Three Little Words: I Did It

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Sherri Matthews

Dear friends, don’t worry, this isn’t a confession. Net yet…  What I did (this week) is finish those edits. My memoir manuscript (just about there, I hope…) is off for a final read through with a massive ‘Thank You’  to my wonderful editor, Esther Chilton.

Being a memoir, you would think it would be easy to get it down and just write it. Beginning. Middle. End. Sorted. No characters to dream up, no plot to invent and no twists to develop, because they’re already there. But the structure as told using the elements of fiction proved a mighty challenge to this writer.

The beginning proved the biggest challenge of all. The end, as it turned out, came easily but not until the very end. And the title didn’t come to me until two years in after finally getting down the first draft.

My ‘final’ draft sent for editing last November had a couple of confusing timelines. Easy to fix, I thought, except it then meant hunting for other parts needing fixing a few chapters back. Or forward. Not to mention some important details I had left out.

‘Every adventure requires a first step’ Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll (Eidfjord Fjord, Norway)

For me, I’ve discovered, the best way to get the job done is to binge write. That means all day every day and everything else slides. But I wouldn’t recommend it: my eyes are blurred, my back aches and my brain is fried. No matter. Whispering those three little words to you now makes it all worth it. Can I say them again? I Dit It.

As always, thank you so much to those who’ve kept in touch on and off blog, and allowing me the luxury of talking endlessly about my book and its process. It helps, a lot!

Next week, time to catch up. Meanwhile, wonderful Sally Cronin is featuring the second of four of my archive memoir posts at her fab blog, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine.  I wrote The Great British Staycation And A Brew Up California Style  in July, 2013, after six months blogging and a couple of months into my book.

A lot’s happened since then, but it’s lovely knowing Sally all that time as one of the very first bloggers I followed.  I also had the very great pleasure of meeting her at the Annual Bloggers Bash 2017.  Huge thanks to Sally for her amazing support to me and bloggers everywhere.

Have a great weekend, all, and see you next week.

Love Sherri x

 

About Sherri Matthews

Sherri is a British writer working on her second memoir while seeking publication of her first. Her work has appeared in magazines, anthologies and online as well as long/shortlisted and special mentioned in contests. Once upon a time and for twenty years, she lived in California. Today, she lives in England with her human family, owned by two black cats.
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105 Responses to Three Little Words: I Did It

  1. tieshka says:
    June 7, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Congratulations Sherri. I look forward to reading it someday. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 7, 2019 at 12:56 pm

      Hi Tieshka! How wonderful to hear from you…I’ve been so out of the loop with blogging for some time now. Wonderful to know you’re still here, too! Look forward to a catch up of your news! Thank you so much, you have a great weekend too 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    June 7, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Thank you so much for the lovely mention Sherri… enjoy this weekend.. love and hugs Sally ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. TanGental says:
    June 7, 2019 at 1:43 pm

    get you girl… wonderful stuff; this is getting v exciting…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. anotherday2paradise says:
    June 7, 2019 at 2:59 pm

    Congratulations, Sherri. You must feel a sense of relief and also pride. 😘🤗👏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Alison Wilson says:
    June 7, 2019 at 3:34 pm

    Well done Sherri x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. robbiesinspiration says:
    June 7, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    Well done, Sherri. Esther edited my new book too and I was thrilled with her feedback.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Sue says:
    June 7, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    Good for you, Sherri!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Mary Smith says:
    June 7, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    Congratulations, Sherri. I’m so looking forward to reading this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Mary Smith says:
    June 7, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    My comment disappeared – probably gone to your spam box *sigh*. Congratulations.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Mary Smith says:
    June 7, 2019 at 8:33 pm

    Oh, now they’re both appeared. I’ll shut up and go away.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. restlessjo says:
    June 7, 2019 at 9:46 pm

    Fantastic! I’ve not commented much but I’ve been around. Happy for you, darlin 😍💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Miriam Hurdle says:
    June 7, 2019 at 10:26 pm

    Congratulations, Sherri. Hooray, you did it! Yes, I remember November. Wow, it’s June now, but you had other things going on also. It doesn’t matter, you did it!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. dgkaye says:
    June 8, 2019 at 2:24 am

    Absolutely ecstatic for you dear Sher. Looking soooooooooooooooooo forward to reading your new baby!!! ❤ Weekend hugs my friend. ❤ xoxox

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Liz H says:
    June 8, 2019 at 2:27 am

    Kudos and congratulations to you, lovely lady!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    June 8, 2019 at 6:21 am

    Congratulations Sherri. That’s awesome. And looking forward to seeing you at the bash! Woohoo!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Heyjude says:
    June 8, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Well done you! Such dedication and commitment and sheer hard work! Must be such a relief to finish and be able to relax. You are able to relax aren’t you? Maybe in your new garden with a nice cold bottle of bubbly 🍾🥂🎉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 10, 2019 at 10:11 am

      Hey Jude! I have indeed relaxed this weekend, which included a lovely walk along the coastal path at Lulworth Cove in Dorset, a place dear to my heart from way back. The weather was beautiful despite the grim forecast. And I did indeed enjoy a lovely drink in our new garden, which is coming along well (will get some pics here soon, I hope…) although not so much with some bubbly but a lovely long G&T with mint from the garden 🙂 I bet your garden is coming on beautifully. Looking forward to catching up with you, long overdue. Thank you so much for all your wonderful support all these years, Jude…the Summerhouse wouldn’t be the same without you 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Andrea Stephenson says:
    June 8, 2019 at 11:11 am

    Many congratulations Sherri, I’m very glad you did it 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. Norah says:
    June 8, 2019 at 11:30 am

    Woohoo, Sherri. Congratulations. How wonderful. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. Sarah Potter Writes says:
    June 8, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Dearest Sherri, I’m proud of you and today my internet is actually working so I can sign into WP to comment! Yes, the techno-devil has been busy harrassing me yet again, plus endless life exigencies getting in the way of constructive progress on my front. And no, I haven’t managed to keep my side of our pact, which was for both of us to finish our edits by the end of May. I’m on page 150 of 281 pages, which is better than nothing but doesn’t get even a quarter of the way to matching your huge success. Absolutely well done, and now you must take a hard-earned rest to get your PC-induced square eyes back to oval ones! We’ll speak soon, my clever, hard-working friend. And I did so enjoy our wonderful meet-up, so am hoping we can manage another one sometime over the summer. Lots of love, hugs and kisses, Sarah xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 10, 2019 at 10:14 am

      Dearest Sarah, it’s wonderful to hear from you and equally wonderful to see you again, though I’m so sorry to hear of your derailments. You know I know all about those…and as for that techno-devil…be gone! Take care, my friend, and I’ll email very soon to catch up properly. Lots of love, hugs and kisses to you… ❤ xxxxxxxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Sarah Potter Writes says:
        August 16, 2019 at 12:31 pm

        Dearest Sherry, finally over two months later I’m responding to your reply to my comment. I hope everything is going well for you since we last spoke. Am looking forward to your email and having a look at your opening chapters. Lots of love, hugs and kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        • Sherri Matthews says:
          August 19, 2019 at 11:33 am

          Dearest Sarah, so lovely to find your cheery comment this Monday morning. I do apologise profusely for not emailing you yet…not for lack of will, I can assure you. Things strumming along as they do, the hours disappearing into nowhere as I work on my memoir submission, researching agents, perfecting my synopsis, ‘elevator pitch’ and all that. Narrowing it all down, slow but sure 🙂 It was so lovely to chat recently. Hope things continue to improve for you…excited about your book entry! Saw you had a post come through…will head over asap! Look out for for my email later today! Lots of love, hugs and kisses xxxxxxxxxxxx

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  20. Ali Isaac says:
    June 8, 2019 at 10:03 pm

    That’s amazing, Sherri! I am so excited to read it soon! Will you be at the BB this year?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. CarolCooks2 says:
    June 9, 2019 at 5:35 am

    Well Done! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Hugh's Views and News says:
    June 9, 2019 at 11:56 am

    Well done, Sherri. Now I can’t wait to have a copy of your book in my hands.
    Looking forward to seeing you at the Bloggers Bash next week. Has it really been over a year?
    See you on Saturday.
    xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 10, 2019 at 10:17 am

      Hi Hugh! Thank you so much for all your wonderful support. I’ve been ensconsed, hence my long absence, but it got the job done at last, hooray!!!! Yes…just a few days, can’t wait! Look forward to seeing you on Saturday! 🙂 ❤ xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. MikeM says:
    June 9, 2019 at 4:37 pm

    This is a profound achievement you have done an amazing job!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  24. Prior... says:
    June 9, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    It was great to read these words – and I look forward to getting my copy!
    And I agree about the binging to get a project where it needs to be –
    Oh mon amie – congrats again and sending a big high five – and talk to you soon
    ☀️🙏📚🌸💛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  25. Charli Mills says:
    June 10, 2019 at 3:03 am

    You have worked so hard and diligently on your book, Sherri, and you plowed through the final stretch. I’m so glad you are working with Esther; it’s vital to have a rock-solid editor. I’m so proud of you for hanging in there through all of life’s travails. I’m in awe that you can write a memoir — the capacity of memory and processing emotion over time is no easy feat. Making up characters is easier, lol! I can’t wait to hear how the next steps to publish go. Much love to you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 10, 2019 at 10:32 am

      Thank you so much, Charli! Esther is indeed a rock-solid editor and your rock- solid support, encouragement and feedback has helped me over that finish line in more ways than you know. You waved the flag and I kept my eyes fixed! Not to mention putting up with my angst! And the confidence you inspire in me through flash fiction and the way it helps my rewrites. Because of you, I found Fred! Now he is one character I’m looking forward to expanding lol! Memoir is not easy, but I’ve not written a novel so can’t compare. I’m hoping it will be easier certainly on the emotional front. Reliving it all at the outset is one thing, but having to structure it all and revisit it over and over takes its toll, that’s for sure. I found processing it all in the small hours helped me work out some difficult parts and the way I needed to express it, but it wrecked my sleep…though there wasn’t much to wreck to begin with 😀 Whoever said writing is good for you? Did anyone? Yet here we are. And so to the next step…one word, one day at a time, right? Much love to you, my friend! 🙂 ❤

      Like

      Reply
  26. Graeme Cumming says:
    June 11, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Great news, Sherri. Looking forward to hearing more at the Bash in a few days.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. purpleslob says:
    June 14, 2019 at 2:26 am

    Sherri! All that hard work is paying off!! 1 more step closer! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  28. 1WriteWay says:
    June 14, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    Congratulations, Sherri! I look to reading your memoir when it’s published 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  29. Ste J says:
    June 15, 2019 at 8:17 am

    I’m really proud of you! It’s been an epic write for you but you did it and its great that you have overcome it. I thought I had a challenge tying to proofread books in two days, that is bad enough but you have really suffered for your words!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 17, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      Aww thank you so much, my friend. I take my hat off to you proofreading in such a short timescale, so much pressure! But yes, I do feel it’s been one epic journey to get this memoir finished, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your amazing support through it all. Next stop: preparing to seek agent representation and publication. I am bracing myself… 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Denise says:
    June 25, 2019 at 6:36 am

    Well done, I can’t wait to buy it. You are right, writing every day helps, when you can get into the groove, which I have yet to do. You are an inspiration!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      June 25, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Thank you so much, Denise. You helped me with my blurb five years ago…can you believe it? Just got the last read through with last edits back, so will get to those and ready for submission to publication…gotta do it! The longer the gaps inbetween those writing binges, the harder I found it to pick it up again, but I processed in my head constantly. Still am…when I stop, I know it’ll be truly finished…almost!! Lovely to hear from you as always, Denise, hope you and your LDs are all doing well 🙂 ❤

      Like

      Reply
  31. Miriam Hurdle says:
    August 22, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    Oh Sherri, I missed this post. I was watching my granddaughter for 10 days while my daughter and her hubby went to Iceland. After that, I took time to rest.

    I remember last year when you sent your memoir to the editor and everything happened from that time until this point. What a accomplishment, Sherri, to say “I did it.”

    I look forward to see your book.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Sherri Matthews says:
      August 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm

      Thank you so much, Miriam, and no worries at all. I know you’ve had a lot going on and it’s been busy this end too. I’m still tweaking and polishing and working on submitting as you know from my other reply. I want to try that route first. But yes, I did it indeed! Phew…still can’t believe it but also it’s been a bit wierd as I felt a bit flat afterwards. All that adrenaline…but I’m picking up again now and forging ahead. A long journey that’s for sure. And I haven’t forgotten about having you guest post at the Summerhouse. I have been mostly guest posting myself thanks to a couple of unexpected invites, and what with the busyness of summer, havn’t had much chance to do much else. I will be messaging you soon to chat about it and see what suits us both best, but I am determined to get you over here at some point though it will be fall now! Take care, Miriam, and have a wonderful weekend and again, thank you so much for your support. Really appreciate it 🙂 ❤ 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Miriam Hurdle says:
        August 23, 2019 at 5:06 pm

        I totally understand, Sherri. After I published my poetry, I needed to rest for two months and longer. But mine is different, I go to a poetry class and had feedback along the way and have beat readers and editors along the way. Poetry is different, so the process was not as draining.
        Since I did the formatting myself and used the index finger extensively and constantly for two months of formatting, now my right arm suffers carpal tunnel problem. Nothing is torn according to the orthopedist. The occupational therapy didn’t help too much either. Now I just have to take it easy for computer use, reduce blogging time, do massaging. It may take as long as a year to heal, according to my experience with the left arm.
        No hurry to have me guess-post on your blog. I got two offers to translate the book into Spanish and Portuguese, so I’m working with the translation company. I would like to spend some time on it right now. I’ll do more promotion of my book once it was translated.

        Take care, Sherri. Have a relaxing weekend. ❤ 🙂 ❤

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

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