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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

done!

I have been in a tizzy these last days, thinking about and managing logistics for the upcoming Mother Words reading (Oct. 7 at the Loft—don’t forget!) and I’ve also been writing writing writing away, trying to finish the memoir.

Well. I just typed the last sentence with tears in my eyes, and then I turned to the woman, a perfect stranger, next to me at the coffee shop and said, “I’m sorry. I don’t know you, but I have to tell you that I just finished my book.” She was gracious and polite and lovely.

Now I’ve just emailed all 345 pages to myself in case my very old laptop explodes on the way home from the coffee shop today.

I’m not completely done, of course. I need to go back over the last fifty pages, which I’ve written in a rush, and tweak and tighten. And then I’ll send the last chapters to my amazing writing group and then to my amazing agent. And then. And then. And then. Please.

But for now, I’m going to celebrate. It’s taken me a year and a half to rewrite this book, and it’s something of which I’m proud, really really proud.

This goes out to my Stella, of course. And to D, without whom I couldn’t have written a word. And to all of you for your cheering. Thanks, y’all.

31 comments:

Holly Vanderhaar said...

Congratulations! It must be an amazing feeling.

kate hopper said...

Thank you, Holly!! It IS. Interestingly, I never felt this way after I finished the first draft.

Andrea said...

Woo-hoo!!! Congratulations...time to open the champagne!

cath c said...

i'm so excited for you that i have teared up, too!

Mary said...

I have tears in my eye too!!! Huge congratulations. Wish I was there to take you out for a celebration. xxox

Joy Riggs said...

That's wonderful, Kate!

gillian said...

Hooray!!!! What a day! SO HAPPY FOR YOU :). And cant wait til I get to read your story one day soon.

Kris QC said...

Three cheers for Kate!!!!
Fantastic!!!
Can't wait to read it... I can get my book signed one day right??!!

Anonymous said...

I teared up, too, when I read this. It's such a wonderful accomplishment, Kate, I hope you'll give yourself a chance to bask in it for a good long while (and then get back to work!)

kate hopper said...

Thank you so much, ladies. Part of what makes this so huge for me is knowing that you are all out there cheering for me! Thank you thank you!

Myrna CG Mibus said...

Congratulations!! I'm planning to attend the Mother Words event at The Loft so will be able to congratulate you in person there!

Leightongirl said...

Fantastic! And, from here, I applaud your decision to celebrate this moment. Each one in the process needs to be honored, no matter what is ahead. I'm so happy for you, and so proud!

Kaethe said...

Hurrah! What terrific news! Please celebrate in ridiculous, over-the-top ways. :)

Toby's Mom said...

Congratulations Kate!! So happy for you.

Ines said...

Oh, Kate. This is fantastic news. I am so, so happy for you.

Lisa said...

Yay! That's awesome. I can't wait to read it! I totally plan to come to Mother Words with my mom; woo-hoo :)

Elizabeth said...

WOW! I can't wait to read that book. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

a very large WHOOOO HOOOO from me!!

kate hopper said...

Thank you all! I'm blushing with all of your encouragement!

Laura G. O'Brien said...

I thought it was interesting that with this revision you have a marked feeling of completion. That must be so rewarding. Thanks for shining a light on your process in several of your posts this summer. Congrats!!!!

jen said...

congratulations. now take a moment to breathe. i teared up at the stella line. funny how a name can make something so different feel so close-to-home-ish.

Amber said...

Yay Kate!! That's awesome! You totally rock. Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled for you :-)

LutherLiz said...

Congratulations! I can't wait to read it!

Melinda said...

Good for you! Way to go, Kate.

Andria said...

How awesome, Kate!!! You should be so proud of all of your hard work!

Alexis said...

Well done Kate! Can't wait to read it all...congratulations x

Annmurt@aol.com said...

Way to go, Kate! Can't wait to see the finished product!

Brenda Rothman (Mama Be Good) said...

That's HUGE! If you haven't eaten brownies over this yet, get in that kitchen!

Sarah said...

Yay, Kate! You rock.

Erin said...

How amazing. I can't even imagine how you feel! I am so very far behind you in this marathon and so grateful for the way you put yourself and your process out there so I can feel inspired!

Unknown said...

This is great news . Writing really does have a start and finish, well mostly. Thank you for the blogging seminar. Now my wheels are rollong once again!

Enjoy this brief moment!