Why on earth do authors decide to publish their works, I have no idea. We must be nuts.

  Having said that, I must say that I am so, so happy with what it is all beginning to look like.

This morning, after I sent off the final draft, I decided to go into my garden again. 

 I've not had a chance to take in the world around me recently.  What a surprise! Everything looks so beautiful. There are emerald green leaves everywhere - the colours are exquisite!

("Fairy shoes")

Birds are nesting;  blossoms are sprouting too and there are signs of life all around me. Our beautiful, warm African sunshine encases the neighbourhood - warmth both in temperature and ambience.  Our swimming pool is sparkling and inviting too. I really am going to have to make an effort to take a break more often as MAXDOG's rollout continues.

Yes, I am a walking zombie and desperately need some good sleep.  Every morning nowadays, I wake up to the gentle prodding of Toby.  He's taken to simply climbing on my bed nowadays - uninvited. He has no hesitation in taking over our sleeping quarters.

 Admittedly, I am enjoying his attention - it's nice to know that he's looking out for me. 

"Mom, what's up?  There is a beautiful day out there!"

These are exciting times indeed!

I'm sorry that I've not got around to visiting your blogs lately, but truly - things are hectic here at the moment.
 I am struggling to find the time to do anything that is not MAXDOG related.

Please may I ask for your understanding in the next few weeks.

Sending lotsaluv to you all,