Pushing the Button

As a writer, few moments are as emotional as when you finally finish your manuscript. After months of what I refer to as "word wandering" you reach the end of your story. The only thing left to do is hit that fateful SEND button. Last week, just one day shy of my publisher's deadline, I completed the last story of my upcoming book, SEASONS OF THE HEART, scheduled for publication in 2026.

The Journey to Completion

Writing this book has been filled with heartache, heartbeats and heartwarming remembrances. In SEASONS OF THE HEART, I write about personal connections I have found in every season of the year. Each story reflects my experiences with people and places in my life.

I wrote about the thrill of new beginnings in Spring. The simple joys of summer and the beauty of a Canadian Fall. In contrast, winter captured the feeling of introspection and solitude. This contrast emphasizes how seasons mirror our emotional landscapes.

Some days the words flowed like an ocean, while others felt like climbing a mountain just to get a sentence down.

The Final Edits

Once I finished the last story I went back and re-read them all. It's astonishing how many times you can read the same sentence and find something to tweak, but at some point you have to say you are done and convince yourself it is the best you have to give.

The Moment of Truth

Sitting at my computer, staring at the screen, my heart raced. Questions ran through my mind. What if the publisher doesn't like it? What if my work doesn't resonate with readers? What if I poured my heart into this book only for it to fall flat?

The Release of Emotions

With a deep breath, I pressed SEND. In that moment, a rush of relief swept over me, mixed with disbelief. I had done it! The manuscript was officially submitted, taking me one step closer to seeing these stories in print.

The Road Ahead

With SEASONS OF THE HEART on its path to publication, I feel a wave of excitement. I'm looking forward to the partnership I have developed with the lovely publisher. There will be decisions on edits, cover design, marketing, picture placement and all the other components that go in to making a book. But then, oh then, I will finally hold the first print copy in my hand.

Engaging with readers is something I deeply look forward to—hearing their thoughts and sharing in the conversations that I hope these stories will inspire.

A Final Reflection

As I think back on this experience, I realize that hitting SEND is not just about submitting a manuscript. It's about embracing the whole beautiful writing process. Pressing SEND on SEASONS OF THE HEART marked a significant milestone in my writing journey. This collection of stories will be my first book for adults. I can not wait to share it.