So I have no problem being in the same room with someone who is reading one of my books. You know, a properly bound book and all that. If they laugh I want to know what bit they’re laughing at, but that’s no big thing.
However.
I. Cannot. Stand. To be in a room where someone is reading an actual manuscript.
My parents are down to visit and to proof TQB. They’re downstairs reading it. I don’t even like being in the *house*! I want to run away! Blee! Blee! Blee!
It’s ridiculous. It’s absurd. I *know* this. And yet every time, it gives me the heebie-jeebies.
On the other hand, it damn near guarantees I’m going to be in my office huddling at my computer for the next three days, typing away so I don’t have to think about the horror of someone reading my manuscript somewhere else in the house…
It’s not ridiculous, it’s just the way we are.
Except for my beta-reader, I don’t like to be around people reading my work, in either book or manuscript form. It’s okay if it’s happening in the same house, but I get twitchy if I can see them doing it.
When we flew to Oregon for the bike trip in August, my friend Stacey was reading my newest book while sitting beside me on the plane. I was beside myself.
Literally! :)
Hugs –
Hope the chapter went well after I finally left yesterday.
when my kids want to mess with my head (admittedly no challenge, as I am easily messed with), they can always come stand behind me at my computer desk and read what I am actually working on OVER MY SHOULDER. Freak out!
Actually, yeah, I managed to finish it, and today’s chapter is almost done. Eking along, I am. *hugs* Thanks :)
Blee! Blee! BLEE!
say, while you are also procrastinating online (not that I am), can you tell me more about TQB? What, when, etc?
What, it shows? And here I thought I was being sooooo sneaky. Nobody can *see* me procrastinating, right? O.O
THE QUEEN’S BASTARD is the story of Belinda Primrose, the bastard daughter of a Reformation-era queen, who is her mother’s most secret and most deadly weapon…even before her birthright, a power called the witchlight, awakens within her.
It’s also my first foray into Big Fat Fantasy and deep complex political situations and casts of thousands and, um, lots of sex :), and is written in a *completely* different style than anything else I’ve done.
I’m really excited about it, and very nervous because it’s *so* different, but I actually actively think it’s a good book in a different way than I usually think of my books as being. I usually think of my books as being good fun fast reads, popcorn and candy kinds of things, but I feel like this one might have more meat to it and might stick around in people’s craws a little longer.
…and if you wanted an early copy for possible cover blurbage (because you need more to do in your copious free time) it might not be too late and I could ask my editor to send you a copy. Drop me an email at cemurphyauthor@gmail.com if you’re interested. :)
Barring that, however, it’s out in trade paperback at the beginning of May!
I have no joke here, I just like saying BLEEEEEE!
Oh god, me too! There is much anguished screaming and hands plastering on the screen. “NO! NOOOO!”
Like the world is going to end if my husband reads a rough draft. Heh.
I understand this totally. I am so antsy when my mss are being read that the marquis has banned me from being in the room. Apparently I study his every inhalation and demand ‘What? What is it?’ This is true whether the ms is fiction or non-fiction.
It’s outrageously good IMO. There is depth, colour, characters and intrigue and when you reach a certain point hold on to your hat because it’s about to blow your mind.
And then some.
I’ll let people read rough drafts if I specifically need feedback. it’s them watching when I’m composing I can’t stand. NOOOOO! indeed. *g*
I *LOVE* THE S&M ALBUM! *SQUEEE!!!*
Ahem.
I have this backward psychosis where I love telling people about my writing and accomplishments (what few there are), but then I never want to actually DISCUSS the writing or projects or what have you. Can’t I just tell you I sold a story and you don’t have to ask what the story is about? Please?
And that Metallica-fangirl comment was from me, only I was so excited I forgot to log in. :D
The S&M album *rules*. :)