Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Where I've Been and What I've Been Doing . . .

My friend Thelma gave me the perfect little nudge this morning.  I've been posting photos every day, but have not taken the time to write.  and there's a reason! 

Most of you know I've been writing a book.

A lot of you have asked when I'm going to actually tell anyone what the book is about.

Well here 'tis -

This is my make-believe cover (I'm having the best time with all this!!!) - - -





The working title is "Whimsey."  It's Southern Fiction with a splash of magic, including a wicked pixie named Earlene who fancies tight-fitting designer clothes and Louboutin stilettos. A cigar smoking matriarchal ghost also drops in from time to time just to make sure things are going as planned . . . .

The protaganist is an up-and-coming jewelry designer who fears her talent has deserted her. Along with her four best childhood friends, Emmaline Hamilton Foley has been invited to be a resident artist at the new upscale gallery owned by her aunt, famous artist Zoe Hamilton. To join them, she’ll need to regain her talent, face the demons from her past and her feelings about Eli Tatnall, whom she loved as a girl. Will moving back to the Georgia artist’s colony on the Island of Whimsey bring the all magic back?

Whimsey is a story of hope and affirmation. It's a story about best girlfriends and families, connections and feelings. It’s about the things in life that make us happy and the things that scare us to death, and the people who walk through our lives with us.
 
Right now, the manuscript is in the hands of some first readers.
 
I've already gotten valuable feedback from several folks.
 
Pretty soon I'll be going through the nerve-wracking, heart breaking process of sending out query letters. 
 
One step at a time - one small step at a time . . . .
 
 
Wish me luck, everyone, please!!!!

16 comments:

cathy said...

It sounds absolutely fabulous, Kaye! I'm so glad you *finally* shared what it's about... sounds great!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Cathy's comment! And also with your terms - about nerves and heartbreak! I don't think there is anything on the planet as hard to take as those TD letters! But, hey, you might hit the jackpot right off!!! I wish that for you! Thelma

jenny milchman said...

LUCK!!!! I love the pitch. I love the feel. I love the fact that early feedback has been strong.

You'll get there, Kaye. And I suspect Emmaline will, too.

mybillcrider said...

Sounds like fun!

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Sounds highly entertaining!

Evelyn David said...

Good luck, Kaye! Sounds great.

Beth Anderson said...

I do wish you luck, Kaye. It sounds like delightful fun and I'm dying to read it myself. Best of luck with the agent search, but I'm thinking you won't have a lot of trouble findind one. XOXO Beth

Pat Browning said...

Kaye, I absolutely love it. Sounds just like my cup of tea! And I love your working cover, too.

Don't let an agent search break your heart. You can always go with a small press, where you don't need an agent.

Pat Browning

Sandra Parshall said...

Kaye, you have so many writer friends that some of them may know agents who rep this type of book. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations! Anything you can do to shorten the search is worth doing, and I'm sure many writers would love to help you. Good luck!

Jonathan E. Quist said...

Whee-hee!!!

Good job, Kaye!

lil Gluckstern said...

Looking forward to reading this. Sounds charming, and touching. good luck.

Patty said...

Sounds wonderful Kaye, just like you. I think you took that old saw about "write what you know" to heart and it should work magic for you!

Can't wait to read it.

cncbooks said...

I'm wishing you all the luck in the world, Kaye, and I love that fantasy has a role in your story. I also admire the heck out of you for following your dream ;-)

Lelia Taylor

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Thank you!!!!!

I've always said this was a generous, supportive group and you guys just proved it true one more time.

Cross all your crossables and keep sending your wishes for good luck.

Hugs to each of you.

Neil Plakcy said...

Sounds lovely, Kaye! Best of luck with the whole publishing process. But you won't need it-- you've been honing your craft with this blog for a long time and so many readers have come to love your voice!

Carolyn J. Rose said...

You had me at the wicked pixie. Sign me up for a copy.