Today, I focused on paperwork (like, catching up on my bills) and the remaining cleaning. The studio ALMOST looks like it’s back to normal. Tomorrow, bright and early, it’s hard on the book. To answer questions about the book–I don’t have a title right now. You can’t pre-order it right now. (But thank you!) And I don’t know when it’s coming out, but probably fall 2013.
My book sold at auction to HarperCollins and will be published in its HarperOne (non-fiction) imprint. This is traditional publishing, and traditional publishing is slow–but I am a fan of traditional publishing for its real-book feel, and I’m a fan of major publishers for their overall distribution power. This doesn’t mean that the book will not also be available in digital form. It will! I love my Kindle. If you have a Nook or a Kindle, or just an app on your phone or laptop or tablet, you can get it that way, too, but it will also be published in traditional format, a bound book. As much as I love reading on my Kindle, I am still a lover of a book you can hold in your hands. My book will include extras (recipes and crafts) and full-color photographs, which is also nice in a real book. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, my book is a memoir of my adventures at Stringtown Rising. It’s a story of becoming a farmer–and a few other (or many) lessons learned along the way. If you’ve been reading my blog every day for the past several years, some of it will sound familiar. After all, I wrote every day about what was happening.
And yet.
There were so many stories I didn’t tell, and trust me, this book is a soul-baring reveal into my private turmoils and troubles at Stringtown Rising. If you’re wondering about the juicy stuff, IT’S IN THERE. There’s nothing worse than a book slapped into print off a blog. My book is NOT THAT. It’s the story of my life at Stringtown Rising–with all the parts you may already know balanced with ALL THE PARTS YOU DON’T, giving a private and personal insight into those events.
And that was freaking hard to do, to let go.
But it felt good after!
I finished the book–mostly–before heading into the retreat. I’ve written over two dozen books (romance novels published by Harlequin and a few other houses), so I know where I’m at with a book, where I’m comfortable to a point. I couldn’t go into the retreat without being at a comfortable place. Now I have until October 1 to finish up, polish up, clean up, dig out and sort through the photos, crafts, and recipes that will be included, and get it to my editor.
And then you know what I’m going to do? I’m going to live my next story. It may take a few years. Stories like this aren’t made up, imagined, or built in a day. They’re lived. My agent has asked about a follow-up memoir. I told her I didn’t know yet. I’m just now living that story….. And I’m only at the beginning!
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
I’ll be buying my copy of your book when it hits the shelves 🙂 I’ll add it proudly to my ‘library’. You’re an inspiration to women, everywhere! Keep living the dream, Suzanne!
Sharon B., VA
On September 19, 2012 at 7:35 pm
Miss Judy says:
It’s hard for me to open up to the people I am close to…can’t imagine turning everything over to uncover the buried stuff for everyone to sift through. I will be looking forward to reading ALL about you.
On September 19, 2012 at 7:42 pm
outbackfarm says:
I think it should be called Stringtown Rising: The Suzanne McMinn Story. Or something like that. But the Rising should be used somehow, since that’s what you did, rose above it all, dispite what you had to endure there. I am so happy for you! You deserve a little vacation now, right?
On September 19, 2012 at 7:49 pm
pugwaggin says:
Cn’t wait to read it!
On September 19, 2012 at 8:11 pm
yvonnem says:
Yes, you wrote every day about what was happening, and I know you worked very hard..harder than you should have to. I always wondered what was going on behind the posts. I knew in my heart that all wasn’t well, but your are tough and took control and did what you had to do.
I’m just so happy that you have found the place you really love and deserve. You have made it to a good place, Lady! :heart:
On September 19, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Leck Kill Farm says:
I can’t wait to buy it! And read it!
On September 19, 2012 at 8:34 pm
CarrieJ says:
It will be awesome! And here’s a hint to some folks…don’t treat strong women like poo. Because, later, they may write a book and put you in it.
On September 19, 2012 at 8:47 pm
fowlers says:
HMMMMM::: Rising out of Springtown ????? Once upon a time in a land far far away:
You should auction the name off ?? but I’m sure you will come up with a GREAT title::: bet you already have it! I like Clover’s fields::too Cant wait to see & read your new book!
Sandy
On September 19, 2012 at 8:52 pm
norahse says:
You go girl. It’s your journey, and you have to take it any way it works for you!!!
On September 19, 2012 at 9:21 pm
FujiQ says:
How exciting! Congrats in advance – I’m sure you have done a wonderful job. Looking forward to a good read.
On September 20, 2012 at 8:12 am
Kathi says:
Thank you for writing it. That has to be hard, and we appreciate your being able to do that so we can read it. We’ll be thinking of you!
(And, CarrieJ, your comment cracked me up!)
On September 20, 2012 at 8:19 am
Barbee says:
I suspect many women will/could identify with parts of it. The rest of us will weep, too. I second the motion of having the word “Rising” in the title if possible. Maybe something like: “From Stringtown Rising”… or, do the publishers get to name it. Will you have any input in that? I know nothing about such things, but am very interested.
On September 20, 2012 at 8:54 am
bonita says:
Great to know it’s HarperCollins, nice house. Sounds like you have a caring editor, too. Best wishes on your final revisions.
On September 20, 2012 at 10:26 am
wvbetty says:
So very proud of you, Suzanne. Can’t wait to buy the book AND have you present at my book club.
On September 20, 2012 at 12:47 pm
jodiezoeller says:
Will be ready to read it when published. I’ve not always been a daily reader of the blog so I’ve missed a few things I’m sure. But I’ve been reading your writings since the little crooked house.
On September 20, 2012 at 1:10 pm
princessvanessa says:
I’m sure that you will find just the right name for your book. It must be quite a change to go from writing romantic fiction to writing a memoir. I’ll watch for your heads up that the book is available for sale.
On September 20, 2012 at 9:25 pm
AspenFlower says:
Congratulations Susan! I just discovered your blog about a little over a year ago but it is truly a site I look forward to visiting each time I get online. I’m cheering for you! Keep pressing on! Regardless of what life may bring our way, remember, there is One on the Throne who will never give up on us. May we never give up on Him.
Enjoy your blessings & Have a nice weekend! :happyflower:
On September 21, 2012 at 1:19 am
proud mountaineer says:
Suzanne I can relate. I’m starting the next story of my life. My daughter married in March, my son died in May. My husband and I have come full circle. He justed started working where he worked before we had children and now here we are. I’m looking forward to see how this story goes, yours and mine.
On October 2, 2012 at 3:31 pm