Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Why did it take so long to finish the book?

Greetings Readers:

The book, From Pigtail and Pinafores is short; I know.  My mother really wanted it completed back in 2005. We first began the book project in 1997. My mother began recording a lot of the stories on an old piano key cassette player/recorder. I would then transcribe the recording verbatim.  

I did not like the original manuscript and I eventually abandoned the project for eight long years. A lot of my friends and co-workers knew that I was attempting to write a book and they never let me forget the project. “How is the book coming along?” They would ask me from time to time. I would cast down my eyes and reply “it’s not” and they would scold me and order me to get back on task.

Finally, I was out of excuses. I could only say that life happens and everything else took precedence over completing the book. But my mother and I re-dedicated ourselves and finished the book in about nine months. Eight years after the first attempt, I found that I was a better writer and was happy with the final product.  

Sure, there are a lot more stories that could have been included but we settled on 20 short stories and the end product was a short but amusing book of anecdotes. I am currently working on a book about my father, but I don’t rule out a Pinafores II in the future.

Until next time, happy reading!

Liz Hawkins

2 comments:

  1. Hi Liz. Congratulations of finishing the book, no matter how long it took. What matters is that you completed it. It is awesome when ones labor of love can touch to many people because they can relate to your stories. Thank you for a great book and keep up the good work. Take care. ~ Maria

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  2. Liz, I really enjoyed reading your book. I plan to write a book and this blog and your book is giving me incentive to get serious about writing my book. It has been in my mind for a few years now but I have not gotten too far on it. I do know what the title will be because it will be titled after a saying that my mom always told me and that is: “Baby Trust Him Anyway,” Him meaning Jesus. Reading your blog makes me want to go and get your book and read it again. I will do that because it was hilarious. Thanks again for putting on paper and sharing with us, the things that your mother shared with you. as the Bible says, “laughter is good medicine.” Thanks for making us laugh.

    Bobbie J. Davis

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