The Book Trail

by Chrysa Smith

Writing a book can be both exciting and exhausting.

While it's wonderful to catch an idea and try to make it come alive, it doesn't always survive the cruel pen of the editor.

Don't get me wrong. My editor is worth her weight in gold. And after the edits, the product most always comes out as a better product. A product that is better suited for its audience. A product that potential readers will buy. Potential teachers will endorse.

The good news is, I began and ended my latest book with the title, A Grand Slam Birthday. The characters are the same. The concept of baseball combined with a birthday party has held. The underlying message of trying something new is the same. But the plot twist has changed. Instead of adults coming into the story, with an action that has yes, been tried before, the story took a right turn. Coming back to me only three times (yes, that's pretty good), we managed to get all of the action performed by the kids. And an even stronger conclusion.

So, the story has been put to bed. And now it's with the illustrator. It's always a process I'm excited about. What will the new characters look like? How will the protagonist be drawn with her unlikely outfit on? Which parts of the story be supported by illustrations? My illustrator never fails to surprise and delight me. Perhaps because we know each other so very well. And that helps greatly.

Now, there's news to spread. Emails to send. Reviewers to contact. Teachers and students to reach.

So, please welcome A Grand Slam Birthday. It's been a labor of love, a story with cute characters, surprising action, all with a good lesson.  After all, it's good for all of us to try something new.

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